Measurements of the Generation and Evolution of Langmuir Circulations

OCE96-33794梅尔维尔该项目将通过一系列实验室实验，研究被称为朗缪尔环流(LC)的表面边界层中相干结构的初步发展。理论分析表明，LC是由表面波斯托克斯漂移与边界层中的剪切流相互作用产生的。然而，在受控条件下，还没有对LC不稳定性理论进行详细的检验。争论的焦点是目前被接受的理论是否能在实验室环境中被证明是正确的，以及它是否与海洋条件有关。这一项目的成功完成将解决第一个问题，并为第二个问题的调查确定适当的问题。

OCE 96-33794 Melville The project will investigate the initial development of coherent structures in the surface boundary layer, known as Langmuir Circulation (LC), through a series of laboratory experiments. Theories suggest that LC is generated by the interaction of surface wave Stokes drift with sheared flow in the boundary layer. However, no detailed examination of the LC instability theory has been made under controlled conditions. At issue is whether the presently accepted theory can be proven correct in a laboratory setting, and whether it is relevant to oceanic conditions. Successful completion of this project would resolve the first issue and frame appropriate questions for investigation of the second.