Langmuir Circulations Beneath Breaking Waves

0116921 Phillips/UIUC本项目的目的是研究破碎波产生的混合和涡度对海洋表面混合层中朗缪尔环流的形成和演变的作用。 一个理论模型，从最近的现场实验的数据相一致，将开发。 该模型将扩展GLM理论从弱波制度的一个政权，在该政权中的表面波有一个更现实的陡度，并将包括破碎波涡注入的代表。 将用数值方法探讨模型的动力学。 预期的结果是一个更好的模式的发展和结构的朗缪尔细胞尺度的涡旋运动在海洋混合层。 如果成功，这可能有助于在大尺度海洋和气候模式中开发更好的混合层表示。

0116921Phillips/UIUCThe aim of this project is to study the role of mixing and vorticity generated by breaking waves on the formation and evolution of Langmuir circulations in the oceanic surface mixed layer. A theoretical model, consistent with data from recent field experiments, will be developed. This model will extend GLM theory from the weak-wave regime to a regime in which the surface waves have a more realistic steepness and will include a representation of vorticity injection by breaking waves. The dynamics of the model will be explored with numerical methods. The anticipated outcome is a better model of the development and structure of Langmuir-cell scale vortical motions in the ocean mixed layer. If successful, this may be useful in the development of better mixed-layer representations in large-scale ocean and climate models.