Extended Abstract (72K)16A.3
Analysis of upper-ocean thermodynamic observations forced by Hurricane Lili
Eric W. Uhlhorn, Univ. of Miami/RSMAS, Miami, FL; and L. K. Shay
An analysis of thermodynamic observations within and below the oceanic mixed layer (OML) in the vicinity of Hurricane Lili is presented. The set of data are unique in that the synoptic three-dimensional structure of the OML on the storm-scale is available prior to, during, and after the storm's passage. To this end, the mean mechanical energy and vorticity budgets within the OML will be estimated from the thermal and current observations. As budget residuals, the surface fluxes of these quantities are computed. The flux of mechanical energy is defined as the surface stress vector multiplied by a characteristic velocity, and the surface vorticity flux is given by the curl of the surface stress. With these terms computed in addition to knowledge of the surface (10 m) wind field, an estimate of the distribution of momentum exchange coefficient is possible.
Session 16A, sea-air interaction: Hurricanes Isidore and Lili
Friday, 7 May 2004, 8:00 AM-9:45 AM, Le Jardin Room
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