Wave-related changes in tropical surface turbulent heat fluxes

Surface turbulent stress in the tropical oceans has been shown (Kara et al. 2007) to be modified by swell (surface water waves generated by distant storms). For the published example for 0Z on January 1, 2005, the change in wind shear (U₁₀ – U_sfc) was modified by from -15% to +10%, and the monthly average was changed by from -10% to +5%. However, the focus of that study was the change in wind shear and the drag coefficient. Herein, the change in surface turbulent heat fluxes will be examined. Preliminary results suggest, that for some months, the bias due to ignoring waves can exceed 5Wm^-2. The probability distribution of wave-induced changes in sensible and latent heat fluxes will be presented, for 6 hourly values as well as for monthly averages. Regional and seasonal differences within the tropics will be identified.