P3.1
A parameterization of the Air-Sea Momentum Flux for Moderate to Strong Wind Conditions
Denis Bourras, JPL, Pasadena, CA
A new bulk parameterization of the turbulent momentum flux at the air-sea interface will be presented. The parameterization is based on a modification of the Monin-Obukhov similarity theory. In particular, a new velocity scale w* that characterizes the efficiency of the process through which friction against sea surface generates momentum will be introduced. Fluxes computed from the current model have similar accuracy compared to Liu et al. (1979) fluxes in terms of rms accuracy and bias, with respect to either spectral or direct flux measurements. On the other hand, there is noticeable improvement in terms of slope of linear fit with respect to Liu et al. (1979) fluxes, by 14 to 41%.
Poster Session 3, Air-Sea Fluxes and Interfacial Processes
Tuesday, 11 February 2003, 9:45 AM-11:00 AM
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