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Dynamical Coupling of Surface Waves With the Atmosphere

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Air-Sea Exchange: Physics, Chemistry and Dynamics

Part of the book series: Atmospheric and Oceanographic Sciences Library ((ATSL,volume 20))

Abstract

The surface transfer processes of momentum, sensible heat, and humidity are strongly affected by the movement and distortion of the ocean surface by the wind, i.e. by wind waves, because these wave motions enhance transfer rates even when the surface is fairly smooth and continuous, and further enhance them when it breaks and forms sea spray. Thus, wind waves being the visual manifestation of the air-sea interaction, play an active role in this process. In fact, wind waves are responsible for the formation and regulation of the surface transfer processes of momentum, sensible heat, and humidity. The reliable estimates of these transfers is of primarily importance for weather prediction and climate studies, forecasting of waves and surge, and for many other meteorological and oceanological applications.

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Makin, V.K., Kudryavtsev, V.N. (1999). Dynamical Coupling of Surface Waves With the Atmosphere. In: Geernaert, G.L. (eds) Air-Sea Exchange: Physics, Chemistry and Dynamics. Atmospheric and Oceanographic Sciences Library, vol 20. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-015-9291-8_4

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