Wave age (cp /u*) as a function of wind speed and significant wave height. The red line shows local-equilibrium values predicted by Bourassa et al. (1996).
The use of significant wave height
to improve the accuracy of wind derived stress.
Dr. Mark A. Bourassa, COAPS/FSU, Tallahassee FL 32306-3041
email: bourassa@coaps.fsu.edu
WWW: http://coaps.fsu.edu/~bourassa
With David M. Legler and James J.
O'Brien
Satellite derived wave heights can be used in conjunction with observed winds to remove the assumption of wind-wave local equilibrium. A model for significant wave height is coupled with a surface flux model to demonstrate the dependence of surface fluxes on wave characteristics.
Wave age (cp /u*)
as a function of wind speed and significant wave height. The
red line shows local-equilibrium values predicted by Bourassa
et al. (1996).
Significant slope (Hs
/ L , where L is the
dominant wavelength )
as a function of wind speed and significant wave height. The
red line shows local-equilibrium values predicted by Bourassa
et al. (1996).
Change in stress from the local equilibrium
value at the same wind speed (% relative to the equilibrium value).
The upturn at low wind speeds occurs because of mixing induced
by capillary waves.
Last Updated in the distant past