Anisotropy of Langmuir turbulence and the Langmuir-enhanced mixed layer entrainment
Qing Li, Baylor Fox‐Kemper
Abstract
Surface waves in the ocean surface boundary layer can create Langmuir turbulence which has structure distinct from shear turbulence in a conventional boundary layer. We show that the distinctive structure of Langmuir turbulence is quickly lost away from the surface, so that near the boundary layer base it becomes indistinguishable from turbulence in the absence of surface waves. This has important implications for modeling the effect of ocean surface waves on the boundary layer entrainment and improving ocean surface boundary layer parameterizations in Earth system models.
Topics & Concepts
Langmuir TurbulenceTurbulenceEntrainment (biomusicology)Boundary layerSurface layerLangmuirMechanicsPhysicsGeophysicsGeologyLayer (electronics)Materials scienceChemistryNanotechnologyPhysical chemistryRhythmAqueous solutionAcousticsOceanographic and Atmospheric ProcessesOcean Waves and Remote SensingClimate variability and models