Dispersion of tracer particles by wave turbulence

Abstract

We have investigated the dispersion of tracer particles by numerically simulating ensemble nonlinear gravity waves on the surface of an infinitely deep fluid. Using the concepts of passive Lagrangian markers and insights from weak wave turbulence theory, we validated fundamental predictions for particle kinematics associated with scaling laws and probability density functions. These results improve the understanding of wave-driven transport phenomena that depart far from equilibrium and the development of the high-fidelity models of transport processes in geophysical systems.