Abstract
Wave-breaking plays an important role in the process of mixing in the upper ocean, which can cause wave momentum and energy flux loss, enhance near-surface turbulence, and adjust the distribution of the momentum flux at the air-sea interface. In this paper, wave-breaking was generated using a laboratory method of controllable deep water breaking waves, and flow field characteristics after wave-breaking were measured and analyzed using PIV technology and the ensemble average method. The velocity threshold was proposed for the effective influence of wave-breaking on the flow field, then the EID (Effective-Influenced-Depth) of wave-breaking, which is Dv in the paper, was quantified, and the quantitative relationship between Dv and energy loss induced by breaking was established. Velocity characteristics of the near-surface flow field and transport characteristics of horizontal momentum induced by wave-breaking were analyzed, which can contribute to the parameterization of wave-breaking. The results show that the energy injected by wave-breaking is transported downstream along the direction of wave propagation. The vertical-influenced range of wave-breaking is about 1–2 times the wave-breaking height. The time integral of horizontal momentum flux increases significantly in the depth of about 1 time the wave-breaking height near the surface and decays significantly with depth. Mass transport of the fluid near the surface induced by wave-breaking mainly occurs in the depth where momentum flux increases significantly. After about 29 times the SWWP (spectrally weighted wave period) after breaking, fluid near the surface is no longer under the action of horizontal stress induced by wave-breaking, so no mass transport occurs anymore. For parameterization of wave-breaking in circulation models, the research can provide a reference in time and space scale, as well as experimental data support for the establishment of a new influence mode.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
