Scales of Langmuir Circulation Generated using a Large-Eddy Simulation Model

Abstract

Sensitivity experiments were performed using a large-eddy simulation (LES) turbulence model of the ocean surface boundary layer. Parameters defining wind and wave forcing were varied to help understand how different forcing affects the formation and dispersive qualities of Langmuir circulation (LC). Comparison of the model with observed surface velocity variance shows a consistent linear increase in velocity scale with increasing wave Stokes drift, however, the model systematically under predicts the velocity scale for large Stokes drift. Results using particle trajectories show that in open-ocean conditions, wave forcing dominates the structure of near surface turbulence causing organized LC cells that actively collect surface material. With weak waves, surface particles display a more random pattern in comparison to strong wave cases. Analysis of the turbulence kinetic energy budget shows that the reduction in wave forcing is offset by shear production, which produces less organized patterns in surface material in comparison to LC.