Turbulent heat and mass transfers across a rough, air-water interface: A simple theory

Abstract

The net transfer across an air-water interface depends on heat transfer in the aqueous surface layer, radiation at the interface, and sensible heat and water vapor transfers in the air surface layer. The coupled problem for this net transfer across an interface under the action of a turbulent air flow is solved by application of a theory for rough wall flows. Theoretical predictions and data obtained in a laboratory facility are in quantitative agreement. Prediction of transfers and interface temperature is made from knowledge of the interface shear stress and mean roughness height plus temperature and humidity at a point in the air surface layer and the temperature at a point in the water surface layer.