Abstract
Abstract. Wave–current interactions (WCIs) are investigated. The study area is located at the northern margin of the Ebro shelf (northwestern Mediterranean Sea), where episodes of strong cross-shelf wind (wind jets) occur. The aim of this study is to validate the implemented coupled system and investigate the impact of WCIs on the hydrodynamics of a wind-jet region. The Coupled Ocean–Atmosphere–Wave–Sediment Transport (COAWST) modeling system, which uses the Regional Ocean Model System (ROMS) and Simulating WAves Nearshore (SWAN) models, is used in a high-resolution domain (350 m). Results from uncoupled numerical models are compared with a two-way coupling simulation. The results do not show substantial differences in the water current field between the coupled and the uncoupled runs. The main effect observed when the models are coupled is in the water column stratification, due to the turbulent kinetic energy injection and the enhanced surface stress, leading to a larger mixed-layer depth. Regarding the effects on the wave fields, the comparison between the coupled and the uncoupled runs shows that, when the models are coupled, the agreement of the modeled wave period significantly improves and the wave energy (and thus the significant wave height) decreases when the current flows in the same direction as the waves propagate.
Highlights
During the last decade, several water circulation models have been developed, including the wind–wave-induced currents
To see the temporal evolution of a wind jet more clearly, in Fig. 4a the time series during the wind-jet E3 event are presented, which is the event that spans more in space and can be observed in the deep-water buoy (DB) location
Niu and Xia (2017) investigated how the Lake Erie dynamics were impacted by the wave-induced surface stress and found that it produced an enhancement of the surface mixing and a weakening of the stratification strength
Summary
Several water circulation models have been developed, including the wind–wave-induced currents. Osuna and Wolf (2005) implemented the coupling between the circulation Proudman Oceanographic Laboratory Coastal Ocean Modeling System (POLCOMS) and the WAM model in the Irish Sea. For instance, Xie et al (2001) coupled a 3-D ocean model (Princeton Ocean Model, POM) with the WAM wave model and found that wind waves can significantly affect coastal ocean currents both at the surface and near the seabed. Osuna and Wolf (2005) implemented the coupling between the circulation Proudman Oceanographic Laboratory Coastal Ocean Modeling System (POLCOMS) and the WAM model in the Irish Sea This system was modified by Bolaños et al (2011), who included threedimensional interactions following Mellor (2003, 2005) and applied the coupled model system to the Mediterranean Sea. Tang et al (2007) implemented the WCI in a 3-D ocean model (POM) and a spectral wave model (WAVEWATCH III), based on the Jenkins (1987) formulation, and evaluated the model by comparison with surface velocity data derived from surface drifters. Tang et al (2007) implemented the WCI in a 3-D ocean model (POM) and a spectral wave model (WAVEWATCH III), based on the Jenkins (1987) formulation, and evaluated the model by comparison with surface velocity data derived from surface drifters. McWilliams et al (2004) developed a multi-scale asymptotic theory for the evolution and interaction of currents and surface gravity waves of finite
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