Skip to main content
Log in

Models of the wave boundary layer

  • Published:
Boundary-Layer Meteorology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

A general approach to model the structure of the wave boundary layer, based on the nonlinear Reynolds equations in a curvilinear system of coordinates, is described. Both spectral and numerical grid models are used. The energetic interactions between wind and wave in terms of Miles' parameter β are studied. For waves outrunning or running against the wind, the range of the inverse flux of energy is found. For waves running slower than the wind, quadratic growth of β is established. Vertical profiles of the wave momentum flux for different fetches are given. Following P. Janssen, a one-dimensional analytical model of the wave boundary layer is suggested. The effect of waves on the drag coefficient is analyzed.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Chalikov, D. V.: 1986, ‘Numerical Simulation of the Boundary Layer above Waves’, Boundary-Layer Meteorol. 34, 63–98.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gent, P. R. and Taylor, P. A.: 1976, ‘A Numerical Model of Air Flow above Water Waves’, J. Fluid Mech. 77, 105–128.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hasselmann, K., Barnett, T. P., Bouws, E., Carlson, H., Cartright, D. E., Enke, K., Ewing, J. A., Gienapp, H., Hasselmann, D. E., Meerburg, A., Müller, P., Olbers, D. J., Richter, K., Sell, W., and Walden, H.: 1973, ‘Measurements of Wind-Wave Growth and Swell Decay during the Joint Sea Wave Project (JONSWAP)’, Disch. Hydrog. Ze. 80, (Suppl. A), N12, 95 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gent, P. R.: 1977, ‘A Numerical Model of the Air Flow above Water Waves’, J. Fluid Mech. 82, 349–369.

    Google Scholar 

  • Janssen, P. A. E. M.: 1989, ‘Wind-Induced Stress and the Drag of Air Flow over Sea Waves’, J. Phys. Oceanogr. 10(6), 745–754.

    Google Scholar 

  • Janssen, P. A. E. M., Kornen, G. J., and de Voogt, W. J. P.: 1984, ‘An Operational Coupled Hybrid Wave Prediction Model’, J. Geophys. Res. 89, 3635–3654.

    Google Scholar 

  • Makin, V. K.: 1987, ‘Wavelike Momentum Fluxes in Boundary Layer above Sea Waves’, Okeanologia 27(2), 199–203 (Engl. transl.: Oceanology 27, 128–132).

    Google Scholar 

  • Makin, V. K.: 1988, ‘Numerical Results on the Structure of the Sea Wave Induced Pressure Field in Atmosphere’, Morskoy Gidrofizicheskiy Zhurnal, No. 2, 50–54 (in Russian).

  • Makin, V. K.: 1989, ‘Numerical Approximation of the Wind Wave Interaction Parameter’, Meteorologia i Gidrologia, 10, 106–108. (Engl. transl.: Sov. Met. Hydrol. 10).

    Google Scholar 

  • Makin, V. K. and Chalikov, D. V.: 1980, ‘Laboratory Studies of Wind Waves’, Okeanologia 20, 806–817. (Engl. transl.: Oceanology 20, 531–537).

    Google Scholar 

  • Makin, V. K. and Chalikov, D. V.: 1986, ‘Calculating Momentum and Energy Fluxes Going into Developing Waves’, Izv. Akad. Nauk. SSSR Atmos. Ocean. Phys. 22(12), 1309–1316 (Engl. transl.: Izv. Atm. Oc. Phys. 22, 1015–1019).

    Google Scholar 

  • Phillips, O. M.: 1977, ‘The Dynamics of the Upper Ocean’, Camps. Univ. Press.

  • Snyder, R. L., Dobson, F. W., Elliot, J. A., and Long, R. B.: 1981, ‘Array Measurements of Atmospheric Pressure Fluctuations above Surface Gravity Waves’, J. Fluid. Mech. 102, 1–59.

    Google Scholar 

  • The WAMDI Group: 1988, ‘The WAM Model — A Third Generation Ocean Wave Prediction Model’, J. Phys. Oceanogr. 18, 1775–1810.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Chalikov, D.V., Makin, V.K. Models of the wave boundary layer. Boundary-Layer Meteorol 56, 83–99 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00119963

Download citation

  • Accepted:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00119963

Keywords

Navigation