The Atmospheric Boundary Layer during Swell: A Field Study and Interpretation of the Turbulent Kinetic Energy Budget for High Wave Ages

• DOI: 10.1175/2009jas2973.1
• Publication Date: 2009-04-21T20:22:39Z
• Authors: U. Högström; A. Smedman; E. Sahleé; W. M. Drennan; K. K. Kahma; H. Pettersson; F. Zhang
• Keywords: Swell

Abstract Analysis of the turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) budget for five slightly unstable cases with swell has been performed based on measurements mechanical production, buoyancy transport, and dissipation at levels over sea, from 2.5 to 26 m. The time rate change advection TKE were found be small, so residual is interpreted as an estimate pressure transport term (Tp). In two high wave age, Tp a gain all heights. For three smaller loss in below 5–10 m greater heights, where decrease exponential, thus showing combined effects waves range traveling slower than wind. case growing sea but similar wind speed stability some close zero It shown that observed characteristic profile either low-level maximum 5–10-m or distinct “knee” height effect term.