Interaction of Surface Waves and Turbulence in the Upper Ocean

The transfer of momentum and energy between the atmosphere and the ocean is a crucial subject in atmospheric and oceanic modeling. It involves the coupling of three turbulent systems: the turbulent atmospheric boundary layer (the wind), the multiscale surface waves, and the underwater oceanic boundary layer (the current). The properties of the upper ocean turbulence, especially the vertical profiles of current velocity, Reynolds stresses and dissipation rate of turbulent kinetic energy, are essential to predict air-sea transfer of heat, carbon dioxide and oxygen, and the transport of pollutants such as oil spills and microplastics, and ice debris.

The workshop aims to bring together experts on small scale processes at the ocean-atmosphere, including waves dynamics and turbulence processes, using a wide range of tools, from laboratory experiments, high fidelity numerical simulations, large scale modeling and ocean remote sensing. We aim to foster discussion on the coupled dynamics of surface waves and boundary layer turbulence, and discuss how to further improve upper ocean turbulence modeling and interpretation of data from remote sensing and autonomous floats.

https://exp.ethz.ch/events/CISM-workshop-on-wave-turbulence-interaction.html