The Relationship Between Microscales and Wind-Wave Spectral Development.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to describe the mechanics of wind-wave generation and spectral development. Intermittency, high frequency microstructure in wind and wave fields, and strong nonlinear coupling involving a wide range of scales are shown to be crucial elements in the transfer of momentum to, from, and within the wave field. None of these elements are included in available theories. Measurements of wave height and of the turbulent atmospheric and subsurface boundary layers were made from a small surface following platform and from a stable 38.5m spar buoy. The structure of moving gust patterns (cat's paws) is described and related to the generation of surface waves. (Author)

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Nov 01, 1971
Accession Number
AD0734669

Entities

People

  • Craig E. Dorman

Organizations

  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Boundaries
  • Boundary Layer
  • Buoys
  • Couplings
  • Demographic Cohorts
  • Frequency
  • Frequency Shift
  • Layers
  • Measurement
  • Mechanics
  • Microbalances
  • Microstructure
  • Momentum
  • Spar Buoys
  • Surface Waves
  • Waves

Fields of Study

  • Environmental science
  • Physics

Readers

  • Ocean-Atmosphere Mesoscale Modeling, Data Assimilation, and Flux Boundary Layers
  • Optical Physics and Photonics.