Energy Exchange at the Surface of the Western North Atlantic Ocean.
Abstract
To supplement hydrographic studies of changes in the heat content of water masses, the energy fluxes through the ocean's surface has been estimated. These estimates have been computed from several million surface marine observations utilizing bulk aerodynamic exchange equations. The dependence of the transfer coefficients on wind speed and stability of the air was determined from the literature and used with the ships' data in the equations. The fluxes also have been computed following Budyko's method to serve as a check and comparison. The computations yield the monthly and annual fluxes of latent heat, sensible heat, momentum, and radiational exchange as well as averages of meteorological and oceanographical parameters. Monthly and annual charts of the net heat loss or gain by the ocean have been constructed for 150 acres which extend from the east coast to 30W and from 20N to 50N. Charts of the latent heat, sensible heat, and radiational fluxes also are presented. Time series of the fluxes in different areas have been drafted. Several features revealed by the charts are analyzed and discussed.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1975
- Accession Number
- ADA007296
Entities
People
- Andrew F. Bunker
Organizations
- Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution