Thermal and Size Evolution of Sea Spray Droplets
Abstract
Sea spray droplets initially have the same temperature as the ocean surface from which they formed. In high latitudes, under a relatively cold wind, they therefore cool and evaporate, in effect enhancing the air-sea exchange of heat and moisture. With a future goal of investigating this enhanced exchange in mind, this report develops model equations with which to track the thermal and size (moisture content) evolution of a spray droplet from the time it is created until it comes to equilibrium with its environment. On testing the model against some of the scanty data available on the evolution of saline droplets, good agreement is found. The ambient humidity has little effect on the thermal exchange, and, analogously, the initial droplet temperature has negligible effect on the moisture exchange.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA210484
Entities
People
- Edgar L. Andreas
Organizations
- Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory