Directional Distributions and Mean Square Slopes of Surface Waves
Abstract
Field observations show that the crosswind component constitutes a significant portion of the ocean surface mean square slope. The average ratio between the crosswind and upwind mean square slope components is 0.88 in slick-covered ocean surfaces. This large crosswind slope component cannot be explained satisfactorily based on our present models of ocean wave directional distributions. Two-dimensional spectral analysis of 3D ocean surface topography reveals that bimodal directional distribution is a common feature for wave components shorter than the peak wavelength. The calculated result of the upwind and crosswind mean square slope components using a bimodal directional distribution function is in very good agreement with field measurements.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA399636
Entities
People
- David Wei Chi Wang
- Paul Hwang
Organizations
- United States Naval Research Laboratory