Ocean Current and Wave Effects on Wind Stress Drag Coefficient Over the Global Ocean
Abstract
The effects of ocean surface currents and dominant waves on the wind stress drag coefficient (C0) are examined over the global ocean. Major findings are as follows: (2) the combination of both ocean wave and current speeds can result in reductions in daily C0 (>10%), but the notable impact of the latter is only evident in the tropical Pacific Ocean; (2) the presence of waves generally makes winds weaker and C0 lower almost everywhere over the global ocean; (3) strong ocean currents near the western boundaries (Kuroshio and Gulf Stream) do not substantially influence C0 since the winds and currents are not always aligned; and (4) the change in speed used in bulk flux parameterization also causes large changes in fluxes. Globally, the combined outcome of ocean currents and waves is to reduce C0 by about (2%), but spatial variations (0% to 14%) do exist.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 06, 2007
- Accession Number
- ADA470195
Entities
People
- A. Birol Kara
- Edward Joseph Metzger
- Mark A. Bourassa
Organizations
- United States Naval Research Laboratory