Correlation Between Wave Slopes and Near-Surface Ocean Currents

摘要

The development of wind generated currents in the ocean was studied with simultaneous observations of mean wind speed, wind direction, surface wave parameters and near-surface ocean current. The measurements were carried out during February 23--March 14, 1976 as part of a coastal ocean boundary layer and diffusion study off Long Island, New York in the Atlantic Ocean. The results show a high correlation between wave slope and near-surface current indicating the possibility of wave age playing a significant role in the generation of current. Wave age is known to cause variations in momentum transfer. The wind generated current was found to have a broad spectral peak as compared with tidal currents. This peak was found to occur at approximately the same frequency as wind speed spectral peak. Integral time scales associated with wind and near-surface current were about the same, indicating the dominance of wind forcing near the ocean surface for this period of observation. (ERA citation 04:028196)