Parameterization of ocean surface wave-induced mixing using Large Eddy Simulations (LES) II

The ocean surface boundary layer links the atmosphere to the ocean. At the air-sea interface, ocean surface waves play an important role in momentum, energy and gas exchange. A new parameterization with wave-induced mixing is developed based on a set of Large Eddy Simulation experiments under different wind speeds and mixed layer depths. The new parameterization scheme is then incorporated into a one-dimensional turbulence model for verification. The inclusion of wave-induced mixing reduces the excessively high surface temperature simulated in summer and reduces the underestimation of the mixed layer depth in winter. Compared to the observation at Ocean Station Papa, the parameterization scheme with wave effects produces statistically more accurate results than the parameterization scheme without wave effects.

Automated summary

The ocean surface boundary layer is crucial for the exchange of momentum, energy, and gases between the atmosphere and the ocean. Ocean surface waves induce mixing, which affects these exchanges. A new parameterization scheme with wave-induced mixing is developed and verified against observational data, showing improved accuracy in simulating surface temperature and mixed layer depth compared to previous schemes.