Air-Sea Interaction and Transport Mechanisms in the Ocean

In this project we have applied and further developed our Large Eddy Scale (LES) and RANS ocean models to predict the resulting wave-current-wind flow from the free surface to the bottom. We have now completed an LES model for the wave-current flow from the free surface to the bottom which have been tested on different surface flows, including combined waves and current flows. Furthermore we have obtained results for combined wind and tidally driven flows using our RANS model. A substantial work on drift mechanisms of the flow near the bottom on the ocean, visualising both the wave-current induced drift and the resulting sediment transport, has been undertaken. Results are presented in peer reviewed well reputed international journals and on well recognized international conferences.

We propose to apply and further develop our two existing Large Eddy Scale (LES) ocean models to predict the air-sea interaction and the resulting wave-current flow from the free surface to the bottom. This includes the entire dynamics of the wind above th e waves, the free surface, as well as in the entire water column from the free surface to the bottom; these flows are mutual dependent. We propose to study the resulting shear stress and turbulence exchange mechanisms between the ocean and the atmosphere (relevant to climate research) as well as transport mechanisms both in the near ocean surface wind boundary layer above the waves, and in the ocean flow from the free surface to the bottom. We intend to utilize these results to improve large-scale storm s urge and meteorological models in collaboration with the group of Peter Nielsen at Queensland University. Since our models are capable of calculating the three-dimensional turbulent structures; this facilitates prediction of flow phenomena which can not b e predicted with present models. Finally we propose to apply our models to improve existing wave-current models valid for the entire water column, taking wind into account. It is important to notice that the free surface forms part of the solution in this project.