Wind induced energy-momentum distribution along the Ekman-Stokes layer. Application to the Western Mediterranean Sea climate

Wind-wave interaction in the Western Mediterranean Sea is analyzed using 16 years of model data. The mass transport and energy distribution due to wind and waves are integrated through the Ekman-Stokes layer and then spatially and seasonally analyzed. The Stokes drift is estimated from an empirical...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Sayol, Juan Manuel, Orfila, Alejandro, Oey, Lie Yauw
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión aceptada para publicación
Fecha de publicación:2016
País:España
Institución:Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)
Repositorio:DIGITAL.CSIC. Repositorio Institucional del CSIC
OAI Identifier:oai:digital.csic.es:10261/133381
Acceso en línea:http://hdl.handle.net/10261/133381
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Wind energy input
Western Mediterranean Sea
Stokes drift
Wind-wave interaction
Mass transport
Ekman-Stokes layer
Descripción
Sumario:Wind-wave interaction in the Western Mediterranean Sea is analyzed using 16 years of model data. The mass transport and energy distribution due to wind and waves are integrated through the Ekman-Stokes layer and then spatially and seasonally analyzed. The Stokes drift is estimated from an empirical parameterization accounting for local surface wind and the significant wave height. The impact of the Stokes drift depends on wind variability at the ocean surface and also on the geographical configuration of the basin. The Western Mediterranean Sea has on average a wind energy input two times higher in winter than in summer, and the Stokes-Ekman mass transport interaction term contributes approximately 10-15% of the total wind induced transport, but at some locations the contribution is as much as 40% or more.