Author(s)

M. Araujo, M. Moussa, D. Dartus & L. Masbernat

Abstract

Numerical experiments of wind-wave surface turbulence and Langmuir circulations on the upper mixed layer of natural ecosystems M. Araujo, M. Moussa, D. Dartus, L. Masbernat Institut de Mecanique des Fluides de Toulouse, 2, Allee C. Soula, 31400 Toulouse, France ABSTRACT In this paper we present a new model of the three dimensional mean current wind generated billows. It takes into account the wave-current-turbulence interactions, which maintain the Langmuir circulation and increase the turbulence level at the upper mixed layer. A classical closure (k,e) model coupled with the temperature is proposed. The first numerical results are presented here. They are compared with laboratory experiments. We show the importance of secondary motions on the dynamic of this layer and on the thermocline erosion process. INTRODUCTION As it was proved by field and laboratory experiments two main characteristics of wind-wavy shear surface are related to the Turbu

Keywords