Wave breaking and ocean surface layer thermal response

Abstract

The effect of breaking waves on ocean surface temperatures and surface boundary layer deepening is investigated. The modification of the Mellor-Yamada turbulence closure model by Craig and Banner and others to include surface wave breaking energetics reduces summertime surface temperatures when the surface layer is relatively shallow. The effect of the Charnock constant in the relevant drag coefficient relation is also studied. © 2004 American Meteorological Society.