Point Description Bourassa-Vincent-Wood Flux and Sea State Model

Point Description of Bourassa-Vincent-Wood Flux and Sea State Model

The BVW (Bourassa-Vincent-Wood) model is a fully coupled flux and sea state model. It determines internally consistent fluxes (momentum, heat, and moisture), atmospheric stabilities, and sea states.

Includes:

BVW sea state parameterization (optional),

BVW atmospheric boundary layer (roughness length) model,

Toba's 2/3 wave relation,

Monin-Obhukov atmospheric stability parameterization,

Godfrey and Beljaar's convective parameterization.

Main Differences From Other Models:

1) Coupled flux and seastate model is not restricted to the assumption of local equilibrium.

2) Coupling allows the seastate to respond to atmospheric stability, and vice versa.

3) Considers roughness and mixing due to capillary waves, in addition to the usual roughness due to gravity waves and smooth surfaces.

4) The roughness due to capillary waves is adjusted for the orbital motion of the dominant waves.

5) The capillary wave roughness length is adjusted to the frame of reference of the mean surface current.

6) Input options allow for input from a wide range of temperature and moisture variables.

7) Wind, waves, and currents are not presumed to be parallel. Thereby allowing more accurate consideration of directional sea state considerations (e.g., swell).

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Last update: 18 Jan, 1999