Air/Sea Interaction activities at the Center for Ocean-Atmospheric Prediction Studies (COAPS) focus on the transfer of energy and momentum from the atmosphere to the ocean (or vice versa). Areas of interest cover theoretical modeling, analysis of in situ observations, satellite-based observations, flux coupling for ocean and atmospheric models, and analysis of spatial/temporal variability in surface turbulent fluxes.
The goal of the FSU In-Situ Fluxes project is to provide and study better products for marine surface variability. In particular, we focus on the transfer (flux) of energy and momentum between the ocean and the atmosphere, as well as variables related to this problem (wind speed, wind vectors, sea surface temperature, air temperature, humidity, surface pressure, and wave characteristics). The FSU In-Situ Fluxes products are monthly averages, based solely on in situ observations (ships and buoys). The FSU Satellite Fluxes largely rely on satellite observations. One key advantage of the satellite-based products is finer resolution in space and time. A key advantage of the in situ-based product is the potential for a much longer time series.
Current research activities include:
- Influence of waves on stress (modifications to magnitude and direction)
- Estimating diurnal variability in sea surface temperature, and the related variability in surface fluxes of heat, moisture, and momentum
- Evolution of Southern hemisphere storms
- In-Situ-based monthly flux products
- Combining observations of wind speed, wind vectors, and in situ pressure observations, in a physically consistent manner
- Comparison of flux models
- Comparison of flux products
- Improved surface forcing for ocean modeling activities
- Computationally efficient flux model
- Model error sensitivity
- Gulf of Mexico ocean modeling efforts
- Storm surge
- Currents
- Tropical cyclone climatology analysis
Past Activities Include:
- Direct retrievals of stress from scatterometer observations
- Coupled wave and flux model
- Momentum flux in the aqueous boundary layer
- Stress related to capillary waves
Related Activities:
Contact Mark Bourassa at