Author(s): Hubert Chanson; Peter D. Cummings
Linked Author(s): Hubert Chanson
Keywords: No Keywords
Abstract: The aeration of the ocean contributes to the transfer of oxygen, nitrogen and carbon di-oxide between the ocean and the atmosphere. During storm events, large breaking waves occur and enhance the aeration process by increasing the turbulent mixing and entraining air bubbles. One type of breaking waves, the plunging breaker, can entrain large quantities of air bubbles at depths as large as 10 to 20 metres. The resulting increase of air-water interface area and the increase of gas saturation concentration with the depth induce a massive augmentation of air-water transfer of atmospheric gases. The characteristics of plunging breaking waves are developed using a similarity with plunging jets. The results are consistent with experimental observations and emphasise the role of plunging breakers in the aeration process. They provide also a method to predict the gas transfer rate due to plunging breaking waves during storms.
Year: 1993