Direct Observation of Wave-coherent Pressure Work in the Atmospheric Boundary Layer
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• Seth F Zippel,
• James B Edson,
• Malcolm E. Scully,
• Oaklin R Keefe
Seth F Zippel
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

Corresponding Author:szippel@whoi.edu

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James B Edson
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
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Malcolm E. Scully
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
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Oaklin R Keefe
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
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## Abstract

Surface waves grow through a mechanism in which atmospheric pressure is offset in phase from the wavy surface. A pattern of low atmospheric pressure over upward wave orbital motions and high pressure over downward wave orbital motions travels with the water wave, leading to a pumping of kinetic energy from the atmospheric boundary layer into the waves. This pressure pattern persists above the air/water interface, modifying the turbulent kinetic energy in the atmospheric wave-affected boundary layer. Here, we present field measurements of the transfer of energy from wind to waves through wave-coherent atmospheric pressure work. Measured pressure work cospectra are consistent with an existing model for atmospheric pressure work. Measured pressure work energy fluxes reach 0.1-0.2 W m$^{-2}$ during the largest measured wind event (winds reaching 16.5 m s$^{-1}$). The implications for these measurements and their importance to the turbulent kinetic energy budget are discussed.
07 Jan 2023Submitted to ESS Open Archive
17 Jan 2023Published in ESS Open Archive