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Wind, Waves, and Surface Currents: Interactions at Mesoscales and Submesoscales
Sarah T Gille1, Fabrice Ardhuin2, A B Villas Bôas3
1Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA;
Annual Review of Marine Science
|August 28, 2025
Summary
Understanding air-sea interactions is key for weather and climate. Simultaneous measurements of wind, waves, and currents are crucial for quantifying these complex exchanges.
Area of Science:
- Atmospheric science and oceanography
- Fluid dynamics and geophysical sciences
Background:
- Air-sea exchanges of momentum and kinetic energy are critical for weather and climate.
- These exchanges are mediated by complex interactions between wind, ocean surface waves, and currents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the intricate relationships within wind-wave-current interactions.
- To highlight the need for improved quantification of feedback mechanisms between these components.
Main Methods:
- The study discusses the dependence of wind stress on wind-ocean velocity differences, wave height, and steepness.
- It examines wave advection and refraction by ocean currents.
- It considers the feedback of waves and currents on the atmospheric boundary layer.
Main Results:
- Wind stress is influenced by wind-current velocity differences and wave characteristics.
- Ocean currents affect wave propagation (advection and refraction).
- Wave and current dynamics feedback to alter atmospheric boundary layer structure.
Conclusions:
- Wind-wave-current interactions collectively shape ocean circulation, weather, and climate.
- Significant knowledge gaps persist, particularly in quantifying the feedback loops.
- Simultaneous in situ or satellite observations are essential for advancing understanding.
Keywords:
air–sea momentum fluxocean surface currentsremote sensingwaveswindwind stresswind workwind–wave–current interactionsMore Related Videos
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