Surfzone Turbulence and Bubble Dynamics

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole MA

Investigators

Abstract

Trowbridge_0136088 A field investigation will be carried out to study the role that bubbles and their associated buoyancy play in the energy balance of the surf zone. Existing measurements do not agree with present models of turbulent dissipation in this region. It is hypothesized that the a significant buoyancy flux associated with bubbles may have an important effect on mean density and, consequently, dissipation. The vertical structure of dissipation, void fraction, and buoyancy flux due to air entrainment will be estimated. New theory for energy budgets and surf zone turbulence will be defined and tested.