Bioluminescence Imaging of Wave Induced Ocean Turbulence

University Of California-San Diego Scripps Inst Of Oceanography, La Jolla CA

Investigators

Abstract

ABSTRACT OCE-0242065 Breaking ocean waves are critically important in many near-surface processes sucha as mixing, the generation of currents, the flux of mass heat, momentum and gases. This project will use bioluminescent dinoflagellates as microscopic sensors responsive to fluid shear stress to make quantitative measurements of time-evolving fluid shear stress and energy dissipation inside a breaking wave crest. The measurements will be made in laboratory breaking waves and then these measurements will be incorporated into existing model of air entrainment mechanisms in breaking waves. Undergraduate students will be active participants in the experiments and the data analysis. In addition, outreach activities are planned.