An Air-Sea Interaction Buoy for High Winds

University Of Miami, Coral Gables FL

Investigators

Abstract

The PI proposes to build, equip and test an air-sea interaction buoy to conduct near-surface air-sea interaction measurements in high wind conditions. Specifically, the buoy will be equipped to measure the turbulent fluxes of momentum, latent heat, sensible heat, and carbon dioxide along with mean meteorology, radiative fluxes surface waves, and water mass quantities. The incorporation of spray and bubble sensors will also be investigated. The buoy will be designed to operate autonomously for a period of 1 year in a high wind/wave environment such as the Southern Ocean. Broader Impacts The results from this work will allow air-sea fluxes to be measured year-round in the Southern Ocean. This has the potential to improve our understanding of air-sea heat and gas exchanges substantially. The availability of in situ measurements from even a limited number of high wind events will substantially improve our ability to estimate air-sea exchanges using global satellite observations. The project will train a graduate student and will offer research opportunities to undergraduates.