Ocean wave impacts on the marine atmospheric boundary layer under low wind conditions

Air-sea interaction represents the energy transfer between the ocean and the atmosphere. Thus, it plays a key role when simulating climate change and hazardous weather. Surface waves, which exist at the air-sea interface, can affect air-sea interaction processes. However, the mechanisms of surface-wave impact on air-sea interaction are poorly understood and badly represented in atmospheric and oceanic models. In this project, we will investigate the mechanisms of surface wave impacts on the marine atmospheric boundary layer under low wind conditions, using in-situ measurements, laboratory experiments, and Large-Eddy Simulation (LES). Methodologies for introducing surface-wave influences into atmospheric models will thus be developed under low wind conditions, focusing on the wind stress and atmospheric turbulent closure schemes. Wave-impacts on the atmospheric boundary layer will also be introduced into atmosphere-wave-ocean fully coupled models in order to reduce the uncertainties in weather forecast and climate simulations.