Wave-induced velocities and turbulent Reynolds stresses above an air-water interface

The progressive, sinusoidal water-wave-induced perturbations in a turbulent air flow above an air-water interface were studied. The velocity field was measured both in fixed and wave-following reference frames with a cross hot film probe. Both the magnitude and phase of the wave-induced velocities and turbulent Reynolds stresses were obtained across the turbulent boundary layer. The mean momentum transfer from the wind to water waves was evaluated for different wind speeds. Calculated results showed that the wave-induced turbulent Reynolds stresses are important in the evaluation of momentum transfer from wind to waves.