Modeling gas bubbles and dissolved gases in a turbulent ocean boundary layer

Gas bubbles are ubiquitous in the surface ocean boundary layer (OBL). After their injection by breaking surface gravity waves, gas bubbles are mixed by turbulent water flows, rise by buoyancy, change size, and exchange gases with the ambient water. They modify the acoustical and optical properties of the upper ocean, enhance upper ocean stratification, and provide an important pathway for gas exchange between the atmosphere and the ocean. We have developed a coupled OBL-Bubble-Dissolved-Gas model that resolves the bubble behavior and bubble impacts on upper ocean dynamics and dissolved gases (Liang et al. 2010). The model is configured to simulate bubbles and dissolved gases in the turbulent OBL with Langmuir circulations and breaking waves. As a result of bubble injection and evolution, Langmuir circulations are weakened, the gas exchange rate is increased, and the equilibrium gas saturation level is enhanced. REFERENCE: Liang, J.-H., J. C. McWilliams, P. P. Sullivan, and B. Baschek (2010) Modeling bubbles and dissolved gases in the ocean, submitted.