A field investigation will be carried out to study the role that bubbles and their associated buoyancy play in the energy balance of the surf zone. Existing measurements do not agree with present models of turbulent dissipation in this region. It is hypothesized that the a significant buoyancy flux associated with bubbles may have an important effect on mean density and, consequently, dissipation. The vertical structure of dissipation, void fraction, and buoyancy flux due to air entrainment will be estimated. New theory for energy budgets and surf zone turbulence will be defined and tested.

Agency
National Science Foundation (NSF)
Institute
Division of Ocean Sciences (OCE)
Type
Standard Grant (Standard)
Application #
0136088
Program Officer
Eric C. Itsweire
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
2002-02-15
Budget End
2006-01-31
Support Year
Fiscal Year
2001
Total Cost
$272,768
Indirect Cost
Name
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
Woods Hole
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
02543