Surface waves, especially breaking ones, are perhaps the most visually obvious aspect of air-sea interaction. These interactions affect the fluxes of energy, momentum and materials between the air and the sea. Despite their importance, most of our knowledge of these surface wave processes comes from inferences from laboratory data. In this innovative proposal, scientists at Scripps Institute of Oceanography will develop an instrument to measure, for the first time, the flow under naturally-occuring waves which or either breaking (through spilling or plunging) and non-breaking waves. These data will provide unique tests of theories regarding wave-current interactions. They also will provide intriguing images of the flow structures under waves which should be attractive in engaging the public's interest in the scientific study of the nearshore ocean.
