A Numerical Study of the Sea Surface Microlayer

The sea surface microlayer (SML), defined as the top 1-1000 micrometers of the sea surface, is instrumental to the transport of momentum between the ocean and atmosphere. Researchers have attempted to record specific characteristics such as concentration profiles of various chemicals and biological matter variation in the layer but a comprehensive picture of the SML is lacking. Prediction of changes in the SML as a result of changing temperature / atmospheric also prepare for the large-scale effect of the air-sea interactions in coastal areas. On a shorter time scale, the near surface layer (NSL) dictates upper ocean dynamics and the progression of extreme events such as hurricanes and storms. The objective of this study is to carry out high resolution numerical simulations of the SML to isolate specific instability mechanisms responsible for air-sea interactions. While the NSL has been analyzed via field and numerical data, it is notoriously difficult to study the SML owing to large property gradients in the layer and optical issues in resolving the air-sea interface. This study therefore focuses on two phase, transient Large Eddy Simulations of an ocean-air domain  to closely resolve the SML and demonstrate corresponding mixing mechanisms.