Whitecaps and the marine atmosphere, report no. 6
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Date
1984-06Author
Doyle, David M.
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Doyle, D.M. 1984. Marine aerosol research in the Gulf of Alaska and on the Irish West Coast (Inishmore), U.C.G. Whitecap Report #6, University College, Galway.
Abstract
This study is concerned with the interdependence of 10m
elevation wind speed, oceanic whitecap coverage and marine
aerosol concentration. The field work is divided into two
distinct phases.
On Inishmore Co. Galway. aerosol concentrations and
ambient meteorological conditions were monitored, at a
coastal site, over a two year period. The station is
described. The dependence of the concentration of the
'Large' and 'Giant' aerosol components of the marine
atmosphere on wind speed, wind direction and other factors
is discussed. The relationship of Giant maritime particles
to wind speed is N(2.5+) = 5.34 x 10(3)U(1.39)
The STREX experiment took place in the Gulf of Alaska,
from mid-October to mid-December 1980. The influence of
such factors as 10m elevation wind speed, sea-surface
temperature, and atmospheric.stability on whitecap coverage
and on the concomitant production of marine aerosol
particles is evaluated. The degree of oceanic whitecap
cover was estimated photographically.
The relationship between oceanic whitecap coverage, W,
and wind speed, U, is W = 6.22 x 10(-3)3U(2.21) There is an
enhancement of the positive dependence of aerosol
concentration upon whitecap cover with increasing droplet
radius.
Both the Inishmore and STREX results are compared to
previously published data sets. They are also compared to
each other. The results of these comparisons are, in
general, quite favourable.