Revisiting air stability effects on whitecap coverage

Abstract

The article addresses air stability effects on whitecap coverage at sea. This is achieved by using the logarithmic mean wind speed profile including a stability function as well as adopting two sea surface roughness formulas. The results are valid for wind waves in local equilibrium with a steady wind. Examples of results are provided demonstrating clear air stability effects on the whitecap coverage. Comparisons are also made with field measurements data, representing unstable atmospheric conditions. Based on this limited data basis, the Charnock sea surface roughness-based model provides the best predictions of the observed whitecap coverage.