scholarly journals Ocean bubbles under high wind conditions. Part 2: Bubble size distributions and implications for models of bubble dynamics

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helen Czerski ◽  
Ian M. Brooks ◽  
Steve Gunn ◽  
Robin Pascal ◽  
Adrian Matei ◽  
...  

Abstract. Bubbles formed by breaking waves in the open ocean influence many surface processes but are poorly understood. We report here on detailed bubble size distributions measured during the High Wind Speed Gas Exchange Study (HiWinGS) in the North Atlantic, during four separate storms with hourly averaged wind speeds from 10–27 m s−1. The measurements focus on the deeper plumes formed by advection downwards (at 2 m depth and below), rather than the initial surface distributions. Our results suggest that bubbles reaching a depth of 2 m have already evolved to form a heterogeneous but statistically stable population in the top 1–2 metres of the ocean. These shallow bubble populations are carried downwards by coherent near-surface circulations; bubble evolution at greater depths is consistent with control by local gas saturation, surfactant coatings and pressure. We find that at 2 m the maximum bubble radius observed has a very weak wind speed dependence and is too small to be explained by simple buoyancy arguments. For void fractions greater than 10−6, bubble size distributions at 2 m can be fitted by a two-slope power law (with slopes of −0.3 for bubbles of radius < 80 μm and −4.4 for larger sizes). If normalised by void fraction, these distributions collapse to a very narrow range, implying that the bubble population is relatively stable and the void fraction is determined by bubbles spreading out in space rather than changing their size over time. In regions with these relatively high void fractions we see no evidence for slow bubble dissolution. When void fractions are below 10−6, the peak volume of the bubble size distribution is more variable, and can change systematically across a plume at lower wind speeds, tracking the void fraction. Relatively large bubbles (80 μm in radius) are observed to persist for several hours in some cases, following periods of very high wind. Our results suggest that local gas supersaturation around the bubble plume may have a strong influence on bubble lifetime, but significantly, the deep plumes themselves cannot be responsible for this supersaturation. We propose that the supersaturation is predominately controlled by the dissolution of bubbles in the top metre of the ocean, and that this bulk water is then drawn downwards, surrounding the deep bubble plume and influencing its lifetime. In this scenario, oxygen uptake is associated with deep bubble plumes, but is not driven directly by them. We suggest that as bubbles move to depths greater than 2 m, sudden collapse may be more significant as a bubble destruction mechanism than slow dissolution, especially in regions of high void fraction. Finally, we present a proposal for the processes and timescales which form and control these deeper bubble plumes.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helen Czerski ◽  
Ian M. Brooks ◽  
Steve Gunn ◽  
Robin Pascal ◽  
Adrian Matei ◽  
...  

Abstract. The bubbles generated by breaking waves are of considerable scientific interest due to their influence on air-sea gas transfer, aerosol production, and upper ocean optics and acoustics. However, a detailed understanding of the processes creating deeper bubble plumes (extending 2–10 metres below the ocean surface) and their significance for air-sea gas exchange is still lacking. Here, we present bubble measurements from the HiWinGS expedition in the North Atlantic in 2013, collected during several storms with wind speeds of 10–27 m s−1. A suite of instruments was used to measure bubbles from a self-orienting free-floating spar buoy: a specialised bubble camera, acoustical resonators, and an upward-pointing sonar. The focus in this paper is on bubble void fractions and plume structure. The results are consistent with the presence of a heterogeneous shallow bubble layer occupying the top 1–2 m of the ocean which is regularly replenished by breaking waves, and deeper plumes which are only formed from the shallow layer at the convergence zones of Langmuir circulation. These advection events are not directly connected to surface breaking. The void fraction distributions at 2 m depth show a sharp cut-off at a void fraction of 10−4.5 even in the highest winds, implying the existence of mechanisms limiting the void fractions close to the surface. Below wind speeds of 16 m s−1 or RHw = 2 × 106, the probability distribution of void fraction at 2 m depth is very similar in all conditions, but increases significantly above either threshold. Void fractions are significantly different during periods of rising and falling winds, but there is no distinction with wave age. There is a complex near-surface flow structure due to Langmuir circulation, Stokes drift, and wind-induced current shear which influences the spatial distribution of bubbles within the top few metres. We do not see evidence for slow bubble dissolution as bubbles are carried downwards, implying that collapse is the more likely termination process. We conclude that the shallow and deeper bubble layers need to be studied simultaneously to link them to the 3D flow patterns in the top few metres of the ocean. Many open questions remain about the extent to which deep bubble plumes contribute to air-sea gas transfer. A companion paper (Czerski, 2021) addresses the observed bubble size distributions and the processes responsible for them.


Author(s):  
C.E Blenkinsopp ◽  
J.R Chaplin

This paper describes detailed measurements and analysis of the time-varying distribution of void fractions in three different breaking waves under laboratory conditions. The measurements were made with highly sensitive optical fibre phase detection probes and document the rapid spatial and temporal evolutions of both the bubble plume generated beneath the free surface and the splashes above. Integral properties of the measured void fraction fields reveal a remarkable degree of similarity between characteristics of the two-phase flow in different breaker types as they evolve with time. Depending on the breaker type, the energy expended in entraining air and generating splash accounts for a minimum of between 6.5 and 14% of the total energy dissipated during wave breaking.


2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (7) ◽  
pp. 2915-2927
Author(s):  
Chen Lan ◽  
Jingan Chen ◽  
Jianyang Guo ◽  
Jingfu Wang

Abstract Bubble plumes are a popular hypolimnetic reaeration technique in deep-water reservoirs since they have the advantage of delivering direct reaeration to the hypolimnion. Improving the understanding of the integrated reaeration processes is beneficial to optimize the reaeration capacity of the aeration or oxygenation system. In this study, the discrete bubble model was first employed to design an oxygenation system for a sub-deep reservoir (the Aha Reservoir, southwest China, with water depths of 10–30 m). A new approach involving the discrete bubble model was used to determine the initial bubble size of the bubble plume applied. The intrusion models were demonstrated to be useful for designing the gas flow rate of the reaeration system. Using the intrusion models, we predicted the intrusion thickness and intrusion distance during operation for the first time. Subsequently, we verified the predictions and produced more realistic empirical formulas. At present, reports about recommendations on initial bubble size and gas flow rate are rare, and practical verification is absent. Taking the Aha Reservoir as an example, the initial bubble radius of 1 mm and the gas flow rate of 20 m3·h−1 were recommended for bubble plume oxygenation and were found to be successful in the field. Our understanding of the reaeration processes during the operation of the bubble plume system is far from comprehensive, but this study serves to highlight the potential of the discrete bubble model and the intrusion models for designing a bubble plume system in an individual lake.


2006 ◽  
Vol 7 (5) ◽  
pp. 984-994 ◽  
Author(s):  
Konosuke Sugiura ◽  
Tetsuo Ohata ◽  
Daqing Yang

Abstract Intercomparison of solid precipitation measurement at Barrow, Alaska, has been carried out to examine the catch characteristics of various precipitation gauges in high-latitude regions with high winds and to evaluate the applicability of the WMO precipitation correction procedures. Five manual precipitation gauges (Canadian Nipher, Hellmann, Russian Tretyakov, U.S. 8-in., and Wyoming gauges) and a double fence intercomparison reference (DFIR) as an international reference standard have been installed. The data collected in the last three winters indicates that the amount of solid precipitation is characteristically low, and the zero-catch frequency of the nonshielded gauges is considerably high, 60%–80% of precipitation occurrences. The zero catch in high-latitude high-wind regions becomes a significant fraction of the total precipitation. At low wind speeds, the catch characteristics of the gauges are roughly similar to the DFIR, although it is noteworthy that the daily catch ratios decreased more rapidly with increasing wind speed compared to the WMO correction equations. The dependency of the daily catch ratios on air temperature was confirmed, and the rapid decrease in the daily catch ratios is due to small snow particles caused by the cold climate. The daily catch ratio of the Wyoming gauge clearly shows wind-induced losses. In addition, the daily catch ratios are considerably scattered under strong wind conditions due to the influence of blowing snow. This result suggests that it is not appropriate to extrapolate the WMO correction equations for the shielded gauges in high-latitude regions for high wind speed of over 6 m s−1.


2020 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 279-297 ◽  
Author(s):  
Agustinus Ribal ◽  
Ian R. Young

AbstractGlobal ocean wind speed observed from seven different scatterometers, namely, ERS-1, ERS-2, QuikSCAT, MetOp-A, OceanSat-2, MetOp-B, and Rapid Scatterometer (RapidScat) were calibrated against National Data Buoy Center (NDBC) data to form a consistent long-term database of wind speed and direction. Each scatterometer was calibrated independently against NDBC buoy data and then cross validation between scatterometers was performed. The total duration of all scatterometer data is approximately 27 years, from 1992 until 2018. For calibration purposes, only buoys that are greater than 50 km offshore were used. Moreover, only scatterometer data within 50 km of the buoy and for which the overpass occurred within 30 min of the buoy recording data were considered as a “matchup.” To carry out the calibration, reduced major axis (RMA) regression has been applied where the regression minimizes the size of the triangle formed by the vertical and horizontal offsets of the data point from the regression line and the line itself. Differences between scatterometer and buoy data as a function of time were investigated for long-term stability. In addition, cross validation between scatterometers and independent altimeters was also performed for consistency. The performance of the scatterometers at high wind speeds was examined against buoy and platform measurements using quantile–quantile (Q–Q) plots. Where necessary, corrections were applied to ensure scatterometer data agreed with the in situ wind speed for high wind speeds. The resulting combined dataset is believed to be unique, representing the first long-duration multimission scatterometer dataset consistently calibrated, validated and quality controlled.


2018 ◽  
Vol 45 (11) ◽  
pp. 1004-1014
Author(s):  
Quanshun Ding ◽  
Shuanghu Dong ◽  
Zhiyong Zhou

An identification of eight aerodynamic derivatives based on dual-mode and single-mode extraction of system is presented to improve the applicability and accuracy of identification at high testing wind speed. The participation rate to measure the contribution of modes on free-vibration responses is defined and the single-mode extraction is presented to extract the modal parameters of the system at high wind speed. To verify the reliability and applicability of the presented method, the aerodynamic derivatives of a dummy section with known self-excited forces are identified. It is noted that there is a very good agreement between the identified results and the target ones in the range of the low and high wind speeds and the presented method works well after the critical state of flutter. The sectional wind tunnel test of the Tanggu-haihe bridge is performed to identify the aerodynamic derivatives of the deck at the attack angles of −3°, 0°, and 3°.


2013 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 13285-13322 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. G. Bell ◽  
W. De Bruyn ◽  
S. D. Miller ◽  
B. Ward ◽  
K. Christensen ◽  
...  

Abstract. Shipboard measurements of eddy covariance DMS air/sea fluxes and seawater concentration were carried out in the North Atlantic bloom region in June/July 2011. Gas transfer coefficients (k660) show a linear dependence on mean horizontal wind speed at wind speeds up to 11 m s−1. At higher wind speeds the relationship between k660 and wind speed weakens. At high winds, measured DMS fluxes were lower than predicted based on the linear relationship between wind speed and interfacial stress extrapolated from low to intermediate wind speeds. In contrast, the transfer coefficient for sensible heat did not exhibit this effect. The apparent suppression of air/sea gas flux at higher wind speeds appears to be related to sea state, as determined from shipboard wave measurements. These observations are consistent with the idea that long waves suppress near surface water side turbulence, and decrease interfacial gas transfer. This effect may be more easily observed for DMS than for less soluble gases, such as CO2, because the air/sea exchange of DMS is controlled by interfacial rather than bubble-mediated gas transfer under high wind speed conditions.


1993 ◽  
Vol 73 (4) ◽  
pp. 1261-1273 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas M. Wolf ◽  
Raj Grover ◽  
Keith Wallace ◽  
Stan R. Shewchuk ◽  
John Maybank

Field trials were conducted to determine the effectiveness of shields in reducing off-target droplet drift from ground-rig sprayers. Sprayer booms ranging in width from 10 to 13.5 m and equipped with commercially available shields were operated along a 150-m swath in a field of approximately 20-cm-tall spring wheat in wind speeds ranging from 10 to 35 km h−1. Airborne drift was measured using aspirated air samplers. The use of an 80 flat fan tip (8001) at a pressure of 275 kPa and a ground speed of 8 km h−1 resulted in 7.5% of the 50 L ha−1 spray solution drifting off the target area. The use of protective cones with 8001 tips without lowering the boom reduced airborne drift by 33% at a 20 km h−1 wind speed, while a 65–85% drift reduction was accomplished with the combination of solid or perforated shielding and lowering the sprayer boom. Increasing the application rate to 100 L ha−1 by using 8002 tips reduced drift of the unshielded sprayer by 65%. Decreasing application rate to 15 L ha−1 by using 800017 tips increased drift by 29% despite the use of a shield. Off-target drift increased with increasing wind speeds for all sprayers, but the increase was less for shielded sprayers and coarser sprays. The decreased droplet size of spray from 110 tips increased drift when the boom height was the same as for 80 tips. High wind speeds, lower carrier volumes and finer sprays, 110 tips, and solid shields tended to decrease on-swath deposit uniformity, whereas a perforated shield or cones did not affect deposit uniformity. Key words: 2,4-D amine, droplet drift, aspirated air samplers, flat fan tips, deposition uniformity, droplet size


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bianca Zilker ◽  
Anne-Marlene Blechschmidt ◽  
Sora Seo ◽  
Ilias Bougoudis ◽  
Tim Bösch ◽  
...  

&lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;Bromine Explosion Events (BEEs) have been observed since the late 1990s in the Arctic and Antarctic during polar spring and play an important role in tropospheric chemistry. In a heterogeneous, autocatalytic, chemical chain reaction cycle, inorganic bromine is released from the cryosphere into the troposphere and depletes ozone often to below detection limit. Ozone is a source of the most important tropospheric oxidizing agent OH and the oxidizing capacity and radiative forcing of the troposphere are thus being impacted. Bromine also reacts with gaseous mercury, thereby facilitating the deposition of toxic mercury, which has adverse environmental impacts. C&lt;span lang=&quot;en-US&quot;&gt;old saline surfaces, such as young sea ice, frost flowers, and snow are likely bromine sources &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span lang=&quot;en-US&quot;&gt;during BEEs. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span lang=&quot;en-US&quot;&gt;D&lt;/span&gt;ifferent meteorological conditions seem to favor the development of these events: on the one hand, low wind speeds and a stable boundary layer, where bromine can accumulate and deplete ozone, and on the other hand, high wind speeds above approximately 10 m/s with blowing snow and a higher unstable boundary layer. In high wind speed conditions &amp;#8211; occurring for example along fronts of polar cyclones &amp;#8211; recycling of bromine on snow and aerosol surfaces may take place aloft.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;To improve the understanding of weather conditions and bromine sources leading to the development of BEEs, case studies using high resolution S5P TROPOMI retrievals of tropospheric BrO together with meteorological simulations by the WRF model and Lagrangian transport simulations of BrO by FLEXPART-WRF are carried out. WRF simulations show, that high tropospheric BrO columns observed by TROPOMI often coincide with areas of high wind speeds. This probably points to release of bromine from blowing snow with cold temperatures favoring the bromine explosion reactions. However, some BrO plumes are observed over areas with very low wind speed and a stable low boundary layer. To monitor the amount of ozone depleted during a BEE, ozone sonde measurements from Ny-&amp;#197;lesund are compared with MAX-DOAS BrO profiles. First evaluations show a drastic decrease in ozone, partly below the detection limit, while measuring enhanced BrO values at the same time. &lt;span lang=&quot;en-US&quot;&gt;In order to analyze &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span lang=&quot;en-US&quot;&gt;the possible origin&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span lang=&quot;en-US&quot;&gt; of the BrO &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span lang=&quot;en-US&quot;&gt;plume &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span lang=&quot;en-US&quot;&gt;arriving in &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span lang=&quot;en-US&quot;&gt;Ny-&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span lang=&quot;en-US&quot;&gt;&amp;#197;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span lang=&quot;en-US&quot;&gt;lesund&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span lang=&quot;en-US&quot;&gt;, &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span lang=&quot;en-US&quot;&gt;and to investigate its transportation route, &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span lang=&quot;en-US&quot;&gt;FLEXPART-WRF runs are &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span lang=&quot;en-US&quot;&gt;executed &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span lang=&quot;en-US&quot;&gt;for the times of observed ozone depletion.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&amp;#160;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;&lt;em&gt;This work was supported by the&lt;/em&gt;&lt;em&gt; DFG funded Transregio-project TR 172 &amp;#8220;Arctic Amplification &lt;/em&gt;(AC)&lt;sup&gt;3&lt;/sup&gt;&lt;em&gt;&amp;#8220;.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;


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