Our research concerns the generation, propagation, transformation, and decay of wind-generated surface gravity waves. These waves are modeled using phase-averaged spectral models at global scales (0.25° to 1.0° resolution), regional scales (0.05° to 0.2° resolution), and sub-regional scales (50 m to 5 km resolution). Some of our research projects focus on processes occurring in the continental shelf and nearshore regions. Projects generally have one (or both) of two broad motivations: (1) improvement of wave modeling technology and improving accuracy of analyses and forecasts produced by the operational Navy, and (2) wave models as tools to study particular physical phenomena. A recurring theme of prior projects is the analysis, quantification, and ranking of varied sources of error in modeling applications of practical importance to the Navy.

Current and near-future research topics include (1) studying the attenuation of wave energy in the Arctic; (2) studying the effect of waves on ice and circulation in the Arctic through two-way coupling; (3) developing new methods to predict spectral distribution of the dissipation of waves by breaking associated with wave steepness; (4) developing technology for routine coupling between wave and ocean models via exchange of water level, currents, Stokes drift, near-bottom velocities, and momentum fluxes, and validation of these coupled wave-ocean systems using observational data (collaborations with Dr. Tim Campbell, NRL 7322, and others); (5) implementing a consistent framework for momentum exchanges between atmospheric, ocean, and wave models in the coupled modeling system (collaborations with Dr. Jay Veeramony, NRL 7322, and others); (6) studying air-sea interaction processes in which surface waves are important using combined wave modeling and passive microwave radiometry; (7) development of rogue wave probabilities as an output quantity from phase-resolving models (work led by Dr. Mark Orzech, NRL 7322); and (8) building a forecast system for the bottom boundary layer (seafloor) with specific attention to sand ripples (work led by Dr. Allison Penko, NRL 7434) .

 

key words

Atmospheric-marine boundary layer; Coastal zones; Currents (marine); Marine geochemistry; Marine hydrodynamics; Ocean models;

Citizenship:  Open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents

Level:  Open to Postdoctoral applicants