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Abstract

Langmuir circulations (LC) are phenomena that impact the mixing and transport of gases, heat, and momentum in the uppermost layer of the ocean. They appear as pairs of counterrotating vortices on the ocean surface, parallel to the direction of the wind. Recent studies have shown that in the coastal ocean, LC can extend through the entire water column under strong wind-wave conditions, forming Langmuir Supercells (LSC). LSCs drive significant mixing and transport not only in the surface layer of the ocean, but also in the bottom boundary layer, where wave mobilized sediments can be carried upwards. By analyzing velocity profiles and meteorological auxiliary data at different sites, researchers can better understand the dynamics and impact of LSC. This dissertation examines Langmuir Supercells to understand their behavior under different forcing conditions, how to evaluate them, and their structural organization at varying depths, including full parametrization and analysis of the deepest recorded LSC event to date. Herein I 1) propose a novel method of separation of waves and turbulence using rotary spectra analysis, 2) demonstrate existence of LSC events in a 40 m depth site while providing full parametrization, 3) propose a novel method to estimate heat flux sans pyranometry, and 4) examine and apply current methods to estimate organization of LSC to study effects of organization of LSC at varying depths.

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