Ocean surface loses resistance during extreme hurricanes
Tuesday, September 18, 2012 - 07:32
in Earth & Climate
TU Delft researchers have discovered that the ocean surface loses practically all aerodynamic resistance during hurricanes with extremely high wind speeds. This occurs as a result of a very smooth layer lying over the waves: a blanket of foam, spray and bubbles. A significant effect of the discovery is that global hurricane, wave and storm surge models will need to be revised.