Large Eddy Simulation of Ocean Mixed Layer of the Northern Arabian Sea Influenced by Wave Breaking and Langmuir Circulation

In this research, LES of ocean mixed layer of the north of Arabian Sea is conducted using PALM (Paralyzed Large Eddy Simulation) model experiments with or without the contribution of wave breaking and Langmuir circulation formed by summer monsoon. Unlike previous studies, wind induced momentum flux is defined in both x and y direction to apply SW wind. According to the main purpose of this work, the effects of wave breaking on the mixed layer is produced by defining random fluctuations on the sea surface, instead of trying to simulate wave breaking. Results showed wave breaking only affects the sea surface, less than 5 m; meanwhile, strips of Langmuir circulation are effective until a depth which is an order of the wavelength. Although, it was found that combining both effects of wave breaking and Langmuir circulation cause a slight decrease of Turbulent Kinetic Energy which can be caused by the distortion effect of wave breaking on the velocity field. Hence, unlike previous studies, the effect of velocity shear don’t play an important role in the magnitude of TKE.