On the mechanism of gas exchange at the air—sea interface

Abstract

Experimental evidence from work in wind—water tunnels has pointed to an influence of capillary waves on gas exchange for liquid-phase-controlled gases. These experiments are often interpreted in terms of some surface renewal model. Here it is proposed that capillary waves are not likely to be the reason for surface renewal because of the disparity of time scales. Also, the balance of energy of turbulence in wind—water tunnels is different from that in the open sea due to side and bottom friction in the experimental facilities. It is pointed out that in wind—water tunnels, secondary flows must exist, that would produce forced surface renewal.