Small-scale surface streaming under natural conditions as effective in air-sea gas exchange

Abstract

A series of field experiments has been made to determine the occurrence of small-scale surface motions that might enhance gas exchange by surface renewal. Out of 93 runs under natural conditions on open bodies of water, only 19 gave no indication of surface streaming within a few seconds. The data cover the wind speed range up to about 6 ms^-1. Above 2 or 3 ms^-1, predominately line structures were observed. This points to an important r6le of surface renewal in gas exchange.