Wind instability of a foam layer sandwiched between the atmosphere and the ocean

TL;DR

This paper investigates how a foam layer between the atmosphere and ocean affects wind instability and momentum transfer, revealing a stabilizing mechanism that could explain reduced wind-wave interactions in hurricanes.

Contribution

It introduces a three-fluid model with high density contrasts that explains the stabilizing effect of foam layers on water surface instability.

Findings

Foam layers reduce wind-induced water surface instability.

The three-fluid model explains decreased momentum transfer in hurricanes.

Foam acts as a stabilizing buffer between air and water.

Abstract

Wind shortwave instability of a foam layer between the atmosphere and the ocean is examined in order to reach greater understanding of the recent findings of the decrease in momentum transfer from hurricane winds to sea waves. The three-fluid configuration with the high contrasts in densities of the air, foam and water provides for an effective mechanism to stabilize the water surface.