Steven E. Suttles

Surface wave effects on the translation of wind stress across the air–sea interface in a fetch-limited, coastal embayment

AbstractThe role of surface gravity waves in structuring the air–sea momentum flux is examined in the middle reaches of Chesapeake Bay. Observed wave spectra showed that wave direction in Chesapeake Bay is strongly correlated with basin geometry. Waves preferentially developed in the direction of maximum fetch, suggesting that dominant wave frequencies may be commonly and persistently misaligned with local wind forcing. Direct observations from an ultrasonic anemometer and vertical array of ADVs show that the magnitude and direction of stress changed across the air–sea interface, suggesting that a stress divergence occurred at or near the water surface. Using a numerical wave model in combination with direct flux measurements, the air–sea momentum flux was partitioned between the surface wave field and the mean flow. Results indicate that the surface wave field can store or release a significant fraction of the total momentum flux depending on the direction of the wind. When wind blew across dominant fetc...

Water samples in support of oceanographic and water-quality measurements in Chincoteague Bay, Maryland and Virginia, 2014-15, U.S. Geological Survey Field Activity 2014-048-FA

U.S. Geological Survey scientist and technical support staff measured oceanographic, water quality, seabed elevation change, and meteorological parameters in Chincoteague Bay, Maryland and Virginia, during the period of August 13, 2014 to July 14, 2015 as part of the Estuarine Physical Response (EPR) to Storms project (GS2-2D) supported by the Department of the Interior Hurricane Sandy Recovery program. These measurements provide time-series and supplemental data to quantify the response and understand the resilience of this back-barrier estuarine system to storm events. The Assateague Island National Seashore (U.S. National Park Service) and the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service) are both situated on the east side of Chincoteague Bay, and serve as the barrier between Chincoteague Bay and the Atlantic Ocean as well as providing globally important migratory bird habitat and a popular recreation destination.