Abstract

An overview is given of the structure of the marine boundary layer including the molecular interactions at the interface, the transfer processes in the surface layer, and the entrainment at the top of the boundary layer both for the clear and cloud topped case. Special emphasis is given on a qual... Show moreAn overview is given of the structure of the marine boundary layer including the molecular interactions at the interface, the transfer processes in the surface layer, and the entrainment at the top of the boundary layer both for the clear and cloud topped case. Special emphasis is given on a qualitative physical understanding of the processes in and the structure of the boundary layer. The last chapter deals specifically with the response of the boundary layer to mesoscale variations in sea surface temperature. Some evidence is given that the effect on the fluxes is larger than what is calculated for the boundary layer assuming a quasi-steady state. Show less