Influence of bottom topography inhomogeneity on the near-surface air layer

A connection between processes in the deep-water zone and in the near-surface air layer is considered. Measurements were carried out under different meteorological conditions in the shallow-water zone and in the area of depth variation from 250 to 2500 m. It is found that the change in bottom topography results in a transformation of the flow field and surface-wave spectrum, which leads to a change in the structure of the near-surface air layer. Measurements showed that the structure of atmospheric turbulence varied in all cases of depth variation. Thus, variations in bottom topography can manifest themselves in characteristics of surface waves and near-surface atmospheric layer. © Allerton Press, Inc. 2007.