The wave-age dependent stress parameterization (WASP) for momentum and heat turbulent fluxes at sea in SURFEX v8.1

Abstract

Abstract. A widely applicable parameterization of turbulent heat and momentum fluxes at sea has been developed for the SURFEX v8.1 surface model. This wave-age dependent stress parameterization (WASP) combines a close fit to available in situ observations at sea up to wind speed of 60 m s-1 with the possibility of activating the impact of wave growth on the wind stress. It aims in particular at representing the effect of surface processes that depend on the surface wind according to the state of the art. It can be used with the different atmospheric models coupled with the surface model SURFEX, including the CNRM-CM climate model, the operational (numerical weather prediction) systems in use at Météo-France and the research model Meso-NH. Designed to be used in coupled or forced mode with a wave model, it can also be used in atmosphere-only configuration. It has been validated in several case studies covering different surface conditions known to be sensitive to the representation of surface turbulent fluxes: i) the impact of a Sea Surface Temperature (SST) front on low-level flow by weak wind; ii) the simulation of a Mediterranean heavy precipitating event where waves are known to influence the low-level wind and displace precipitation; iii) several tropical cyclones; and iv) a climate run over 35 years. It shows skills comparable to or better than the different parameterizations in use in the SURFEX v8.1 so far.