Surface Films and Mixing in Two‐Layer Fluid

Abstract

An experimental investigation of wind‐induced flow and mixing processes in a two‐layered system influenced by a thin film persisting on the water surface is reported in this study. Detailed documentation and description of the wind‐induced flow and mixing processes are given. The entrainment rates and flow pattern depend on two dimensionless numbers, one characterizing the influence of surface films, the other characterizing the response of stratified basins to wind stress in the absence of surface films. The differences between the flow and mixing processes of a two‐layered system influenced and not influenced by a surface film are pointed out and discussed.