Froude Number Scaling of Wind-Stress Coefficients

Abstract

Following the verification of the logarithmic nature of the wind profile and the establishment of a non-dimensional expression relating the shear velocity and surface roughness, a Froude number is proposed for scaling the wind stress at the air-water interface. A correlation curve for wind stresses determined at all fetches is presented and is shown to interrelate successfully the available data compiled from 42 independent investigations consisting of 12 laboratory studies and 30 oceanic observations.