Droplet size distribution models in different cases of breaking waves and impacts

The droplet size distribution for wave breaking and wave impact is an important factor to determine the production of sea spray and aerosol life span in the atmosphere. It is known that the droplets are produced by wind forcing and different processes such as bursting bubbles and spume formation. The distribution of sizes depends in many factors, including the wave speed, wave steepness and others. Nevertheless so far, many studies correlate the droplet production with only wind speed rather than sea state.

We are still looking for a way to correlate these parameters to the distribution of sizes. Previously, different groups have determined statistical models to compare with experimental and numerical data, but so far there is no study or agreement to determine the most accurate model. In this work we used theoretical size distribution models previously proposed to study droplet production after wave impact or wave breaking and compared them to experimental data from different sources. By doing this we attempt to determine the best theoretical fit for each of the cases studied.