Model-based study of coherent structures in Langmuir turbulence

The ocean boundary layer features Langmuir circulations across various scales, arising from the interactions of wave forcing and the turbulent boundary layer. The flow state, known as Langmuir turbulence, significantly impacts ocean mixing and transport. In this study, we examine the characteristics of coherent structures in Langmuir turbulence with a combined simulation- and model-based approach. Results obtained from large-eddy simulations indicate that the turbulent Langmuir number affects the scales of vortical structures. A linearized model with wave forcing is used to analyze this flow. The resolvent modes obtained from the model align well with the simulation and provide further insights into the dynamics of coherent vortices in Langmuir turbulence.