INVESTIGATION OF THE MECHANISMS OF GENERATION OF SEA SPRAYS DURING STRONG WINDS, THEIR ROLE IN THE MECHANICS AND THERMODYNAMICS OF HURRICANES

In storm conditions, the atmosphere and the ocean are multiphase: the boundary layer of the atmosphere is saturated with splashes and raindrops, foamy areas are present on the surface of the water, and the near-surface water layer is saturated with air bubbles. This causes radical changes in the ocean-atmosphere exchange processes that must be taken into account when constructing models. Empirical data on the parameters of such media, obtained under natural conditions, are characterized by large errors. Laboratory modeling on large experimental facilities helps to reduce this uncertainty. In this regard, modern laboratory facilities for modeling hurricane wind conditions have been created in the USA and Japan. This article presents the results of recent studies of multiphase media at the Unique Scientific Installation “Complex of large-scale geophysical stands” of the IAP RAS.