Variation of the sea surface drag coefficient with wind speed

Abstract

Abstract Eddy correlation measurements of wind turbulence obtained at a sand spit on Sable Island, Nova Scotia, in winds ranging from gentle breeze to strong gale force agree with other recent measurements over water. There is a significant increase in the drag coefficient with wind speed which is well described by the equation of Charnock (1955). The heat transfer coefficient is slightly lower than the drag coefficient.