Description: A multidisciplinary examination of the zone where the water meets the air, pivoting on the theme of high resolution, in which the general assumptions behind scaling theories are often violated and new approaches and paradigms must be sought. Much of the research reported is based on theoretical developments during the past decade, with special emphasis on field results of the marine boundary layer experiments carried out during the period 1993-98 west of California and in the seas of northern Europe. After introductory overviews, the 20 studies explore the surface and its coupling to surface layer turbulence; surface layer momentum and heat fluxes; the interplay between sea spray, aerosols, heat flux, and gas flux; and dynamical issues involved in air-sea exchanges. The final chapter suggests future research priorities and directions.

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