Wind-Wave-Channel

Fundamental research about interactions at the water surface and about its remote sensing is realized at the Wind-Wave-Channel (WWK, German only) of the Universität Hamburg. Fluxes of energy, momentum, gas and heat as well as the responsible small-scale processes can be varied and evaluated. For this purpose, measurements are conducted regularly at the WWK and their results provide valuable contributions to the development of theories about interactions between the ocean and atmosphere as well as (radar) remote sensing of the sea surface.  

The WWK has a total length of 24 m, a width of 1 m and a mean water depth of 0.5 m. The air-space has a height of 1 m. Wind velocities of 25 m/s can be generated, which produces dominant waves of 50 cm length and amplitudes up to 2 cm. Additionally, long waves with lengths of 0.25 m to 3 m and an amplitude of up to 3 cm can be generated with a mechanical wave flap.

A rain generator was installed at the end of the 90ies, which can produce strong rain of 300 mm/h on an area of 2.3 m². In the mid-2000s, an air-recirculation was added to the WWK. Hence, the WWK is sealed from its surroundings so that extensive gas exchange measurements could be conducted.

The WWK is perfectly suited for experiments that need defined environmental conditions. To study for example biogenic films on the ocean, surface films of a few molecules can be generated and their impact on the wave field investigated. Or strong rain with constant rain rated and drop sizes can be produced to investigate how it affects the radar signal or the gas exchange at the water surface. The WWK, by its flexible usage, is a perfect tool to investigate manifold scientific questions and for the interpretation of remote sensing data.