CISM Workshop 2026 - Interaction of Surface Waves and Turbulence in the Upper Ocean

Dates:
Tuesday, October 6 - Friday, October 9 2026

Location:
external page CISM (International Center for Mechanical Sciences), Udine, Italy

Co-organizers:
Filippo Coletti, ETH Zurich
external page Luc Deike, Princeton University

Summary:
The transfer of momentum and energy between the atmosphere and the ocean is a crucial subject in atmospheric and oceanic modeling. It involves the coupling of three turbulent systems: the turbulent atmospheric boundary layer (the wind), the multiscale surface waves, and the underwater oceanic boundary layer (the current). The properties of the upper ocean turbulence, especially the vertical profiles of current velocity, Reynolds stresses and dissipation rate of turbulent kinetic energy, are essential to predict air-sea transfer of heat, carbon dioxide and oxygen, and the transport of pollutants such as oil spills and microplastics, and ice debris.

The workshop aims to bring together experts on small scale processes at the ocean-atmosphere, including waves dynamics and turbulence processes, using a wide range of tools, from laboratory experiments, high fidelity numerical simulations, large scale modeling and ocean remote sensing. We aim to foster discussion on the coupled dynamics of surface waves and boundary layer turbulence, and discuss how to further improve upper ocean turbulence modeling and interpretation of data from remote sensing and autonomous floats.

Keynote speakers:
external page Alexander Babanin, University of Melbourne
external page Michelle DiBenedetto, Princeton University
external page Baylor Fox-Kemper, Brown University
external page Lian Shen, University of Minnesota
external page Chris Zappa, Columbia University

Abstract Submission: Please send your one-page abstract as a Word File to  
Deadline: Friday July 31, 2026

Program:
(coming soon)

Registration:
Deadline: Friday July 31, 2026

We use a dedicated one-stop platform for the conference registration, available at external page www.easyconferences.org. Payments can be made instantly by credit card (Visa or Mastercard) or via bank transfer. The system is user-friendly, fully secure, and allows you to complete your registration in just a few minutes.

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This is an invitation only event. For inquiries including online registration and invoicing, please contact: