Evaporation coefficient for the sea surface from eddy flux measurements

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Abstract
Eddy correlation measurements of water vapor, heat, and momentum fluxes have been made at a fixed tower near the water's edge on a low, sand island. The evaporation data collected extend the range of conditions to cooler water (larger Bowen ratio) and include cases of stable stratification and downward vapor flux. The evaporation coefficient CE has a value of 1.3 × 10−3 in neutral conditions, varies with stability in accordance with accepted empirical profile laws, and increases significantly with increasing wind speed at this shoal location. The Bowen ratio of sensible to latent heat flux varies widely with meteorological conditions.