This article reports on research indicating that winds above the ocean surface can increase due to an apparent damping of turbulence by particles of ocean spray. I would like to point out that a similar phenomenon has been identified in rivers. In situations where the transport of fine sediment particles (sands, clays) coming from the riverbed is large, the apparent bed friction is decreased compared with similar clear-water conditions. That decrease has been attributed to dampening of the turbulence by the suspended sediment particles. Perhaps a joint research effort would be mutually beneficial.
Michael Gee Sacramento, Calif.
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