Energy redistribution between waves and current at the initial stage of wind wave generation

Energy exchange is illustrated in the wind-wave interaction system with the focus at the initial stage of generation of drift current and waves. Laboratory experiments helped determine the relation between the dynamic (friction) velocities of the wind flow and the drift current. It is shown that under the conditions discussed in this paper only 33 % of the momentum flux coming to the water mass from the atmosphere is expended on wave growth, while the remainder goes to the generation and evolution of the drift current. Energy balance components on the water surface have been computed for the initial phase of wind-wave interaction.