Bulk parameterization is a concept in physical oceanography. In studying air–sea interactions, it is difficult to obtain direct measurements of the surface fluxes, and those that are available are extremely limited in geographic scope. Therefore, extensive, global–scale estimates must be obtained via parameterizations of the surface fluxes that permit the use of more easily obtained quantities. The basic premise of the concept of bulk parameterizations is to relate the surface layer fluxes to logarithmic profiles of the mean quantities. The fluxes can then be determined from the mean wind, temperature and humidity at a single height by introducing bulk transfer coefficients of heat, moisture and momentum. This method is also used to quantify gas exchange processes.

Further Reading

• Seas of the world on the Encyclopedia of Earth
• G. L. Geernaert. Bulk parameterizations for the wind stress and heat flux. In G. L. Geernaert and W. Plant, editors, Surface Waves and Fluxes, Vol. 1, pages 91-172. Kluwer Academic, 1990.
• David P. Rogers. Air-sea interaction: connecting the ocean and atmosphere. Rev. Geophys., 33 Supp.:?, 1995