Abstract
A review is given on the similarity laws of wind waves and related problems, with special reference to our recent studies. Growing wind waves have statistical similarity laws. One of these is expressed as the 3/2-power law. Experimental evidence indicates that the boundary layers above and below wind waves are both turbulent boundary layers, which are similar to those on rough solid walls. Combination of the characteristics of turbulent boundary layers of air and water with the 3/2-power law requires that several characteristic velocities, which are concerned with the air-water boundary processes including wind waves, are all proportional to one another. Experimental observations are consistent with the above reasoning, together with the empirical value of the coefficient of the 3/2-power law. An interpretation of the physical situation is given as a concept of the breaking-adjustment of wind waves. The relation between the power law and the form of energy spectra of waves, and practical applications of the similarity laws are also given.
