to_direction_of_surface_downward_stress

The phrase "to_direction" is used in the construction X_to_direction and indicates the direction towards which the vector of X is headed. The direction is a bearing in the usual geographical sense, measured positive clockwise from due north. The surface called "surface" means the lower boundary of the atmosphere. "Downward" indicates a vector component which is positive when directed downward (negative upward). "Surface stress" means the shear stress (force per unit area) exerted by the wind at the surface. A downward stress is a downward flux of momentum. Over large bodies of water, wind stress can drive near-surface currents. rdf:langString