Near-inertial waves (NIWs) contain a significant fraction of the energy in the ocean internal wave field and form a prominent signal in near-surface ocean currents. Generated at the ocean surface by wind, their high vertical shear can modify the depth of the surface mixed-layer—a key constraint on the coupled large-scale ocean-atmosphere system—and they provide a pathway for transporting kinetic energy out of the surface ocean into the interior, where they are believed to play an important role in the maintenance of the abyssal circulation through mixing. Recent work has highlighted the sensitivity of NIWs to coupled air-sea interactions at the mesoscale and submesoscale, showing for instance dramatic reductions of near-inertial kinetic energy when surface currents are included in the calculation of the air-sea flux of momentum. However, fundamental gaps in understanding and quantification of the coupled processes remain—both in terms of the relevant physical mechanisms and in terms of the impact on ocean dynamics and energetics. The objective of this project is to use high-resolution coupled ocean-atmosphere models (both realistic and idealized), along with analysis of recent observations, to determine how coupled air-sea interactions modify the lifecycle of NIWs—from generation at the ocean surface to dissipation in the interior. In addition, outreach materials will be developed to address a current gap in science communication materials on NIWs for the general public. This