The ocean surface layer mediates the transfer of matter, energy, momentum, heat, and trace gases between the ocean, atmosphere and sea ice, and thus plays a central role in the dynamics of the climate system. This session will focus on the ocean surface layer globally, from the coasts – including the marginal sea ice zone – to the pelagic ocean, and its interactions with the overlaying low atmosphere. We will discuss in particular recent advances in the understanding of (sub-)mesoscale and internal-wave dynamics, ocean surface-interior interactions, ice-ocean interactions, particle and tracer dispersion as well as boundary-layer turbulence and surface-wave effects. We also encourage studies focusing on the coupling of physical, biological, and biogeochemical processes. Of special interest will be contributions describing the impact of ocean surface-layer processes on air-sea fluxes and atmosphere-ocean feedbacks. These include the parameterization of air-sea interactions, the impact of tropical cyclones, and the role of extreme events. Our session welcomes observational (from in-situ to remote sensing), theoretical and numerical investigations focusing on the ocean surface layer and its interactions with the atmosphere and sea ice, regardless of the temporal and spatial scales considered.