Problems in measuring currents near the ocean surface

Abstract

Current meter intercomparisons often show large systematic errors when either the current meters or their mooring floats are exposed to surface gravity waves. Ideally, stable platforms and fast, linear, current sensors are needed to accurately measure Eulerian currents in the presence of waves. The extent to which various meter and mooring combinations meet these criteria is actively being Studied in a variety of applications. This paper reviews the general problem of near-surface current measurements and presents a new technique for in situ current meter performance evaluation in waves.