Velocity profiling: Some expectations and assurances

Abstract

Experiment planning and data quality assurance techniques are discussed for ocean velocity profiling. The importance of specifying goals for measurement coverage and quality is stressed. The experimental plan should be realistic, providing for redundancy and reserve capability. Performance expectations and acceptance criteria need to be developed before the experiment. Data quality should be examined and acted upon in real time during the field work. Following a brief review of velocity profilers, the basis or evidence for performance expectations is presented for one class of profilers, that based on the measurement of motionally induced electric effects. Method specific and general data quality assurance tests are suggested and illustrated.