Oceanography

Measurements of dynamic properties

The Dynamic properties includes surface expressions of internal waves, the effect of rainfall on surface waves, the effect of bottom topography on currents and waves, and a range of other phenomena. Many instruments are designed to measure the above properties.

DRIFTERS:

An elementary way of observing oceanic movement is the use of drifters. As mentioned above drifters are platforms designed to carry instruments. But all measurements obtained from drifters are of little use unless they can be related to positions in space. A geolocation (GPS) device which transmits the drifter location to a satellite link is therefore an essential instrument on any drifter, and this turns the drifter into an instrument for the measurement of ocean currents. Whether it does that job well or not depends on its design, and in particular the size and shape of its sea anchor.