¹6837 Nancy Ridge Drive, Suite A
San Diego, CA 92121
phone: 858-546-8327
fax: 858-546-8150
email: vadim@sontek.com

²SonTek/YSI
6837 Nancy Ridge Drive, Suite A
San Diego, CA 92121

Acoustic Doppler Velocimeters have been used extensively for wave and current measurements in the near shore for the past several years. Pulse-to-Pulse coherent systems are most commonly deployed using a pre-set velocity range that determines the maximum measured velocity (dynamic range) and velocity uncertainly (precision). As the velocity field energy can vary significantly (especially during storm events), this limitation requires tradeoffs between the precision and dynamic range of the measurements.

We describe the ADV Triton equipped with the auto velocity range adjustment option that allows the sensor to dynamically select the measurement range based on the environmental state. This ensures that even during the most energetic conditions the velocity measurements are still valid, while still maintaining 1% velocity precision during calm seas. Field tests conducted off of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography Pier demonstrate the Triton's ability to detect wave motion down to the 2-s period scale while maintaining 92% or higher coherence between pressure and velocity down to the 3.5 s scale. This improved sensitivity allows the sensor to capture moderate storm events while still detecting a low energy background swell.

Submitted on January 22, 2003