Advances in passive remote sensing of ocean currents and depths

A new airborne current measurement capability is presented along with results from a data collection over the Gulf of Mexico. The Remote Ocean Current Imaging System (ROCIS) is unique in that it can provide large area synoptic surveys at higher spatial resolutions than other established current measurement technologies. This paper describes ROCIS and presents results from three consecutive days of airborne collections over a Loop Current Eddy in the Gulf of Mexico. We show the ability of the system to detect and characterize large scale features. We also describe the accuracy of the system as determined by comparison to moored ADCPs and a series of reciprocal flight lines. Lastly, we show the additional ability of ROCIS to measure ocean bathymetry in coastal regions.