Measurement of near-surface currents using a satellite telemetering buoy

Near-surface sea currents are important for scientific and economic reasons, but in the past have been difficult to measure reliably. A moored instrument technique is described which provides measurements of current at predetermined depths between 1 and 2 metres; the data are both recorded in situ and telemetered via the Argos satellite-based system. Some preliminary results are presented which include comparisons with other near-surface instruments and the newly emergent HF radar backscatter technique.