A free-fall ocean current meter using geomagnetic induction

The magnitude and direction of horizontal ocean currents are measured as a function of depth by a new free-fall instrument utilizing geomagnetic induction. Electric fields are induced within the instrument and the surrounding seawater due to motion through the Earth´s magnetic field. The instrument measures the induced electric field, pressure and temperature and acoustically telemeters this data to the ship. With this instrument the structure of ocean currents in a vertical profile can be studied in great detail.