U.S. Navy ocean current survey requirements

Navy requirements for ocean current data extend over all depths in both deep and shallow water. These requirements are global because of the great range of applications, from ocean engineering to operational problems. The time scales of interest typically range from hours to months, and horizontal scales are on the order of several kilometers to hundreds of kilometers, and vertical scales are as small as a meter. The Navy´s current measurement capability has recently been enhanced by improved measurement accuracy and data quality, and by increased record lengths. The Navy has an interest in the improvement of current measurement technology, particularly that which reduces costs and facilitates the handling of equipment.