Use of inclinometer current meters in weak currents

An inclinometer-type current meter has been developed for use in environments with very low to moderate current speeds. A novel swivel system is used to suppress oscillations in the response and allow independent adjustment Of tilt and direction sensitivity. Previous analytical models used to adapt fresh water calibration curves to the marine environment were found to be inadequate for low speeds. An improved model was developed. Intercalibration with a vector-measuring current meter gave good agreement. The meters have been used in low speed environments off the coast of southern California from 1978 to the present.