Preliminary results of four VACM-VMCM DYADS in the upper ocean of the equatorial pacific

Measurements from a Savonius rotor and vane vector-averaging current meter (VACM) and dual orthogonal propeller vector-measuring current meter (VMCM) placed 1 m apart beneath a surface-following buoy moored on the Pacific equator for 6-month intervals are described. Experiments at 13, 98, 120 and 160 m depths were completed in light ( m s^-1, small (1-2 m) surface wave heights, strong currents (>100 cm s^-1) and very large current shears (0.02 s^-1). Excellent coherence was found between each VACM-VMCM doublet\´s data. The most striking feature of these intercomparison tests was that the VACM and VMCM observations were virtually identical, especially below the near-surface layer.