Coastal Applications
1. Academic Coastal Oceanography Research
Current and wave measurements are conducted in research areas such as nearshore circulation, tidal currents, meso/micro scale turbulence, waves, and wave-current interaction.
2. Biological Oceanography Studies
Wave and current measurements are utilized for collecting, displaying, and analyzing oceanographic/meteorological data to quantify the biological and ecological conditions of coasts and estuaries.
3. Coastal and Ocean Engineering Projects
Current and wave measurements are employed for collecting, displaying, and analyzing oceanographic/meteorological data to properly design coastal structures and public works projects, provide long-term monitoring, and assess the impact on the littoral environment.
4. Environmental Management Initiatives
Oceanographic and meteorological data collection, display, and analysis are important for properly managing coastal development, quantifying the environmental effects of development, and conducting environmental impact studies.
5. Fisheries and Aquaculture Assessments
Current and wave data are used for site assessment and short-term or long-term environmental monitoring in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors.
6. Navigation Safety Enhancements
Current and wave measurements for oceanographic/meteorological data collection, display, and analysis can enhance the safety of vessel navigation within or approaching a terrestrial port.
Oceanographic Applications
1. AUVs, Gliders, and Drones for Data Collection
ADCPs installed on AUVs, gliders, and drones can collect current profile data over an extended range and duration for academic, commercial, and military applications.
2. Deep and Mid-Water Moorings for Research
Moored ADCPs are used for oceanographic research based on the measurement of seasonal, annual, and decadal variability of ocean currents.
3. Integrated Ocean Observation Systems and Initiatives
Real-time current and wave data support the integrated long-term monitoring, prediction, and modeling of ocean environments with time scales ranging from minutes to decades.
4. Oceanographic Research Vessels for Measurements
Vessel-mounted ADCPs are used for large-scale, detailed measurements of ocean currents and the motility of entrained biomass populations.
Offshore Energy Applications
1. Oil and Gas Exploration and Production
Long-range current profiles and wave measurements play a crucial role in supporting deepwater oil and gas exploration, drilling, and production. Real-time current measurement is essential for making decisions during drilling, riser deployment and recovery, as well as ROV operations. Full water column current profiles help detect the VIM phenomenon and assist in modeling VIV.
2. Renewable Energy Sources
Current and wave measurements are required for site selection, design, performance monitoring, and environmental impact studies in the field of renewable energy.
3. Seismic and Pipeline Operations
Real-time current profiles are used for predicting and correcting the feathering angle of streamer cables, and for calculating accurate touchdown positions during pipe and cable laying operations and ROV operations.