Kinematic and Dynamic Estimates from Electromagnetic Current Meter Data
Aubrey, D.G. and J.H. Trowbridge
Journal of Geophysical Research, Vol. 90, No. C5, pp. 9137-9146, 1985 WHOI-R-85-006
Comprehensive laboratory measurements and a thorough review of applicable literature show that electromagnetic current meters (manufactured by Marsh-McBurney, Inc.) are adequate for many kinematic measurements but may lead to excessive errors when using velocity to calculate dynamical quantities (such as bottom friction, Reynolds stress, or log-layer friction velocities). These studies point out a potential difficulty in using these meters in areas of large ambient turbulence levels (20% turbulent intensities), which are characteristic of many near-bottom shallow water environments. Further study is needed to clarify this behavior.