Some statistical characteristics of ocean motions from current measurements

Abstract

A rotary-component method for analysing vector series in two dimensions was developed for the study of the coupling between wind-stress and surface current [Gonella, 1972J. This method provides a good tool for instrumental intercomparison and for pointing out statistical characteristics of ocean motions from current data. In particular, rotary-waves seem to be an important characteristic of ocean motions. The rotary-component method developed for analysing the coupling between wind and surface current [Gonella, 1972J is used here for pointing out some statistical characteristics of ocean motions in open sea. Before, a short review of this method and its application to some currentmeter intercomparison will be given.