Wave Systems

The AWAC is perhaps the most well respected, sophisticated and frequently used acoustic Doppler profiler and directional wave gauge.  Using Acoustic Surface Tracking  (AST), the AWAC will make high quality wave measurements deployed up to 50 m below the surface.  Further, the SUV measurement method will allow the AWAC to be deployed on a subsurface buoy if the total water depth is deeper than 50 m.  The AWAC is well suited for real-time ocean observing systems when integrated with the NIP processor and Nortek underwater acoustic modems.  The AWAC is most commonly used in water depth from 5-50 m.

The Aquadopp Profiler can make directional wave measurements in addition to the normal profile of current velocity.  A special wave mode allows the Aquadopp to burst sample the pressure sensor and one cell of current velocity at 1 or 2 Hz.  These data are used for the directional wave measurements.  This is know as the PUV measurement method and is most suitable for water depths from 2-10 m. 

The Aquadopp current meter is also the worlds most cost effective directional wave gauge.  Using a special "diagnostics" mode, the Aquadopp current meter may be configured to burst sample velocity and pressure at 1 Hz in order to make the directional wave measurements.  This is know as the PUV measurement method and is most suitable for water depths from 2-10 m. The Aquadopp must be mounted firmly to the bottom for directional wave measurements. 

The Vector velocimeter is another option to make directional wave measurements.  Due to the very small sampling volume that can be precisely positoned, the Vector is an excellent choice for making wave measurements in very shallow water or in the surf zone.  The Vector can burst sample velocity and pressure at up to 64 Hz and will use these data for the directional wave measurements.  This is know as the PUV measurement method and is most suitible for water depths from 2-10 m.