ADCP Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler

Morven Muilwijk2014

University of Bergen, Bjerknes Centre for Climate Research

What is an ADCP?

• Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler

Morven Muilwijk 2014

The Doppler Shift

Morven Muilwijk 2014

The Doppler Shift

Morven Muilwijk 2014

The Doppler Shift

Morven Muilwijk 2014

Speed of sound = frequency × wavelength

The Doppler Shift

Morven Muilwijk 2014

Current profiling and 3D velocity measurements

4 Measurements at once:

1. Speed and direction

2. Bottom tracking

3. Height or range

4. Distribution of material (intensity)

Morven Muilwijk 2014

Different types, different purposes

Morven Muilwijk 2014

Different types, different purposes

Morven Muilwijk 2014

Applications of the ADCP

• Oceanography• Vessel Traffic Safety in the Port & Harbor• Tidal currents observations • Efficient Seismic Survey Operations

Morven Muilwijk 2014

Applications of the ADCP

Morven Muilwijk 2014

•Oil industry•ADCPs for renewable energy projects

New York power plant

Morven Muilwijk 2014

Different types of platforms

Morven Muilwijk 2014

Examples of studies

• Measuring tidal currents in a sound

Morven Muilwijk 2014

Examples of studies

• Measuring tidal currents in a sound

Morven Muilwijk 2014

Advantages

• Easy to use and to make profiles • No moving parts• Small scales • Absolute speed of water• Measures columns up to 1000m

Morven Muilwijk 2014

Disadvantages

• Barnacles and algea • Clear waters • Compromise between distance or precision • Bubbles in turbulent water• Battery power with

frequent pings

Morven Muilwijk 2014

Good to know when working with ADCP’s

• Backscatter • Ping • Main Lobe• Blank zone• Ambiguity

Morven Muilwijk 2014

ADCP Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler

Morven Muilwijk2014

University of Bergen, Bjerknes Centre for Climate Research