Comparison of ADCP and Geostrophic Current Profiles Referenced to Fixed Depths or Isopycnals at the Entrance to the Gulf of California

Abstract

[Author's Abstract] Geostrophic currents are a balance of a pressure gradient force and the Coriolis force (due to the Earth’s rotation). Scientists historically have used a variety of assumptions to reference geostrophic current profiles, often a particular depth or density. An alternative is to use directly measured currents from an Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP), together with ship speed measured from GPS navigational fixes, to provide a reference for geostrophic currents. In this study the geostrophic currents are compared, using different reference depths, with the ADCP recorded currents.