Accuracy of temperature measurements with the VACM

Abstract

For the past five years the Buoy Group at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution has included temperature as one of the variables recorded in its current meters. These measurements began with the first successful deployments of Vector Averaging Current Meters (VACMs) in 1971. Circuitry designed for making highly accurate temperature measurements has been included in all the Buoy Project's VACMs. During the past year we have begun to add similar circuitry to the EG&G 850 current meters. This report is intended to describe what we have learned about making water temperature measurements with VACMs.