What is it about?

After a definition of measured quantities and quantities inferred from calculation, this book details the functioning of sensors and instruments used to assess the useful parameters in oceanography: temperature, conductivity, pressure, sound velocity, current in magnitude and direction, time and position with global positioning systems, height of water and tide, waves, as well as optical and chemical properties like turbidity, dissolved gas (O2, CO2), pH, nutrients and other dissolved elements. It also describes the different means used to produce measurements at sea (boats, drifting floats, moorings, undersea platforms, gliders, etc.) and techniques under development. The theoretical functioning of each sensor or instrument, as well as different practical aspects of its use, are also discussed.

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Why is it important?

Sensor and instruments are often bought and used without knowing the physical process used to obtain a measurement. This process is the link between the middle and the possible interpretations of data. Metrology in terms of calibration, uncertainties of measurement and traceability is essential in the study of oceans long term variations.

Perspectives

Metrology is often an area unknown by oceanographers. I hope that this book will bring some of the essential metrological knowledge necessary to better understand our oceans.

Dr Marc Le Menn
Service Hydrographique et Oceanographique de la Marine

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This page is a summary of: Measurements at Sea, January 2013, Wiley,
DOI: 10.1002/9781118561959.ch3.
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