3D Flow Visualization in the Bottom Boundary Layer of the Coastal Ocean

A three-dimensional particle tracking velocimetry system has been developed to visualize the structure of turbulence within the bottom boundary layer of the coastal ocean. The system comprises of multiple synchronized high-resolution digital cameras and powerful illumination to locate and track small suspended particles within a 20times20times20 cm³ sample volume. The velocities derived from the system in a quasi-steady tidal flow compare well with standard turbulence instrumentation. The measurements provide unique insight into the three-dimension form of vortical structures within the flow that have previously been shown to dominate the turbulence dynamics.