Circulatory survey data quality assurance

The National Ocean Survey is developing a data quality assurance program for its circulatory surveys in collaboration with the NOAA Office of Ocean Technology and Engineering Services (OTES). The present emphasis is on East Coast circulatory surveys conducted by the 133-foot NOAA ship FERREL using Grundy Model 9021 current meters. The methodology for estimating total measurement uncertainties is described, including extensive instrument test and evaluation, quality control field checks, error source identification and estimation, and quality assurance analyses. The results of the 1979 Gulf At-Sea Performance Experiment (GASP) on the Louisiana inner shelf are summarized.