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National Ocean Service National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
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ADCP, Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler

This illustration shows two ADCPs deployed in a waterway. One device rests on the ocean bottom and provides information about the horizontal component of the current. The other device is mounted on its side, perhaps on a pier, and provides information about the vertical component of the current. Together they provide very accurate measurements of currents to vessels traveling through that waterway.

Illustration of two Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers (ADCPs) deployed in a waterway.