Lagrangian drifter

A drifter (also float) is an oceanographic device floating on the surface or at a given water depth to investigate ocean currents and other parameters like temperature or salinity. They are also called Lagrangian drifters since they follow the flow in a Lagrangian manner. The depth of drifter is defined by its neutral buoyancy. The device stops sinking when its buoyancy force is in equilibrium with its gravitational force.

The major component of a drifter are hollow bodies that ensure flotation, underwater-sails to catch water currents, instruments (e.g., data collecting instruments, transmitters to transmit the collected data, and GPS devices), and waterproof containers for instruments. Drifters are a technological evolution of ocean current analysis historically performed through drift bottle experiments, which in turn were built on the principle of a message in a bottle.

Physical oceanography

Drifters provide real-time information about ocean circulation. The data is a valuable input for weather forecasts as meteorological satellites can at maximum measure the sea surface temperature or the surface roughness of the world oceans, but it is not possible to look into the water column. Data from inside the ocean is helpful for hurricane prediction as well.

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