A Study of Currents in the Strait of Dover

Abstract

As part of an investigation into the difference of absolute sea-level across the English Channel, a detailed series of measurements of currents at all depths was recently made in the Strait of Dover. The main object of the measurements was to relate the residual non-tidal flow of water to the voltage on a cross-channel cable generated by electromagnetic effects. Over 6000 readings of current strength and direction were made during ideally calm conditions. This paper describes the results of analysis of these measurements, which covers vertical current profiles and tidal components, besides the non-tidal flow. Distinction is made between mean current measured at a fixed depth or at the surface, and the mean volume flux of water which involves tidal variation of depth. A method of tidal analysis based on Fourier sums, which is convenient for use with an electronic computer, is outlined in the Appendix.