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 20x20x20cm(3) 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.