Wavelet transforms and ocean current data analysis

Abstract

The recently advanced approach of wavelet transforms is applied to the analysis of ocean currents. The conventional analyses of time series in the frequency domain can be readily generalized to the frequency and time domain using wavelet transforms. An application of wavelet analysis to a set of observed current data acquired during the spring of 1991 in Lake Michigan shows some significant time-localized characteristics that would not be detected using the traditional Fourier transform approach.