Electromagnetic Fields Induced by Ocean Currents

Abstract : This paper provides a comprehensive account of analytical results for computing electromagnetic fields that are induced by ocean sea water as a result of its motion relative to the geomagnetic field. The emphasis is on the characterization of magnetic field and magnetic field gradient spectra induced by internal waves and surface waves in a deep ocean environment. The theoretical results are formulated so as to be directly applicable to the computation of sea water generated magnetic noise and to the assessment of its deleterious effects on the sensitivity of magnetic sensors employed for magnetic anomaly detection over an open ocean. Magnetic field component and gradient spectra are computed both for stationary and moving sensor observation platforms.