SVP Drifter
A robust Lagrangian drifter for precise tracking of mixed-layer water currents and acquisition of geophysical data.
Configuration Examples:
SVP Drifter
(Displayed with Drogue)
SVP
- 14" (35 cm) Surface Float
- 24" (61 cm) x 6 section Holey Sock Drogue centered at 15 meters
- Telemetry Options
SVP - B
(Barometer)
- 14" (35 cm) Surface Float
- 24" (61 cm) x 6 section Holey Sock Drogue
- Air Pressure Sensor
- Optional EZ- Access Surface Float
- Telemetry Options
SVP - SB
(Salinity and Barometer)
- 16" (41 cm) Surface Float
- 36" (91 cm) x 7 section Holey Sock Drogue
- Seabird SBE 37 Sl Salinity Sensor w/ Temp
- Air Pressure Sensor
- Optional 2nd SST Sensor
- Optional EZ- Access Surface Float
- Telemetry Options
Calibrated
Standard SVP setup monitors mixed layer currents with a slip of under 1 cm/s in winds below 10 m/s.
Configurable
Pick from a selection of options like:
- surface float diameter
- drogue size
- drogue depth
- tether length
- many sensors on hull or at depth along tether
Telemetry
Iridium Short Burst Data
GNSS
Enhanced location accuracy with GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, and Galileo for global, multi-constellation positions
Battery
The SVP Drifter comes with an optionally replaceable alkaline battery pack, ranging from 56 to 168 Ah.

Data Telemetry, Archiving, Distribution
Includes data conversion to scientific units, a web browser interface with a dashboard map and current array status, convenient downloading, and device and organization administration. Data is archived on Pacific Gyre servers, and an API interface is available to download data directly to customer web pages or applications such as Excel and Matlab
Applications
- Circulation Studies
- Meteorology
- Dispersion Studies
- Larval Transport
Standard Configuration
- Battery Voltage
-
Enhanced location accuracy with GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, and Galileo
- Drogue (On/Off) Sensor
- Magnet power mode switch
- Includes a 24-inch (61 cm) diameter holey sock drogue, typically deployed at a depth of 15 meters.
Available Options
- High Accuracy Sea Surface Temperature
- Barometric Pressure
- Conductivity/Temp (Salinity)
- Wind Velocity Sensor
- Sensors mounted on hull or tether
- Drogue size and depth
- Hull size: 14" (35cm) 16" (40cm) 18" (45cm)
- Replaceable battery pack
- Delivered in bulk on pallets