Generalized drifting oceanographic sensor

A generalized drifting oceanographic sensor (GDOS) is cast adrift in the oceanographic environment along a pre-programmed depth schedule. A variable buoyancy housing has one or more external oceanographic sensors and an external acoustic telemetry transducer. Signal processing electronics are contained internal to the housing together with an electric power pack and multiplexer. The data from the sensors are processed, multiplexed and transmitted by the acoustic transducer. Additional data are obtained from azimuthal correlation by two or more fixed acoustic receivers.