On the analysis of non - uniformly sampled ocean profiles

Abstract

Herein is discussed a technique for the spectral analysis of non - uniformly sampled functions. The aim in particular is to apply this to the analysis of oceanographic profiles which have been sampled at non - uniform intervals of depth. However the development is quite general and the applicability to a great many situations is obvious. The underlying theory was outlined by Brillinger [5] but as far as evidence from the literature goes, it has as yet not been applied in the context of sampling problems. This thesis discusses the technique in some detail, introduces refinements necessary for numerical evaluation and tests the method using simulations consistent with ocean profiling. In addition, this thesis includes a discussion on an oceanographic profiling instrument package known as STEVE ( cf. Shirtcliffe et al. [31]). Time sreies analysis and physical considerations are applied to develop methods to make best use of the data obtained.