Acoustic Doppler Velocimetry

Acoustic Doppler Velocimetry (ADV) is a technology used to measure how fast and in what direction water (or other fluids) flows. It works by emitting sound pulses into the water; these sounds bounce off tiny particles floating in the water. The device then analyzes the frequency shift of the returning echoes—known as the Doppler effect—to determine the velocity of the particles, and thus the water itself. ADV provides precise, real-time flow measurements, helping researchers understand fluid dynamics in rivers, oceans, and industrial processes.