The relationship between ocean current transports and electric potential differences across the Tasman Sea, measured using an ocean cable

Abstract

An attempt is made to interpret observations of electrical potential differences across the Tasman Sea in terms of ocean currents. This voltage record (spanning 7 1 2 years ) is significantly correlated with the (monthly averaged) mean sea level at Sydney, but not with that at other locations. A numerical model of the Robinson type for the Tasman Sea region permits the determination of the cable voltage which results from a given oceanic current pattern. Most of the observed voltage variance is probably due to East Australian Current eddies close to Sydney.