The time derivatives of RAFOS float pressures on isopycnal surfaces are used to determine directly observed vertical motion w R A F . Second, vertical motions are inferred from the heat equation using measured temperature changes and the backing and veering of currents observed by a stack of current meters to produce w C M . Third, vertical motions are calculated from the quasigeostrophic vorticity equation using geostrophic streamfunctions from inverted echo sounder measurements. All three methods give similar results. Typical magnitudes during strong events as estimated by all three data sources are on the order of 1-2 mm s - 1 in regions near the center of the Gulf Stream.