A national network of wave buoys is improving the collection of marine data from Australia’s coastal areas. A group of researchers from the University of Western Australia(UWA), in collaboration with the Integrated Marine Observing System(IMOS), have deployed 23 new buoys at strategic points around the country to record information on wave dynamics.
The establishment of the buoy network
The buoys were designed to operate with solar energy. In this way, they collect data on wave height, period and direction, as well as water surface temperature. This technology allows capturing information in near real time from depths ranging from 10 to 70 meters. The devices are anchored to the seabed and their compact design allows for efficient and economical deployment.
The records collected by the buoys are integrated into the AusWaves national platform, an interface developed by Dr. Mike Cuttler that allows easy viewing and downloading of data. This portal centralizes information from different institutions, including historical and real-time data, and has been designed to support researchers, local authorities and maritime users in general.
The Australian coastline faces increasing pressures from climate change and urban development. The coastal buoy network provides valuable information to understand coastal evolution processes, improve marine forecasting and support coastal management decision making. In addition, the system is useful for safe recreational and operational activities at sea.
The deployment of these buoys is part of CoastRI, a national initiative supported by the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure(NCRIS) and managed by IMOS together with universities and state agencies. This coordinated action strengthens marine observation in Australia and facilitates adaptation to coastal change through a quality database available to all sectors.
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Source and photo: The University of Western Australia
