A surface kinematics buoy (SKIB) for wave–current interaction studies

Global navigation satellite systems (GNSSs) and modern motion-sensor packages allow the measurement of ocean surface waves with low-cost drifters. Drifting along or across current gradients provides unique measurements of wave–current interactions. In this study, we investigate the response of sever...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Ocean science 2018-11, Vol.14 (6), p.1449-1460
Main Authors: Veras Guimaraes, Pedro, Ardhuin, Fabrice, Sutherland, Peter, Accensi, Mickael, Hamon, Michel, Perignon, Yves, Thomson, Jim, Benetazzo, Alvise, Ferrant, Pierre
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Accelerometers
Air-sea interaction
Analysis
Buoys
Coastal environments
Coastal zone
Data acquisition
Drifters
Engineering Sciences
Global navigation satellite system
Imagery
Interactions
Kinematics
Low cost
Navigation
Navigation satellites
Navigation systems
Noise levels
Ocean surface
Ocean, Atmosphere
Ocean-atmosphere interaction
Oceanographic buoys
Oceanographic research
Prototypes
Reactive fluid environment
Remote sensing
Satellites
Sciences of the Universe
Sensors
Surface water waves
Surface waves
Temperature (air-sea)
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Summary:Global navigation satellite systems (GNSSs) and modern motion-sensor packages allow the measurement of ocean surface waves with low-cost drifters. Drifting along or across current gradients provides unique measurements of wave–current interactions. In this study, we investigate the response of several combinations of GNSS receiver, motion-sensor package and hull design in order to define a prototype “surface kinematics buoy” (SKIB) that is particularly optimized for measuring wave–current interactions, including relatively short wave components that are important for air–sea interactions and remote-sensing applications. The comparison with existing Datawell Directional Waverider and Surface Wave Instrument Float with Tracking (SWIFT) buoys, as well as stereo-video imagery, demonstrates the performance of SKIB. The use of low-cost accelerometers and a spherical ribbed and skirted hull design provides acceptable heave spectra E(f) from 0.09 to 1 Hz with an acceleration noise level (2πf)4E(f) close to 0.023 m2 s−3. Velocity estimates from GNSS receivers yield a mean direction and directional spread. Using a low-power acquisition board allows autonomous deployments over several months with data transmitted by satellite. The capability to measure current-induced wave variations is illustrated with data acquired in a macro-tidal coastal environment.
ISSN:1812-0792
1812-0784
1812-0792
DOI:10.5194/os-14-1449-2018