A Study to Examine the Station-Keeping Characteristics of a Buoy in Casco Bay, Maine.
Abstract
The position of a navigation buoy can vary, within the scope of its mooring chain, under the influences of current, wind, and waves. To determine the actual excursions of a particular buoy, its position was monitored at five-minute intervals over a period of 27 days. An electronic positioning system was modified so that ranges from two known shore points to a transponder on the buoy could be determined and recorded automatically. Position data was calculated and presented in plot form along with available wind and wave information. Buoy position was dependent largely on the direction and strength of tidal currents. Wave action, which was generally aligned with flood tide current, had a contributing effect. Wind effects were most apparent when the wind was perpendicular to tidal flow. Total buoy travel was about 300 feet along a line parallel to tidal flow. The midpoint of this line was shifted considerably by intentionally changing the initial conditions of the mooring - chain lay on the bottom.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1974
- Accession Number
- ADA014279
Entities
People
- Robert M. Burke