An Overview of the U.S. Navy's AN/WSQ-6 (Series) Drifting Buoy Program
Abstract
The importance of a global ocean observing system capability has been wholly endorsed by the world oceanographic community. However, changing observations available in the future to support such an observing system. Ever increasing reliance is being made on moored/drilling buoys and other remote sensing capabilities. Single profile expendable instruments such as the expendable bathythermograph, though at one time cost effective, are being enhanced by a now generation of multi-parameter measuring, expendable devices. The U.S. Navy under the support of the Oceanographer of the Navy, has been investigating methods to reduce reliance on single profile expendables and ship observations by development of a series of sonobuoy sized, satellite reporting expendable drifting buoys. These buoys will be capable of measuring air temperature, sea surface temperature, barometric pressure, subsurface ocean temperature with depth, ambient noise, wind speed, wind direction, and directional wave spectra. These developmental buoys have been designated by the Navy as the AN/WSQ-6 (series) mini drifting data buoys. This paper updates some of the Navy's recent testing of these buoys and provides insight into other potential applications of these sensor types.... Ambient noise, Wave spectra, Drifting buoy
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1993
- Accession Number
- ADA268063
Entities
People
- Harry D. Selsor
Organizations
- United States Naval Research Laboratory