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Provide real-time observations of hurricane waves and wave forcing that can be ingested by modeling groups through an API to improve forecasts and validate hindcasts. Specifically:
Deploy arrays of Spotter wave buoys from C-130 aircraft 12-48 hours ahead of hurricanes.
Deploy arrays of Air-Deployable Micro Buoys (ADMB) and micro-SWIFT buoys from aircraft during hurricanes, as part of existing operations.
Use Sofar’s API to immediately deliver wave buoy data to operational centers
Describe the wave field surrounding hurricanes.
Compare buoy observations to NOAA WP3D aircraft estimates (WSRA, SFMR)
Optimize buoy array design for assimilation.
On Monday, September 26th, 2022, 20 buoys were successfully deployed in the Gulf of Mexico ahead of Hurricane Ian as part of the NOPP Hurricane Coastal Impacts project. The deployment, which was facilitated by the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, created a real-time sensor network to monitor Ian’s location and intensity as it advanced towards Florida’s Gulf Coast.
UW APL has been testing microSWIFT buoy deployments from NOAA aircraft.