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.
UW APL has been testing microSWIFT buoy deployments from NOAA aircraft.