Configuration of the Data Buoy Network from 2009 to 2014 (RON 3.0)
In the most recent years, in particular from 2009 to 2014, ISPRA’s Data Buoy Network has been completely renewed: the WatchKeeper™ directional meteo-marine buoys, produced by the Canadian company AXYS Ltd, have been adopted. This buoys are equipped with oceanographic and solid state sensors completely similar to those already used in the RON since 2002; in addition, the buoys include solid state sensors for measuring meteorological parameters (air and water temperature, relative humidity, atmospheric pressure, wind speed and direction), a radar reflector and a marine light for night signaling with a flashing sequence configured according to the ODAS/IALA standard. Data, referred to a 30-minute period (half hour), are acquired in real-time remote sensing and inserted into WMO’s international network Global Telecommunication System (GTS) to be shared within the meteorological and oceanographic communities coordinated through the international programme Data Buoy Cooperation Panel (DBCP).
Key Features of the monitoring network operational during that period are illustrated in “The Italian Data Buoy Network (RON)”, DOI: 10.2495/AFM120291.
Configuration of the Data Buoy Network from 2002 to 2009 (RON 2.0)
In 2002 the RON was significantly expanded and its buoy field used for monitoring was completely renewed. The TRIAXYS™ data buoys, produced by the Canadian company AXYS Ltd, were adopted.
The total number of monitoring stations was increased to 14 introducing 4 new buoys moored offshore Civitavecchia, Palermo, Punta della Maestra (at the mouth of the river Po) and Siniscola. In 2007 the number of monitoring stations was increased to 15 introducing a buoy offshore Cagliari.
There were not variations between the parameters observed in that period and the measurements taken since 1989. The use of solid state sensors and the increase of sampling frequency are the main differences compared with the previous version of the network. Furthermore, the satellite tracking system was changed to Immarsat D+. Data, referred to a 30-minute period (half hour), were anyway transmitted via remote sensing every 3 hours.
Configuration of the Data Buoy Network from 1999 to 2002 (RON 1.1)
During 1999 some changes were introduced to the original network which was increased to 10 stations introducing one buoy offshore Ancona and another one offshore Cetraro. The devices adopted in the two new stations, and experimentally in the Catania station, were Directional Waverider™ buoys from the Dutch company Datawell BV.
Configuration of the Data Buoy Network from 1989 to 1999 (RON 1.0)
The original data buoy network consisted of 8 buoys able to measure the parameters of wave propagation direction and water temperature. The stations were integrated with a shore center for reception and processing of data transmitted from the buoy via remote sensing.
The devices adopted were WAVEC™, spherical shaped, buoys from the Dutch company Datawell BV, deployed offshore La Spezia, Alghero, Ortona, Ponza, Monopoli, Crotone, Catania e Mazara. Each buoy was moored to the seabed at 100 meters depth and equipped with a tracking system using ARGOS satellite for continuous position checking. Data were generally acquired over periods of about 30 minutes every 3 hours (three-hourly) and with lower intervals in the case of particularly significant storm surges.
Key features of the monitoring network operational during that period are illustrated in “The italian waves measurement network”, ISSN: 2156-1028.