Real-Time Data Resources from Ocean Observing Systems
Buoys and Shore Stations
To study changes in local environments, scientists use buoys or land-based stations outfitted with meteorological and in-water instruments. Because the atmosphere and ocean are intimately linked, it is important to collect basic weather data, over land and water, as part of the observatory array. Sensors in the water can provide information on current flows and water quality. Buoys are also used to relay information from underwater sensors to satellites for transmission back to scientists on shore. By collecting data at buoys and stations over long periods, long-term changes can be observed as well as the impact of short-term events on the local ecosystem.
- NERRS Monitoring
Sites
Provides access to real-time and archived water quality and weather data from over two-dozen Estuarine Reserves across the nation. Real-time data can be observed as time-series plots or gauges. User-generated archive plots and raw data downloads are also available. - Caro-COOPS
Weather and water data from an array of coastal buoys off South Carolina are available on this well designed and easy-to-use site. Surface weather, water temperature, salinity, currents and more, are easily viewed in real-time gauges, recent time-series plots, or from a fully customizable archive data interface. - National Data
Buoy Center
Easy access to real-time weather and wave data from buoys and coastal stations around the world. Data can be quickly downloaded and imported into Excel. - MySound
Weather, wave and water quality data from several buoy stations in Long Island Sound. - COMPS
Weather and water data on the West Florida Shelf. - Texas
Automated Buoy System
Winds and currents from buoys off the Texas Coast. - Eyes on
the Bay
A comprehensive web site containing real-time water quality monitoring data for the Chesapeake Bay, along with several lesson plans. - Chesapeake Bay Observing
System
Access real-time data from several buoys in the Chesapeake Bay. Users can create custom plots using the “Data Center” tool. - USGS
Streamflow Conditions
This site provides real-time streamflow data from hundreds of rivers across the nation. Maps show current streamflow conditions, and provide easy access to recent plots of streamflow and groundwater levels. Unfortunately, archived data is sometimes hard to get to. - Great
Bay Buoy (New Hampshire)
While this site only features real-time data from a single buoy data near Portsmouth, NH, it is noteworthy to investigate because of the innovative way the real-time data is shown in relationship to climatological means. - Alabama Water
Watch
Water quality data for several rivers in the state of Alabama. - Tidal
Predictions & More
This newly revised site features an excellent tool for creating graphs of tidal predictions, and comparing predicted tides with actual sea level measurements. Water measurements are available from NOAA’s coastal stations and PORTS system, and sea level trend plots provide for interesting study.
