Surf Zone Mapping and Sensor Systems

A Surf Zone (SZ) Mapping and Sensor System based on bottom drifters that are relatively invulnerable to effects of breaking waves and that are moved by near bottom currents without using their own power will be further developed. Each drifter will be large enough to incorporate multiple sensors such as those used to measure bathymetry, waves, and surf. A number of drifters deployed in a SZ will form a mobile SZ measurement and mapping system. Data will be relayed via radio or satellite as drifters surface outside of a SZ due to transport by near bottom currents. A variant will map currents, bathymetry, and water properties in rivers and estuaries. Simplified Phase I option drifters that were built and field tested verified the preliminary design and overall concept. The Phase I preliminary design will serve as the basis of a Phase II detailed design. Several Phase II drifters with a complete set of sensors will be built, tested extensively in the field, and used in major field experiments. Performance of the entire system will be evaluated. Transition/commercialization activities, including field demonstrations, will be started with potential users.