Multi-Source Sensor Simulation for Decision-Making Systems

The objective of this proposal is to demonstrate the feasibility of measuringin-situ the parameters necessary for the calculation of heat and momentum fluxat the air-sea interface under very calm to moderate sea conditions. TheMicro-Buoy proposed here will provide an off the shelf solution for themeasurement of the near surface fluxes at a cost low enough to permit multiplesynoptic deployment. Multiple buoy deployments will enable a better understandingof the local variability on time and space scales of order of seconds and metersto days and kilometers. The Micro-Buoy is fitted with the eddy correlation heatand mass flux instrumentation. With this package the heat and momentum flux isfound at both sides of the air-sea interface. Measurements within a distance lessthan the significant wave height are difficult due to imperfect coupling to the seasurface of the measurement platform. The Micro-Buoy will allow accurate,high-resolution measurement of temperature and velocity micro-structure to withinfractions of a meter of the water surface. Once the Micro-Buoy technology isdeveloped, custom sensor packages will also be possible in addition to a standardset of sensor packages through the implementation of a modular design strategy.The expected market for the Micro-Buoys is the scientific community includingvarious governmental agencies, academic institutions and the offshore oil industry.All of these parties have an interest in low-cost accurate assessment of the oceanenvironment and the air-sea surface fluxes of heat and momentum.