Page 29: of Marine Technology Magazine (June 2020)

Figure 1: NWS Great

Lakes Signifcant Wave

Height Forecast Map

Image: Seaview Systems

Great Lakes Observing System and the

Great Lakes Research Center

The Great Lakes Observing System (GLOS) is one of eleven regional associations of the Integrated Ocean Observing Sys- tem (IOOS), working to enhance the ability to collect, deliver, and use ocean and Great Lakes information. GLOS is a con- sortium of academic, private and governmental bodies that provide real-time wave and water quality data at over seventy locations throughout the Great Lakes.

The Marine Engineering Lab of the Great Lakes Research

Center (GLRC), directed by Dr Guy Meadows at Michigan

Technological University in Houghton, MI, is one GLOS or- ganization providing vital wave observations using SeaView’s

SVS-603 wave sensor. “The Straits of Mackinac is a dynamic and complex location within which to make accurate wave measurements,” explained Dr Meadows.

Prior Solutions for Wave Measurement

Cobalt Series dry-mate connectors ofer the same

For decades, the standard approach to wave measurement reliability as larger subsea connectors, but at a has been the use of dedicated buoys that have been devel- fracton of the size and cost. Rated to 600 meters.

oped around an electro-mechanical system. These systems have become something of a standard with their hull behav-

Simple. Reliable. Compact.

ior well-documented but they suffer from several shortcom- ings. Because they are built around a spherical buoy hull that

Made in the USA and in stock for immediate delivery.

is designed to accurately follow the surface of the water as waves pass beneath it, they are not well suited to the addi- www.bluetrailengineering.com tion of other sensors such as anemometers that are desirable [email protected] to have co-located with wave measurements. The electro-me- 720-526-6388 www.marinetechnologynews.com

Marine Technology Reporter 29