Wireless Marine Environmental Observations

Steve Ruberg
OAR/Great Lakes Environmental Research Lab

Wireless LAN technology is changing the way marine environmental data is collected and is providing opportunities for the use of data not only for the scientific community but for the public and educators as well. The Great Lakes Environmental Research Lab is currently using Cellular Digital Packet Data (CDPD) technology to access marine weather data at our Chicago monitoring network node providing a "wireless IP address". The existing CDPD-based system has proven to be a valuable data collection tool for researchers, NWS marine forecasters and the general public.In addition, GLERL is planning a portable underwater observatory utilizing 2.4 GHz wireless LAN technology based on IEEE standard 802.11a.

The Lake Michigan portable observatory will provide real-time observations of chemical, biological, and physical parameters at locations throughout the Great Lakes including GLERL's meteorological monitoring station offshore of Chicago, IL. The system will allow data collection during extreme weather events, facilitate studies of coastal processes, support long term research, support sensor and system development efforts, and serve as a tool for public outreach and education. The system will include a buoy-mounted, wireless radio frequency link and an underwater hub designed to allow expansion via satellite nodes. A wireless approach will allow cost-effective, real-time monitoring of large spatial areas and will be easily relocated. The system architecture will be designed to allow simple integration of sensors from various institutions through guest ports. Access to instrumentation will be made available to the scientific community, educational institutions, and the public through the internet.

Conference Center - Paper Tuesday - 1:40 - 2:00 P.M.