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© Springer International Publishing AG, part of Springer Nature 2018
J. E. Corredor, Coastal Ocean Observing,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-78352-9_3
Chapter 3
Platforms for Coastal Ocean Observing
Abstract Instrument platforms, static or mobile, are essential to the observing
mission providing not only load bearing surface and housing but also electrical
power, telemetry, and, in case of mobile systems, propulsion and navigation.
Instrument platforms have evolved from shoreline pilings and manned surface vessels to sophisticated systems including instrumented buoys; autonomous underwater vehicles and other robotic vehicles on, in, or near the water (such as shore-based
emplacements); and aircraft or satellite platforms for remote sensing. In this chapter, we discuss both the variety of platforms available and best practices of coupling
instrument to platforms.
Keywords Docks · Towers · Pilings · Buoys · Bottom emplacements · Manned
vessels · Autonomous vehicles · Satellites
3.1 Fixed Ocean Observing Platforms
3.1.1 Land-Based Ocean Observing Platforms
Tidal observations are undoubtedly the pioneers of ocean observing being mentioned by Aristotle (384–382 BC) and Ptolemy (90–168 AD). Initial quantification
was performed using a graduated tide staff affixed to an appropriate dock, bulwark or piling. Poor precision caused by sometimes violent wave action led to the
development of stilling wells, partially enclosed cylinders that smooth out violent
short-term surface displacements. Mechanical floating recorders could then provide
accurate tidal readings. Stilling wells are essentially vertical pipes mounted across
the air-water interface communicated to the outside medium across perforations
and/or baffles designed to mechanically dampen wave action in order to allow a
more accurate reading. Depth of the well that must at all time traverse the air-sea
The original version of this chapter was revised. A correction to this chapter can be found at
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-78352-9_9
© Springer International Publishing AG, part of Springer Nature 2018
J. E. Corredor, Coastal Ocean Observing,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-78352-9_3
Chapter 3
Platforms for Coastal Ocean Observing
Abstract Instrument platforms, static or mobile, are essential to the observing
mission providing not only load bearing surface and housing but also electrical
power, telemetry, and, in case of mobile systems, propulsion and navigation.
Instrument platforms have evolved from shoreline pilings and manned surface vessels to sophisticated systems including instrumented buoys; autonomous underwater vehicles and other robotic vehicles on, in, or near the water (such as shore-based
emplacements); and aircraft or satellite platforms for remote sensing. In this chapter, we discuss both the variety of platforms available and best practices of coupling
instrument to platforms.
Keywords Docks · Towers · Pilings · Buoys · Bottom emplacements · Manned
vessels · Autonomous vehicles · Satellites
3.1 Fixed Ocean Observing Platforms
3.1.1 Land-Based Ocean Observing Platforms
Tidal observations are undoubtedly the pioneers of ocean observing being mentioned by Aristotle (384–382 BC) and Ptolemy (90–168 AD). Initial quantification
was performed using a graduated tide staff affixed to an appropriate dock, bulwark or piling. Poor precision caused by sometimes violent wave action led to the
development of stilling wells, partially enclosed cylinders that smooth out violent
short-term surface displacements. Mechanical floating recorders could then provide
accurate tidal readings. Stilling wells are essentially vertical pipes mounted across
the air-water interface communicated to the outside medium across perforations
and/or baffles designed to mechanically dampen wave action in order to allow a
more accurate reading. Depth of the well that must at all time traverse the air-sea
The original version of this chapter was revised. A correction to this chapter can be found at
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-78352-9_9