68
interface depends on magnitude of local tides, where tides are great, stilling wells
may be required at lengths greater than 10 m introducing several sources of uncertainty to the reading. Modern pneumatic and acoustic tide sensing systems incorporate the stilling well design (Fig. 3.1).
Meteorological systems, measuring such variables as temperature, humidity,
wind, atmospheric pressure and solar irradiance, constitute essential units for
coastal ocean observing. Instrument platforms as simple as telephone posts, or a
variety of dedicated structures in the form of tripods or guywire-supported towers
may be emplaced on land or upon existing docks. Lightweight aluminum open
frames are favored for tower construction. Such platforms are normally mounted on
concrete pads. Commercial housing sheds, analogous to those seen along major
highways controlling traffic lights and other systems, can be used to house electronics and computers driving such mentioned systems. These sheds can incorporate air
Fig. 3.1 Stilling well at
the Magueyes Island
NOAA tide station in
southeastern Puerto Rico
incorporating a pneumatic
bubble gauge
3 Platforms for Coastal Ocean Observing
interface depends on magnitude of local tides, where tides are great, stilling wells
may be required at lengths greater than 10 m introducing several sources of uncertainty to the reading. Modern pneumatic and acoustic tide sensing systems incorporate the stilling well design (Fig. 3.1).
Meteorological systems, measuring such variables as temperature, humidity,
wind, atmospheric pressure and solar irradiance, constitute essential units for
coastal ocean observing. Instrument platforms as simple as telephone posts, or a
variety of dedicated structures in the form of tripods or guywire-supported towers
may be emplaced on land or upon existing docks. Lightweight aluminum open
frames are favored for tower construction. Such platforms are normally mounted on
concrete pads. Commercial housing sheds, analogous to those seen along major
highways controlling traffic lights and other systems, can be used to house electronics and computers driving such mentioned systems. These sheds can incorporate air
Fig. 3.1 Stilling well at
the Magueyes Island
NOAA tide station in
southeastern Puerto Rico
incorporating a pneumatic
bubble gauge
3 Platforms for Coastal Ocean Observing