Results of the National Data Buoy Center (NDBC) Commissioning Process on the Tropical Atmosphere Ocean (TAO) technology refreshed system

Abstract

The Tropical Atmosphere Ocean/Triangle Trans-Ocean Buoy Network (TAO/TRITON) moored buoy array is a central component of the El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) Observing System to support research and forecasting of El Nino and La Nina. During the transition of the TAO array from Research to Operations, it was decided to refresh the TAO system by replacing the obsolescent components to ensure ongoing continuity of the TAO array. The major refreshed components include the data logger, subsurface conductivity/temperature (CT) sensors, and the compass for measurement of wind direction. Meanwhile, to increase the transmission frequency and transmitted data volume, NDBC determined that the Iridium communication system was ideal for the refreshed TAO system so that high temporal resolution data could be transmitted to NDBC each hour in near real-time. Accordingly, the shore-side data system for data ingest, processing, quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC), and display were modified and enhanced. To ensure the continuity and supportability of long-term ocean climate data, the TAO operations and refresh efforts follow the ten Climate Principles. NDBC designed, fabricated, integrated, and deployed several refreshed TAO buoy system to ensure sustained and smooth operations of the TAO array. To make sure that the refreshed TAO system can provide equal or better data quality from the refreshed TAO buoy system, various lab and field tests were conducted so far: (1) A lab test was conducted at NDBC by comparing the existing TAO and the refreshed TAO systems; (2) Two refreshed TAO buoys were deployed in the Gulf of Mexico for field testing; and (3) eleven refreshed TAO buoys were deployed in the Pacific Ocean next to existing TAO buoys for inter-comparison testing in the field. In addition to the Climate Principles and following all of the above parallel testing, NDBC also followed its internal process for “Commissioning New Buoys”. This paper highlights the testing that was completed in support of the Climate Principles as well as the additional support planning, support preparations, and testing required for the NDBC “Commissioning Process”. The additional Commissioning Process addresses supportability and performance aspects of the refreshed TAO system. The goal is to ensure successful and sustainable network operations.