Wave measurements from NDBC buoys and C-MAN stations

Abstract

Since the U.S. National Data Buoy Center (NDBC) deployed the first wave measuring buoy in 1973, its wave measurement network has grown very quickly. Now, all of NDBC's 71 moored buoys and 6 of its C-MAN stations measure and report ocean waves. Nineteen of the 71 buoys also measure directional waves. Over the years, NDBC has collected a huge amount of wave data. This paper briefly reviews the history of NDBC wave measurements. The basic concepts and theories of operations of NDBC wave systems are also discussed. Then, the current status and future plans for the NDBC wave measurement network are presented.