How to ensure real-time access to Antarctic tide data
The SATGN is maintained and operated by the National Oceanography Centre, which is the UK centre of excellence for sea level monitoring, coastal flood forecasting and the analysis of sea levels. It is the focus for marine water level research in the UK and for the provision of advice for policymakers, planners and coastal engineers.
The SATGN measures sea levels in some of the most remote places on Earth. Monitoring sites include Antarctic locations such as Rothera and Vernadsky; located around 1,400 km below the southern tip of Argentina. Prior to the installation of this network, there was a lack of information on sea-level variations in the Southern Atlantic and bias in tide gauge records towards the more densely populated Northern hemisphere. Over the last 30 years, data from the SATGN have improved estimates of global sea-level change, such as those reported by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
The NOC at Liverpool operates and maintains the SATGN providing near real-time sea-level data for operational purposes and scientific research. This has helped to provide a long-term sea-level record that is used by UK scientists and the wider scientific community to monitor the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC) variability. The data is also being used to help in the ‘ground-truthing’ of satellite altimetry as well as the evaluation of climate variability on various timescales including longer-term changes. In addition, the data is being used by local communities to provide essential information for both government and port authorities.
Summary
By upgrading to the SatLink3 logger/transmitter, the NOC is enhancing the resilience of the South Atlantic Tide Gauge Network. Jeff Pugh from the Marine Physics and Ocean Climate Group at the NOC, says: “The data from this network informs models that assist with projections relating to climate change, and others which provide advance warnings that can help protect life and property. Given the remote locations of the monitoring sites, it is vitally important, therefore, that the instruments are extremely reliable, operating on low power, with very little requirement for service or spares. By transmitting almost live data via satellite, these monitoring systems enable the models to deliver timely warnings; advance notice of tsunami, for example, can be of critical importance.”
Sutron SatLink 3 GOES Data Logger
The World’s First Wi-Fi Multi-Communications Logging Transmitter
Sutron’s SatLink3 provides a cost-effective way to measure, log, calculate and transmit data from remote locations around the world. The unit monitors 32 independent measurements of most hydrological, meteorological, environmental or related sensors.
- WiFi USB-Host USB-Device RS-232 Satellite Cellular Data Logger
- The Industry's First Wi-Fi Multi-Communications Logging Transmitter
- Yes
- SDI-12, RS-232, Analog, Digital, RS-485, 4-20mA
OTT PLS - Pressure Level Sensor
Robust ceramic pressure transducer for water level measurement
The OTT PLS, SDI-12 or 4 ... 20 mA pressure probe, measures water level, depth to water, or pressure using an integrated controller and ceramic pressure-measuring cell.
- Surface water Groundwater
- Vented pressure cell
- Water level, Pressure, Temperature
- Water level and temperature measurement - for use with external data logger
- 0 … 4, 10, 20, 40, and 100 m
- ± 0.05% FS
- No
- SDI-12, RS-485 (using SDI-12), or 4 … 20 mA
Monitoring/telemetry system upgrade and Sensors
Monitoring/telemetry system upgrade
In recent years, the SATGN has undergone a refurbishment programme to reduce running costs and to safeguard local populations and infrastructure by providing tsunami monitoring capability and improving resilience. These new gauges couple Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) land level monitoring technology with tsunami capable radar and pressure sensors, transmitting data in near real-time by satellite-based communications systems to operational monitoring centres.
As part of this NOC ongoing program, the tide gauges’ main datalogger and transmitter have been upgraded to incorporate OTT’s new Sutron SatLink3. The first site to receive this upgrade was the Vernadsky station located in Antarctica, which is now operated by Ukrainian scientists and is soon to be followed by the tide gauge at King Edward point, on the South Georgia islands.
A further advantage of the upgrade is the SUTRON SatLink3’s ability to communicate via Wi-Fi with wireless devices, including smartphones, tablets and computers. This means that local staff can connect wirelessly to the logger from a few metres away, which is a major advantage during inclement weather conditions.
Sensors
The SatLink3 data logger is capable of accepting readings from a wide variety of sensors, with 2 independent SDI-12 channels, 5 analogue channels, one 4-20 mA channel and 2 digital inputs. The Vernadsky station includes a barometric pressure sensor, a radar level sensor installed over a heated/insulated stilling well (keeps the inner core free of ice), and two OTT PLS pressure level sensors that provide accurate measurements of water depth.
The network is using the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) to transmit data. GOES is operated by the United States' National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)'s National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service. One minute averaged data is transmitted every 15 minutes. The data is then made freely available on the IOC Sea Level Station Monitoring Facility web site.