Application of a large ocean observation Buoy in the middle area of the Yellow Sea

Abstract

Yellow Sea Buoy (YSB) was moored in the center of the Yellow Sea at 35°51′36″N, 124°34′42″E, on 12 September 2007. YSB is a large buoy of 10 m diameter, and as such is more durable against collision by ships and less likely to be lost or removed by fishing nets compared to small ordinary buoys of 2.3 m diameter. YSB is equipped with 12 kinds of oceanic and meteorologic instruments, and transfers its realtime observation data to KORDI through ORBCOMM system every 1 hour. Data on ocean winds, air temperature, air pressure, and sea temperature appear to be accurate, while water property sensors (AAQ1183), which are sensitive to fouling, are producing errors. YSB (2007), Ieodo ocean research station (2003), and Gageocho ocean research station, which was completed in October 2009, will establish the 2 degrees interval by latitude in the Yellow Sea, and they will contribute though the 'Operational Oceanography System' as the important realtime observation network.