Observation of Surface Water Temperature and Wave Height along the Coast of Pohang using Wave Gliders

Abstract

Wave Gliders were launched to observe the surface water temperature and wave height at Hwajin-ri and Josa-ri on the coast of Pohang for the 11 days from March 24th to April 3rd. Wave Gliders SV2 and SV3 were operated within a radius of 100 m at two sites at depths of about 30 similar to 40 m. Both vehicles were equipped with a weather sensor, wave height sensor, and camera. Additionally, a conductivity sensor was installed in the SV2. During the observation period, the average surface water temperature and significant wave height were 13.0 degrees C and 0.7 m, respectively. The differences in the surface water temperatures and significant wave heights measured by the Wave Gliders and Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) Wolpo buoy were within 0.5 degrees C and 0.03 m, respectively. This study confirmed that Wave Gliders can be used in coastal locations with fast currents of about 0.5 to 1 m/s and at low depths of about 30 to 40 m.