Directional Wave Spectral Data from a Large Discus Buoy

A 12-meter diameter discus buoy was instrumented by the NOAA Data Buoy Office (NDBO) for the measurement and near-real-time reporting of wave directional spectra. Time series of buoy heave displacement, pitch, roll, and heading angles were processed into covariance functions on board the buoy. The covariances were then telemetered to shore for further processing into a Fourier series azimuthal approximation of the wave energy frequency/direction spectrum. The data processing procedures are described and examples of the data are presented herein. Plans for continued development of the technique are also outlined.