Intelligent Buoy System (INBUS): Automatic Lifting Observation System for Macrotidal Coastal Waters

The west coast of South Korea is characterized by a wide macrotidal area with maximum tidal range ?10 m. sea surface elevation varies the phase, which leads to significant changes in vertical structure physical, chemical, and biological properties water column, especially when interaction waves and/or freshwater sediment input from river increases. Under such conditions, it difficult carry out continuous consistent measurements structures qualities using conventional observation system that fixed seabed or because thickness column constantly changes. Based on demand for long-term observations environments, Intelligent Buoy System (INBUS) was developed Institute Ocean Science Technology (KIOST). INBUS buoy equipped an instrument frame, similar other buoys are surface. During every measurement, detects depth sends frame down measure quality at level set up system. For example, if N levels INBUS, each measurement divided layers instruments lifting while they descending bottom. this procedure, consistently measured regardless due tides waves. measuring process automatically controlled once In addition, allows bidirectional communication through code division multiple access (CDMA), can be stations land. If CDMA becomes inoperable owing extreme wave conditions lost incidents as collision ship, location tracked low-earth-orbit satellites.