Texas Coastal Ocean Observation Network

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Texas Coastal Ocean Observation Network

• Dr. Patrick R. Michaud
• December 12, 2001

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TCOON Overview

• Started 1988
• Over 50 stations
• Primary Sponsors
• General Land Office
• Water Devel. Board
• US Corps of Eng
• Nat'l Ocean Service

Gulf of Mexico
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TCOON Overview

• Measurements
• Precise Water Levels
• Wind
• Temperature
• Barometric Pressure
• Follows NOAA/NOS standards
• Real-time, online database

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Typical TCOON Station

• Wind anemometer
• Radio Antenna
• Satellite Transmitter
• Solar Panels
• Data Collector
• Water Level Sensor
• Water Quality Sensor
• Current Meter

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Uses of TCOON Data

• Tidal Datums
• Littoral Boundaries
• Oil-Spill Response
• Navigation
• Storm Preparation/ Response
• Research

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Data Management

• Automated Acquisition, Archive, Processing,
  Retrieval
• 10-year Historical Database
• Most processing takes place via Internet
• Infrastructure for other observation systems

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Data ManagementDesign Principles

• Preserve source data
• Annotate instead of modify
• Automate as much as possible
• Maintain a standard interchange format
• Avoid complex or proprietary components
• Emphasize long-term reliability over short-term
  costs

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Other Real-Time Systems

• Real-time Navigation
• Port of Corpus Christi
• Port Freeport
• NOAA PORTS
• Water-Quality
• Nueces Bay Salinity
• Oso Creek Dissolved Oxygen
• Offshore Weather

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Research

• Real-time Automated Data Processing
• Tidal Datum Processing
• Web-based Visualization and Manipulation of
  Coastal Data
• Neural-Network-based forecasts from real-time
  observations
• Specialized sensor and data acquisition system
  development
• Support for other research efforts

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Neural Network Forecasting

• Reliable short-term predictions of effects of
  storm events

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New Data Collection Hardware

• PC-104 based computer
• Linux operating system
• Solid-state Flash memory
• 10 serial ports, 16 A/D channels
• Low power consumption
• Rugged for harsh environments

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Conclusions

• Long-term, data-rich observation network
• Web-based infrastructure for automated collection
  and processing of marine data
• Research in datum computation and coastal
  forecasting