ProjectdetailsTemp Project Details^?

ProjectOutlineTemp Project Outline^?

ProjectDetailsTemp Project Details^?

WaveDefinition Wave Characteristics

NextPage1 icon^? Coastal Erosion and Waves

Wave Links

Model Predictions: Today's Wave Conditions for the Gulf of Mexico

http://www.oceanweather.com/data/index.html OceanWeather.com

This animated site includes Java Loop with wave magnitude and direction.

Weather Links

Infrared Gulf Images

http://www.ssd.noaa.gov/PS/TROP/DATA/RT/gmex-ir4-loop.html NOAA Images

NOAA Real Time GOES Imagery

HyperlinksNote A Note About Hyperlinks^?

See Waves Breaking Along the Texas Coast

Click on a camera in the map below to view current wave conditions at that location. These cameras are maintained by independent entities and are not operated by DNR or TAMU-CC. In some browsers, you can hover over a flag to determine which station you are pointing at.

Why Monitor Waves along the Texas Coast?

Post-Tropical Storm Fay, September 2002, Bolivar Peninsula: Caplan, Bluestein Courtesy of: Galveston County Office of Emergency Management

Coastal erosion is both an economic and resource management problem, particularly for the communities of Galveston, Corpus Christi, and South Padre Island. The successful management of beaches and other natural resources bordering the Gulf of Mexico are dependent upon the understanding of the coastal processes acting along the Texas coast. Accurate wave measurements are the root of that understanding.

Contaminant spills such as oil spills endanger habitat in coastal regions. Real time wave observations can assist spill responders in tracking the path of such spills and determining the best methods to contain them.

Navigation at entrances to ship channels can be dangerous in the best of weather conditions. Ship pilates will have access to wave measurements to assist them in safely navigating these channels.

Who Needs and Uses Wave Data?

Many sectors of the community including Ports/Navigation, Engineers, Resource Agencies, Civic planners and recreational interests all benefit from easily accessible wave information. Only a few continuously functioning WaveMonitoringStations monitoring stations^? are located in the Gulf of Mexico near to the Texas coast. Furthermore, there are no monitoring stations collecting wave data within 20 miles of the coast.

Scientists are particularly interested in acquiring wave data that will be applied to characterize the energy that forces erosion along the Barrier Islands of Texas. The Texas General Land Office sponsors this project in an effort to provide the most up-to-the-minute wave data to scientists. This will enhance research efforts focused on understanding how the wave climate drives erosion of the Texas shoreline. In addition, this information will provide a valuable tool assisting resource agencies and coastal communities in determining the best methods of protecting and preserving our beaches for future generations.

Resource Agencies utilize the information generated from archived wave data to determine effect environmental management practices. This includes the management of natural resources such as barrier island beaches and the management of environmental offenders such as contimate spills.

Navigation interests in the Gulf of Mexico and in particular those utilizing the Port Aransas Ship Channel will benefit from continuously updated wave information provided on the internet.

Recreational users such as surfers, beach visitors, fishermen, boaters, windsurfers and kite sailers can all benefit from the wave observations provided for the Texas Coast.

What does it Mean When Forecasters Say "Seas 4-6 ft"?

Waves are typically described by terminology such as, " It's 4-6 ft @ 10-15 seconds". This means that the average height of the largest 33% of the waves is 4-6 ft and that the average period (time between wave crests) of the most prevalent waves is 10-15 seconds. This type of description provides an idea of the average size of the waves, but there are often two types of waves reports available dependent on the coastal region of interest: SeaSwellDefinition Seas^? and SeaSwellDefinition Swell^?.

WaveAnalysis Two types of analysis^? are applied to produce descriptions of wave climate over time: Statistical and spectral analysis.

Access Real-Time Wave Observations

http://dnr.cbi.tamucc.edu/qc/098/today,yesterday See Graphs of Yesterdays and Todays Data for NWS Platform NOTE: No wave or current data collection at this time due to lack of funding.

http://dnr.cbi.tamucc.edu/qc/100/today,yesterday See Graphs of Yesterdays and Todays Data for RTNS Platform NOTE: No wave data collection at this time. This station is being upgraded (Sponsor: Port of Corpus Christi) and anticipate that data collection will resume by Summer 2005.

Click on a station in the map below to view current conditions at that location. In some browsers, you can hover over a flag to determine which station you are pointing at.

098: NWS Weather Station 1  (27° 44' 58" N, 96° 46'  7" W) 100: RTNS Offshore  (27° 45' 24" N, 96° 58' 54" W)

http://dnr.cbi.tamucc.edu/qc/100/today,yesterday See Graphs of Yesterdays and Todays Data for RTNS Platform NOTE: No wave data collection at this time. This station is being upgraded (Sponsor: Port of Corpus Christi) and anticipate that data collection will resume by Spring 2005.

WaveCharacteristics^? Wave Characteristics

WaveDefinition Wave Characteristics

http://dnr.cbi.tamucc.edu/qc/100/today,yesterday See Graphs of Yesterdays and Todays Data for RTNS Platform NOTE: No wave data collection at this time. This station is being upgraded (Sponsor: Port of Corpus Christi) and data collection will resume Spring 2005.

http://dnr.cbi.tamucc.edu/qc/098/today,yesterday See Graphs of Yesterdays and Todays Data for NWS Platform

http://dnr.cbi.tamucc.edu/qc/100/today,yesterday See Graphs of Yesterdays and Todays Data for RTNS Platform NOTE: No wave data collection at this time. This station is being upgraded and data collection will resume Spring 2005.

http://dnr.cbi.tamucc.edu/qc/100/today,yesterday See Graphs of Yesterdays and Todays Data for RTNS Platform

AnalysisData See Wave Analysis for the NWS Monitoring Station^?

[AnalysisData See Wave Analysis for the NWS Monitoring Station]

[WaveAnalysisData^? See Wave Analysis for the NWS Monitoring Station]

This system provides online access to wave measurements and information describing WaveDefinition wave characteristics^? observed in the Gulf of Mexico. Two monitoring stations are located along the Texas Coast near Port Aransas. http://dnr.cbi.tamucc.edu/overview/098 The National Weather Service monitoring station is located 15 NauticalDefinition nautical miles^? offshore. http://dnr.cbi.tamucc.edu/overview/100 The Real Time Navigation System monitoring station is located 3 nautical miles offshore. StationDetails

This project is sponsored by the http://www.glo.state.tx.us/Texas General Land Office and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration through a TGLO administered http://www.glo.state.tx.us/coastal/cmp.html Texas Coastal Management Program grant.

This project is sponsored by a http://www.glo.state.tx.us/Texas General Land Office administered http://www.glo.state.tx.us/coastal/cmp.html Coastal Management Program grant.

WaveDefinition Wave Characteristics

[WaveDefinition Wave Characteristics]

Waves are typically described by terminology such as, " It's 4-6 ft @ 10-15 seconds". This means that the average height of the largest 33% of the waves is 4-6 ft and that the average period (time between wave crests) of the most prevalent swell is 10-15 seconds. This type of description provides an idea of the average size of the waves, but there are often two types of waves reported: SeaSwellDefinition Seas^? and SeaSwellDefinition Swell^?.

http://dnr.cbi.tamucc.edu/qc/099/today,yesterday See Graphs of Yesterdays and Todays Data for RTNS Platform

Waves are typically described by terminology such as, " It's 4-6 ft @ 10-15 seconds". This means that the average height of the largest 33% of the waves is 4-6 ft and that the average period (time between wave crests) of the most prevalent swell is 10-15 seconds. This type of description provides an idea of the average size of the waves, but there are two types of wave measurements: SeaSwellDefinition Significant Seas^? and SeaSwellDefinition Swell^?.

SeaSwellSurfer What does this mean to a surfer?^?

SeaSignificantMariner What does this mean to a mariner?^?

What does it Mean When Forecasters Say Seas 4-6 ft?

There are two attributes used to measure open ocean waves: Height and Period. Wave height is the distance from a wave's trough to its crest (i.e. amplitude). The crest is the top of an unbroken wave, the trough is at the bottom of the front of the wave. Wave period is the amount of time (in seconds) it takes from the moment one wave crest passes a fixed point until a second wave crest passes that same point. In general, if you have a choice between obtaining Significant Sea or Swell data, use Swell data. Significant Seas don’t exist in the real world from a surfing perspective. "Seas" are the combined sum of the heights of all waves present at the reporting station. Think of it as the average wave size. For example, it there is a 5 ft swell coming from the north, and a 3 ft swell coming from the south, it would be reported as a 6 ft sea. ('Seas' are actually the square root of the sum of the squares of all wave energy present). Add in a bunch of open-ocean chop and it really starts to skew the results. Surfers don't typically ride two separate waves coming from two different directions simultaneously. So the seas measurement is actually overstates actual wave size.

But if you're in a boat at sea, significant sea heights are very important. They help set an expectation concerning the size of waves you might encounter. If you're in or near a major fetch area (a storm), waves of different heights and period momentarily combine as they pass through each other to form larger waves. It makes no difference whether it's chop or swell. On average, about 15% of waves will equal or exceed the significant wave height. The highest 10% of waves could be 25-30% higher than the significant wave height. And on occasion (about one per hour) one can expect to see a wave nearly twice the significant wave height. And then there are rogue waves, those that exceed twice the significant wave height. For example, in 1933 the USS Ramapo reported encountering a record 112 ft wave. On September 6th 1995, the ship Teal Arrow was in the center of Hurricane Luis where central pressure was measured at 942 mbs. The ship reported sustained winds of 64 kts and later at 99 kts. Gust were 125 kts and wave heights to 50 ft were reported. But on September 11th, during the same hurricane, the Queen Elizabeth 2 (QE2^?) hit a 95 ft wave 200 nmiles south of eastern Newfoundland and 120 nmiles southeast of Luis's center. In these cases the large waves were probably the result of 2 large waves traveling at about the same speed/period momentarily combining to form one giant wave. In 1995, the QE2^? was reporting significant seas of 46 ft and winds were sustained at 80 kts with gusts over 100 kts. A nearby Canadian buoy reported peak waves of 98 ft at about the same time. Clearly they were in the middle of a storm. Statistically, one would have expected the QE2^? to encounter about 1 wave twice the significant sea height once per hour (46 ft x 2 = 92 ft). It is theorized that such waves don’t last for more than a minute or so, as slight differences in speed cause them to separate. And once seas escape their source, and start to travel long distances, these raw wind waves start getting groomed into swells, and their highly variable character fades. On average, most boaters encounter waves that are only about 65% the height of the reported significant sea, since most avoid storms for obvious reasons.

From a surfing perspective, rogue waves are far from the norm, since surfing is near impossible in winds over 25 kts. Perhaps the largest wave a surfer will ever encounter on any particular day is that which is reported as the significant sea height. This happens when a ground swell and a locally generated wind wave coming from the same direction converge. But swells have more energy, and are easier to catch, so they will be what most of us ride. If both a swell and reasonably long period wind waves are present, then the upper limit one might experience could approach the significant sea height. Surfers and boaters notoriously overestimate the size of the waves they encounter, and statistically, significant sea measurements help sustain that practice. But, a far better measure of unbroken waves is the Swell height and period. Swell height is the 'average' height of the highest 1/3 of the most energetic swells present at that reporting station (a buoy), and is most likely what one would ride if surfing near that location. Likewise, swell period is the average period of the most energetic swells. Use swell data whenever possible.

Waves are typically described by terminology such as, " It's 4-6 ft @ 10-15 seconds". This means that the average height of the largest 33% of the waves is 4-6 ft and that the average period (time between wave crests) of the most prevalent swell is 10-15 seconds. This type of description provides an idea of the average size of the waves, but there are two types of wave measurements: SeaSwellDefinition Significant Seas^? and [[SeaSwellDefinition Swell].

Waves are typically described by terminology such as, " It's 4-6 ft @ 10-15 seconds". What this means is that the average height of the largest 33% of the waves are 4-6 ft and that the average period (time between wave crests) of the most prevalent swell is 10-15 seconds. This type of description provides an idea of the average size of the waves, but there are two types of wave measurements: Significant Seas and Swell.

Waves are typically described by terminology such as, " It's 4-6 ft @ 10-15 seconds". What this means is that the average height of the largest 33% of the waves are 4-6 ft and that the average period (time between wave crests) of the most prevalent swell is 10-15 seconds. This type of description provides an idea of the average size of the waves, but there are two types of wave measurements: Significant Seas and Swell.

What does this mean to a mariner?^?

What does it Mean When Forecasters Say 4-6 ft Seas?

What does it Mean When Forcasters Say 4-6 ft Seas?

This system provides online access to wave measurements and information describing WavesWaves wave characteristics^? observed in the Gulf of Mexico. Two monitoring stations are located along the Texas Coast near Port Aransas. http://dnr.cbi.tamucc.edu/overview/098 The National Weather Service monitoring station is located 15 NauticalDefinition nautical miles^? offshore. http://dnr.cbi.tamucc.edu/overview/100 The Real Time Navigation System monitoring station is located 3 nautical miles offshore. StationDetails

NextPage1 icon^? Coastal Erosion and Waves

See Waves Breaking Along the Texas Coast

NextPage1 Coastal Erosion and Waves^?

• WaveGeneration How are Waves Generated?^?
• WavesMethods How Real-Time Wave Observations are Collected^?
• WavesInstruments Instrumentation and Monitoring Platform Characteristics^?
• WavesWaves What Waves are and How Waves Work^?
• WavesErosion Coastal Process and Erosion^?
• WavesTerms Wave Glossary^?
• WavesPublications Publications and Presentations^?
• WavesPhotos Photographs and Images^?
• WavesSurfSites^?
• WavesObservations Access Real-Time Observations Now^?
• WavesSponsors Project Sponsors^?

Project Details

http://www.ssd.noaa.gov/PS/TROP/DATA/RT/gmex-ir4-loop.html NOAA Images||NOAA Real Time GOES Imagery||

[[http://www.ssd.noaa.gov/PS/TROP/DATA/RT/gmex-ir4-loop.html NOAA Images]||NOAA Real Time GOES Imagery||

http://www.ssd.noaa.gov/PS/TROP/DATA/RT/gmex-ir4-loop.html NOAA Images||NOAA Real Time GOES Imagery||

Infrared Gulf Images NOAA

"""Infrared Gulf Images NOAA"""

Infrared Gulf Images NOAA Real Time GOES Imagery

NOAA Infrared http://www.ssd.noaa.gov/PS/TROP/DATA/RT/gmex-ir4-loop.html

This system provides online access to wave measurements and information describing WavesWaves wave characteristics^? observed in the Gulf of Mexico. Two monitoring stations are StationLocation located^? along the Texas Coast near Port Aransas. http://dnr.cbi.tamucc.edu/overview/098 The National Weather Service monitoring station is located 15 NauticalDefinition nautical miles^? offshore. http://dnr.cbi.tamucc.edu/overview/100 The Real Time Navigation System monitoring station is located 3 nautical miles offshore. StationDetails

This system provides information on WavesWaves wave characteristics^? observed in the Gulf of Mexico. Two monitoring stations are StationLocation located^? along the Texas Coast near Port Aransas. http://dnr.cbi.tamucc.edu/overview/098 The National Weather Service monitoring station is located 15 NauticalDefinition nautical miles^? offshore. http://dnr.cbi.tamucc.edu/overview/100 The Real Time Navigation System monitoring station is located 3 nautical miles offshore. StationDetails

SurfCam See Waves Breaking Along the Texas Coast^?

SurfCam Waves Breaking Along the Texas Coast^?

See Waves Breaking Along the Texas Coast

What Forces Drive Shoreline Erosion?

Direct wave action and CoastalProcesses longshore currents^? produced by WavesTerms incident waves^? are the main cause of coastal http://dnr.cbi.tamucc.edu/wiki/Waves/CoastalProcesses erosion along the Texas Coast. Waves are the primary force causing erosion along the coast. WavesDefinition Waves^? cause erosion in two ways, 1) Direct impact with the shoreline and 2) Formation of wave induced longshore currents. An observer can witness shoreline erosion as the forceful waves directly impact the shoreline. The second mechanism of erosion is less apparent to the naked eye. A longshore current develops when IncidentWaves incident waves^? approach the beach. As the front part of the wave hits the shallow water the wave slows down. The rest of the wave bends as it comes closer to the shore creating a current that parallels the beach. The current is directed alongshore away from the approaching wave direction (Figure #). The longshore current carries sediment that is suspended by breaking waves along with it as it flows alongshore. Larger waves, which strike the beach less often approach at greater angles, thereby creating stronger Longshore currents. Areas with developed longshore currents are often identified by an established system of longshore sand bars.

How are Waves Measured?

There are several WaveMethodsInstruments methods and associated instrumentation^? that may be applied to measure waves in the coastal environment including pressure gauges, directional bouys and Acoustic Doppler Velocimeters. An http://www.rdinstruments.com/waves.html Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler was selected for deployment along the Texas coast because this instrument provides a way to measure waves and currents at the same time. The ADCP™ measures a complete frequency-direction wave spectrum and can operate in shallow and deep waters. In addition the ADCP™ is capable of distinguishing waves from multiple directions and operates with less risk of loss or damage than a directional wave bouy. This instrument was selected to help scientists gain the greatest information about the wave climate by it measuring velocity profiles, water level and wave frequency-direction spectra at once.

http://www.rdinstruments.com/pdfs/WavePrimer.pdf A detailed description of the principles of wave measurement by acoustic doppler current profiler

Waves are the primary force causing erosion along the coast. Wavesdefinition Waves^? cause erosion in two ways, 1) Direct impact with the shoreline and 2) Formation of wave induced longshore currents. An observer can witness shoreline erosion as the forceful waves directly impact the shoreline. The second mechanism of erosion is less apparent to the naked eye. A longshore current develops when IncidentWaves incident waves^? approach the beach. As the front part of the wave hits the shallow water the wave slows down. The rest of the wave bends as it comes closer to the shore creating a current that parallels the beach. The current is directed alongshore away from the approaching wave direction (Figure #). The longshore current carries sediment that is suspended by breaking waves along with it as it flows alongshore. Larger waves, which strike the beach less often approach at greater angles, thereby creating stronger Longshore currents. Areas with developed longshore currents are often identified by an established system of longshore sand bars.

Waves are the primary force causing erosion along the coast. Waves cause erosion in two ways, 1) Direct impact with the shoreline and 2) Formation of wave induced longshore currents. An observer can witness shoreline erosion as the forceful waves directly impact the shoreline. The second mechanism of erosion is less apparent to the naked eye. A longshore current develops when IncidentWaves incident waves^? approach the beach. As the front part of the wave hits the shallow water the wave slows down. The rest of the wave bends as it comes closer to the shore creating a current that parallels the beach. The current is directed alongshore away from the approaching wave direction (Figure #). The longshore current carries sediment that is suspended by breaking waves along with it as it flows alongshore. Larger waves, which strike the beach less often approach at greater angles, thereby creating stronger Longshore currents. Areas with developed longshore currents are often identified by an established system of longshore sand bars.

http://wip.cbi.tamucc.edu/~jessica/surfmap.html

http://wip.cbi.tamucc.edu/~jessica/plainsurfcams.gif

[http://wip.cbi.tamucc.edu/~jessica/plainsurfcams.gif]

Navigtion' at entrances to ship channels can be dangerous in the best of weather conditions. Ship pilates will have access to wave measurements to assist them in safely navigating these channels.

Many sectors of the community including Ports/Navigation, Engineers, Resource Agencies, Civic planners and recreational interests all benefit from easily accessible wave information. Only a few continuously functioning WaveMonitoringStations monitoring stations^? are located in the Gulf of Mexico near to the Texas coast. Furthermore, there are no monitoring statioins collecting wave data within 20 miles of the coast.

Model Predictions Today's Wave Conditions for the Gulf of Mexico

[HyperlinksNote A Note About Hyperlinks]

A Note About Hyperlinks

DNR makes no representations about any of the web sites which you may access through this one. These links are provided in an effort to provide a comprehensive overview of coastal process information available through the internet. Providing these non-DNR links does not mean that DNR endorses or accepts any responsibility for the content, or the use, of such website. Users are requested to take precautions to ensure that selections are free of such items as viruses and other items of a destructive nature. Reference herein to any specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, service mark, manufacturer, or otherwise does not constitute or imply endorsement, or recommendation by DNR

Access Real-Time Wave Observations [[WavesAccess^?

Access Real-Time Wave Observations WavesAccess ^?

http://dnr.cbi.tamucc.edu/qc/099/today,yesterday See Graphs of Yesterdays and Todays Data for NWS Platform

http://dnr.cbi.tamucc.edu/qc/098/today,yesterday See Graphs of Yesterdays and Todays Data for RTNS Platform

http://dnr.cbi.tamucc.edu/qc/098/today,yesterday Yesterdays and Todays Data for RTNS Platform

Not correct figure only as example http://dnr.cbi.tamucc.edu/qc/098/today,yesterday Yesterdays and Todays Data

Wave data is of particular interest to scientists that study erosion along the Barrier Islands of Texas. The Texas General Land Office sponsors this project in an effort to provide the most up-to-the-minute wave data to scientists. This will enhance research efforts focused on understanding how the wave climate drives erosion of the Texas shoreline. In addition, this information will provide a valuable tool assisting resource agencies and coastal communities in determining the best methods of protecting and preserving our beaches for future generations.

This system provides information on WavesWaves wave characteristics^? observed in the Gulf of Mexico. Two monitoring stations are StationLocation located^? along the Texas Coast near Port Aransas. http://dnr.cbi.tamucc.edu/overview/098 The National Weather Service monitoring station is located 15 NauticalDefinition nautical miles^? offshore. http://dnr.cbi.tamucc.edu/overview/100 The Real Time Navigation System monitoring station is StationLocation located^? 3 nautical miles offshore. StationDetails

This system provides information on WavesWaves wave characteristics^? observed in the Gulf of Mexico. Two monitoring stations are StationLocation located^? along the Texas Coast near Port Aransas. http://dnr.cbi.tamucc.edu/overview/098 The National Weather Service monitoring station is located 15 NauticalDefinition nautical miles^? offshore. StationDetails The Real Time Navigation System^? (RTNS) monitoring station is StationLocation located^? 3 nautical miles offshore.

This system provides information on WavesWaves wave characteristics^? observed in the Gulf of Mexico. Two monitoring stations are StationLocation located^? along the Texas Coast near Port Aransas. NWSMonitoringStation The National Weather Service monitoring station^? is located 15 NauticalDefinition nautical miles^? offshore. StationDetails The Real Time Navigation System^? (RTNS) monitoring station is StationLocation located^? 3 nautical miles offshore.

This system provides information on WavesWaves wave characteristics^? observed in the Gulf of Mexico. Two monitoring stations are StationLocation located^? along the Texas Coast near Port Aransas. NWSMonitoringStation The National Weather Service monitoring station is located 15 [[NauticalDefinition nautical miles^? offshore. StationDetails The Real Time Navigation System^? (RTNS) monitoring station is StationLocation located^? 3 nautical miles offshore.

This system provides information on WavesWaves wave characteristics^? observed in the Gulf of Mexico. Two monitoring stations are StationLocation located^? along the Texas Coast near Port Aransas. The National Weather Service (NWS) monitoring station is located 15 NauticalDefinition nautical miles^? offshore. StationDetails The Real Time Navigation System^? (RTNS) monitoring station is StationLocation located^? 3 nautical miles offshore.

http://wip.cbi.tamucc.edu/~dnrwiki/images/erosionicon4.png

018: Port Isabel  (26°  3' 40" N, 97° 12' 55" W) Primary Water Level: 1.79 ft (0.546 m) above Mean Sea Level  00h15m ago Air Temperature: 66.6 degF (19.2 degC)  00h15m ago Water Temperature: 70.9 degF (21.6 degC)  00h15m ago Wind Speed: 9.6 mph (4.300 m/s)  00h15m ago Wind Gusts: 12.3 mph (5.500 m/s)  00h15m ago Wind Direction: 31 degfromN  00h15m ago Barometric Pressure: 29.96 in Hg (1014.5 millibars)  00h15m ago 009: Port Aransas  (27° 50' 23" N, 97°  4' 21" W) Primary Water Level: 1.66 ft (0.507 m) above Mean Sea Level  00h09m ago Air Temperature: 61.9 degF (16.6 degC)  00h09m ago Wind Speed: 6.9 mph (3.100 m/s)  00h09m ago Wind Gusts: 8.5 mph (3.800 m/s)  00h09m ago Wind Direction: 10 degfromN  00h09m ago 057: Port O'Connor  (28° 26' 45" N, 96° 23' 45" W) Primary Water Level: 1.43 ft (0.437 m) above Mean Sea Level  00h09m ago Water Temperature: 66.7 degF (19.3 degC)  00h09m ago Wind Speed: 14.1 mph (6.300 m/s)  00h09m ago Wind Gusts: 17.0 mph (7.600 m/s)  00h09m ago Wind Direction: 338 degfromN  00h09m ago 021: Galveston Pleasure Pier  (29° 17'  6" N, 94° 47' 17" W) Primary Water Level: 1.47 ft (0.449 m) above Mean Sea Level  00h09m ago Air Temperature: 56.8 degF (13.8 degC)  00h09m ago Water Temperature: 69.8 degF (21.0 degC)  00h09m ago Wind Speed: 9.8 mph (4.400 m/s)  00h09m ago Wind Gusts: 18.1 mph (8.100 m/s)  00h09m ago Wind Direction: 334 degfromN  00h09m ago Barometric Pressure: 29.90 in Hg (1012.5 millibars)  00h09m ago 016: Sabine Pass  (29° 43' 47" N, 93° 52' 15" W) Primary Water Level: 1.35 ft (0.410 m) above Mean Sea Level  00h09m ago Air Temperature: 54.9 degF (12.7 degC)  00h09m ago Water Temperature: 61.0 degF (16.1 degC)  00h09m ago Wind Speed: 14.8 mph (6.600 m/s)  00h09m ago Wind Gusts: 17.9 mph (8.000 m/s)  00h09m ago Wind Direction: 328 degfromN  00h09m ago Barometric Pressure: 29.97 in Hg (1014.8 millibars)  00h09m ago

::http://www.netsurfing.com/surfcam/index_orig.shtml Surfside ::http://corpusbeach.com/portacam.htm Port Aransas ::http://www.spadre.com/ South Padre Island ::http://www.bobhallpier.com/ Bob Hall ::http://surfcorpus.com/ Bob Hall

018: Port Isabel  (26°  3' 40" N, 97° 12' 55" W) Primary Water Level: 1.79 ft (0.546 m) above Mean Sea Level  00h15m ago Air Temperature: 66.6 degF (19.2 degC)  00h15m ago Water Temperature: 70.9 degF (21.6 degC)  00h15m ago Wind Speed: 9.6 mph (4.300 m/s)  00h15m ago Wind Gusts: 12.3 mph (5.500 m/s)  00h15m ago Wind Direction: 31 degfromN  00h15m ago Barometric Pressure: 29.96 in Hg (1014.5 millibars)  00h15m ago 009: Port Aransas  (27° 50' 23" N, 97°  4' 21" W) Primary Water Level: 1.66 ft (0.507 m) above Mean Sea Level  00h09m ago Air Temperature: 61.9 degF (16.6 degC)  00h09m ago Wind Speed: 6.9 mph (3.100 m/s)  00h09m ago Wind Gusts: 8.5 mph (3.800 m/s)  00h09m ago Wind Direction: 10 degfromN  00h09m ago 057: Port O'Connor  (28° 26' 45" N, 96° 23' 45" W) Primary Water Level: 1.43 ft (0.437 m) above Mean Sea Level  00h09m ago Water Temperature: 66.7 degF (19.3 degC)  00h09m ago Wind Speed: 14.1 mph (6.300 m/s)  00h09m ago Wind Gusts: 17.0 mph (7.600 m/s)  00h09m ago Wind Direction: 338 degfromN  00h09m ago 021: Galveston Pleasure Pier  (29° 17'  6" N, 94° 47' 17" W) Primary Water Level: 1.47 ft (0.449 m) above Mean Sea Level  00h09m ago Air Temperature: 56.8 degF (13.8 degC)  00h09m ago Water Temperature: 69.8 degF (21.0 degC)  00h09m ago Wind Speed: 9.8 mph (4.400 m/s)  00h09m ago Wind Gusts: 18.1 mph (8.100 m/s)  00h09m ago Wind Direction: 334 degfromN  00h09m ago Barometric Pressure: 29.90 in Hg (1012.5 millibars)  00h09m ago 016: Sabine Pass  (29° 43' 47" N, 93° 52' 15" W) Primary Water Level: 1.35 ft (0.410 m) above Mean Sea Level  00h09m ago Air Temperature: 54.9 degF (12.7 degC)  00h09m ago Water Temperature: 61.0 degF (16.1 degC)  00h09m ago Wind Speed: 14.8 mph (6.600 m/s)  00h09m ago Wind Gusts: 17.9 mph (8.000 m/s)  00h09m ago Wind Direction: 328 degfromN  00h09m ago Barometric Pressure: 29.97 in Hg (1014.8 millibars)  00h09m ago

::http://www.netsurfing.com/surfcam/index_orig.shtml Surfside

http://pao.cnmoc.navy.mil/educate/neptune/quest/wavetide/wavetide.htm

Navigation interests in the Gulf of Mexico and in particular those utilizing the Port Aransas Ship Channel will benefit from continuously updated wave information provided on the internet.

Recreational users such as surfers, fishermen, boaters, windsurfers and kite sailers can all benefit from the wave observations provided for the Texas Coast.

Direct wave action and CoastalProcesses longshore currents^? produced by CoastalProcesses incident waves^? are the main cause of coastal http://dnr.cbi.tamucc.edu/wiki/Waves/CoastalProcesses erosion along the Texas Coast.

There are several WaveMethodsInstruments methods and associated instrumentation^? that may be applied to measure waves in the coastal environment including pressure gauges, directional bouys and Acoustic Doppler Velocimeters. An http://www.rdinstruments.com/waves.html Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler was selected for deployment along the Texas coast because this instrument provides an innovative and powerful way to measure waves and currents at the same time. The ADCP™ measures a complete frequency-direction wave spectrum and can operate in shallow and deep waters. In addition the ADCP™ is capable of distinguishing waves from multiple directions and operates with less risk of loss or damage than a directional wave bouy. This instrument was selected to help scientists gain the greatest information about the wave climate by it measuring velocity profiles, water level and wave frequency-direction spectra at once.

There are several WaveMethodsInstruments methods and associated instrumentation^? that may be applied to measure waves in the coastal environment including pressure gauges, directional bouys and Acoustic Doppler Velocimeters. http://www.rdinstruments.com/waves.html An Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler was selected for deployment along the Texas coast because this instrument provides an innovative and powerful way to measure waves and currents at the same time. The ADCP™ measures a complete frequency-direction wave spectrum and can operate in shallow and deep waters. In addition the ADCP™ is capable of distinguishing waves from multiple directions and operates with less risk of loss or damage than a directional wave bouy. This instrument was selected to help scientists gain the greatest information about the wave climate by it measuring velocity profiles, water level and wave frequency-direction spectra at once.

There are several WaveMethodsInstruments methods and associated instrumentation^? that may be applied to measure waves in the coastal environment including pressure gauges, directional bouys and Acoustic Doppler Velocimeters. An Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP™) was selected for deployment along the Texas coast because this instrument provides an innovative and powerful way to measure waves and currents at the same time. The ADCP™ measures a complete frequency-direction wave spectrum and can operate in shallow and deep waters. In addition the ADCP™ is capable of distinguishing waves from multiple directions and operates with less risk of loss or damage than a directional wave bouy. This instrument was selected to help scientists gain the greatest information about the wave climate by it measuring velocity profiles, water level and wave frequency-direction spectra at once.

There are several WaveMethodsInstruments methods and associated instrumentation^? that may be applied to measure waves in the coastal environment. An Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP™) was selected for deployment along the Texas coast because this instrument provides an innovative and powerful way to measure waves and currents at the same time. The ADCP™ measures a complete frequency-direction wave spectrum and can operate in shallow and deep waters. In addition the ADCP™ is capable of distinguishing waves from multiple directions and operates with less risk of loss or damage than a directional wave bouy. This instrument was selected to help scientists gain the greatest information about the wave climate by it measuring velocity profiles, water level and wave frequency-direction spectra at once.

018: Port Isabel  (26°  3' 40" N, 97° 12' 55" W) Primary Water Level: 1.79 ft (0.546 m) above Mean Sea Level  00h15m ago Air Temperature: 66.6 degF (19.2 degC)  00h15m ago Water Temperature: 70.9 degF (21.6 degC)  00h15m ago Wind Speed: 9.6 mph (4.300 m/s)  00h15m ago Wind Gusts: 12.3 mph (5.500 m/s)  00h15m ago Wind Direction: 31 degfromN  00h15m ago Barometric Pressure: 29.96 in Hg (1014.5 millibars)  00h15m ago 009: Port Aransas  (27° 50' 23" N, 97°  4' 21" W) Primary Water Level: 1.66 ft (0.507 m) above Mean Sea Level  00h09m ago Air Temperature: 61.9 degF (16.6 degC)  00h09m ago Wind Speed: 6.9 mph (3.100 m/s)  00h09m ago Wind Gusts: 8.5 mph (3.800 m/s)  00h09m ago Wind Direction: 10 degfromN  00h09m ago 057: Port O'Connor  (28° 26' 45" N, 96° 23' 45" W) Primary Water Level: 1.43 ft (0.437 m) above Mean Sea Level  00h09m ago Water Temperature: 66.7 degF (19.3 degC)  00h09m ago Wind Speed: 14.1 mph (6.300 m/s)  00h09m ago Wind Gusts: 17.0 mph (7.600 m/s)  00h09m ago Wind Direction: 338 degfromN  00h09m ago 021: Galveston Pleasure Pier  (29° 17'  6" N, 94° 47' 17" W) Primary Water Level: 1.47 ft (0.449 m) above Mean Sea Level  00h09m ago Air Temperature: 56.8 degF (13.8 degC)  00h09m ago Water Temperature: 69.8 degF (21.0 degC)  00h09m ago Wind Speed: 9.8 mph (4.400 m/s)  00h09m ago Wind Gusts: 18.1 mph (8.100 m/s)  00h09m ago Wind Direction: 334 degfromN  00h09m ago Barometric Pressure: 29.90 in Hg (1012.5 millibars)  00h09m ago 016: Sabine Pass  (29° 43' 47" N, 93° 52' 15" W) Primary Water Level: 1.35 ft (0.410 m) above Mean Sea Level  00h09m ago Air Temperature: 54.9 degF (12.7 degC)  00h09m ago Water Temperature: 61.0 degF (16.1 degC)  00h09m ago Wind Speed: 14.8 mph (6.600 m/s)  00h09m ago Wind Gusts: 17.9 mph (8.000 m/s)  00h09m ago Wind Direction: 328 degfromN  00h09m ago Barometric Pressure: 29.97 in Hg (1014.8 millibars)  00h09m ago

http://www.netsurfing.com/surfcam/index_orig.shtml Surfside http://www.spadre.com/ South Padre Island

http://corpusbeach.com/portacam.htm Port Aransas|| || ||http://www.bobhallpier.com/ Bob Hall ||||http://surfcorpus.com/ Bob Hall ||

There are several Instruments methods and associated instrumentation^? that may be applied to measure waves in the coastal environment. An Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP™) was selected for deployment along the Texas coast because this instrument provides an innovative and powerful way to measure waves and currents at the same time. The ADCP™ measures a complete frequency-direction wave spectrum and can operate in shallow and deep waters. In addition the ADCP™ is capable of distinguishing waves from multiple directions and operates with less risk of loss or damage than a directional wave bouy. This instrument was selected to help scientists gain the greatest information about the wave climate by it measuring velocity profiles, water level and wave frequency-direction spectra at once.

There are numerous WaveInstruments instruments^? available to measure waves in the coastal environment. Two monitoring platforms located in the Gulf of Mexico near Port Aransas are outfitted with

An innovative and powerful way to measure waves and currents at once. More than a wave gauge -- ADCPs^?™ measure a complete frequency-direction wave spectrum and can operate in shallow and deep waters. Better than a directional wave buoy -- ADCPs^?™ distinguish waves from multiple directions and operate with less risk of loss or damage. More powerful than a single instrument -- the ADCP™ measures velocity profiles, water level and wave frequency-direction spectra at once. Measure waves like never before -- for more capability and better performance than the traditional choices for measuring waves.

There are numerous [WaveInstruments instruments] available to measure waves in the coastal environment.

[+How are Waves Measured?]

Recreational users such as surfers, fishermen, boaters, windsurfers and kite sailers can all benefit from the wave observations provided for the Texas Coast.

Direct wave action and CoastalProcesses longshore currents^? produced by CoastalProcesses incident waves^? are the main cause of coastal http://dnr.cbi.tamucc.edu/wiki/Waves/CoastalProcesses erosion along the Texas Coast.

Many sectors of the community including Ports/Navigation, Engineers, Resource Agencies, Civic planners and recreational interests all benefit from easily accessible wave information. Only a few continuously functioning WaveMonitoringStations monitoring stations^? are located in the Gulf of Mexico near to the Texas coast. Furthermore, there are no monitoring statioins collecting wave data within 20 miles of the coast.

Wave data is of particular interest to scientists that study erosion along the Barrier Islands of Texas. The Texas General Land Office sponsors this project in an effort to provide the most up-to-the-minute wave data to scientists. This will enhance research efforts focused on understanding how the wave climate drives erosion of the Texas shoreline. In addition, this information will provide a valuable tool assisting resource agencies and coastal communities in determining the best methods of protecting and preserving our beaches for future generations.

Coastal erosion is both an economic and resource management problem, particularly for the communities of Galveston, Corpus Christi, and South Padre Island. The successful management of beaches and other natural resources bordering the Gulf of Mexico are dependent upon the understanding of the coastal processes acting along the Texas coast. Accurate wave measurements are the root of that understanding.

+This system+ provides information on WavesWaves wave characteristics^? observed in the Gulf of Mexico. Two monitoring stations are StationLocation located^? along the Texas Coast near Port Aransas. The National Weather Service (NWS) monitoring station is located 15 NauticalDefinition nautical miles^? offshore. StationDetails The Real Time Navigation System^? (RTNS) monitoring station is StationLocation located^? 3 nautical miles offshore.

'Coastal erosion' is both an economic and resource management problem, particularly for the communities of Galveston, Corpus Christi, and South Padre Island. The successful management of beaches and other natural resources bordering the Gulf of Mexico are dependent upon the understanding of the coastal processes acting along the Texas coast. Accurate wave measurements are the root of that understanding.

Coastal erosion is both an economic and resource management problem, particularly for the communities of Galveston, Corpus Christi, and South Padre Island. The successful management of beaches and other natural resources bordering the Gulf of Mexico are dependent upon the understanding of the coastal processes acting along the Texas coast. Accurate wave measurements are the root of that understanding.

+Coastal erosion+ is both an economic and resource management problem, particularly for the communities of Galveston, Corpus Christi, and South Padre Island. The successful management of beaches and other natural resources bordering the Gulf of Mexico are dependent upon the understanding of the coastal processes acting along the Texas coast. Accurate wave measurements are the root of that understanding.

This system provides information on WavesWaves wave characteristics^? observed in the Gulf of Mexico. Two monitoring stations are StationLocation located^? along the Texas Coast near Port Aransas. The National Weather Service (NWS) monitoring station is located 15 NauticalDefinition nautical miles^? offshore. StationDetails The Real Time Navigation System^? (RTNS) monitoring station is StationLocation located^? 3 nautical miles offshore.

Coastal erosion is both an economic and resource management problem, particularly for the communities of Galveston, Corpus Christi, and South Padre Island. The successful management of beaches and other natural resources bordering the Gulf of Mexico are dependent upon the understanding of the coastal processes acting along the Texas coast. Accurate wave measurements are the root of that understanding.

• WavesTerms Helpful Terms and Definitions^?

Direct wave action and CoastalProcesses longshore currents^? produced by CoastalProcesses incident waves^? are the main cause of coastal http://dnr.cbi.tamucc.edu/wiki/Waves/CoastalProcesses erosion along the Texas Coast. Coastal erosion is both an economic and resource management problem, particularly for the communities of Galveston, Corpus Christi, and South Padre Island. The successful management of beaches and other natural resources bordering the Gulf of Mexico are dependent upon the understanding of the coastal processes acting along the Texas coast. Accurate wave measurements are the root of that understanding.

This system provides information on WavesWaves wave characteristics^? observed in the Gulf of Mexico. Two monitoring stations are StationLocation located^? along the Texas Coast near Port Aransas. The National Weather Service (NWS) monitoring station is located 15 NauticalDefinition nautical miles^? offshore. [StationDetails The Real Time Navigation System] (RTNS) monitoring station is StationLocation located^? 3 nautical miles offshore.

This system provides information on WavesWaves wave characteristics^? observed in the Gulf of Mexico. Two monitoring stations are StationLocation located^? along the Texas Coast near Port Aransas. The National Weather Service (NWS) monitoring station is located 15 NauticalDefinition nautical miles^? offshore. The Real Time Navigation System (RTNS) monitoring station is StationLocation located^? 3 nautical miles offshore.