An automated station anchored offshore near Fort Pierce, Florida, collects real-time meteorological and oceanographic data. This data typically includes air temperature, wind speed and direction, barometric pressure, wave height and period, water temperature, and current speed and direction. This information is transmitted to shore and disseminated publicly, serving various purposes.
Such stations play a critical role in maritime safety, providing crucial information for navigation, forecasting, and search and rescue operations. The data also contributes significantly to scientific research, including climate monitoring, coastal engineering studies, and ecological research. Historical data from these stations provides a valuable long-term record of environmental conditions, enabling scientists to track trends and understand the impacts of climate change on coastal regions. The continuous monitoring provided by these stations also supports timely and accurate weather forecasts for the benefit of coastal communities and recreational activities.
