More than 70 percent of our planet is covered by oceans. To better understand how the oceans influence global weather, scientists are turning to a high-tech buoy.
The 2,700-pound buoy is about 10 feet tall and is topped with scientific gear for measuring the weather. The buoys anchor line houses instruments to measure the sea.
One of the new buoys is now stationed in the Arabian Gulf. Its mission: to collect data during the monsoon season, a time when shifting winds bring heavy rainfall to India and other countries. Of special interest are the howling winds that mix the ocean surface with deeper waters.
After its monsoon mission, the buoy will be moved to another location and given a new assignment.
Ocean Planet Exhibition Floorplan
gene carl feldman (gene@seawifs.gsfc.nasa.gov) (301) 286-9428