Speed and direction of ocean surface currents are now being mapped in a new data set for Hilo Bay. The hourly updates are available on PacIOOS Voyager. Mapping ocean surface currents in near real-time provides valuable data for search and rescue operations by narrowing down the possible locations of the missing person or vessel. The new data set also helps to forecast the distribution of oil or hazardous material spills, to support marine navigation, and to enhance forecast modeling. Supported by the Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS), maps of surface currents are available across the United States as part of the National HFRNet.

PacIOOS offers a new tool that forecasts the potential of high sea levels and wave inundation for the most populated segments of Kwajalein Atoll. The model is updated hourly and provides information up to six days prior to a potential inundation event. The Marshall Islands are vulnerable to flooding due to their low elevation. To increase community resilience and enhance preparedness in advance of potential flooding events, the forecast helps decision-makers, agency representatives, and community members to plan accordingly. 

The PacIOOS wave buoy off Tanapag, Saipan, is back online! The wave buoy was successfully redeployed at the end of June, and will now continue to serve data on wave height, direction, period, and sea surface temperature. The information recorded promotes safer and more efficient maritime transit, and provides ocean users with real-time data.

 

PacIOOS also successfully swapped the Barber's Point wave buoy off O'ahu's south shore. Regular maintenance is necessary to ensure continuous operation and data streaming. PacIOOS maintains a network of 13 wave buoys throughout the Pacific. Data are managed by the Coastal Data Information Program (CDIP) at Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Long-term partnerships between PacIOOS, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and CDIP enable data streaming into the PacIOOS website and Voyager.

Voyager now provides access to numerous land surface digital elevation models (DEMs), which can be found in its overlay menu under a new "land" category. These include a global 1-km DEM as well as 10-m resolution DEMs for the U.S. Pacific region. In addition to overlays for mapping elevation values over a range of colors, Voyager also provides the option to add hillshades to enhance the 3D aspect of the data.

 

Colored elevation contours of O'ahu, Hawai'i.

 

Elevation contours are also available in Voyager, in both 100 foot and 100 meter increments. These can be turned on separately or in conjunction with the map overlay and/or hillshade. Up to five contours can be selected at once, and can be displayed as either thin or thick lines in black, white, or color. If color is selected, the contours are color-coded according to their elevation and are accompanied by a map legend. To see elevation values, users can click on or hover over the contour lines. Clicking the contour also produces a pop-up window that provides a link to the underlying GeoJSON data file. DEMs have been added to the PacIOOS data servers and are also available as formal metadata.

PacIOOS'  Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) partner, Outrigger Resorts, launched its global conservation initiative, called OZONE (Outrigger's Zone). Outrigger Resorts strives to raise awareness and enhance guest experiences through interactive learning about the marine environment. Protecting the health of coral reefs and the ocean is one of the central goals. The initiative was launched during World Ocean's Month in partnership with government agencies, private industry, and conservation organizations. Learn more about the OZONE and related activities online!