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PacIOOS Tools and Instruments
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Rough ocean conditions along the North Shore of Oʻahu during the storm. Credit: DLNR |
A strong low pressure system with an exceptionally close approach to the Hawaiian Islands chain, caused record-breaking wave heights on February 10th. The PacIOOS wave buoy off Hanalei, Kauaʻi, measured 38ft in significant wave height and the largest wave recorded (Hmax) measured stunning 63ft! The Waimea wave buoy also broke its 15-year record and climbed to a significant wave height of 29ft, and the largest wave measured 48ft. Both buoys are located approximately 4 miles offshore and moored in a depth of 200-240m.
The combination of strong winds and high waves produced extremely rough ocean conditions at sea and along the shoreline.
PacIOOS' suite of coastal forecasts, including the Wave Run-up Forecast for the North Shore of Oʻahu and the Haleʻiwa Harbor Surge Forecast, provided valuable information for agencies, the boating community, and home owners to better understand what to expect and to prepare for the storm system.
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En route to the wave buoy mooring site on board the UH Hilo research vessel Makani ʻAha. Credit: K. Millikan |
Wave Buoy at Hilo Bay Back on Site
The PacIOOS wave buoy outside of Hilo Bay, Hawaiʻi Island, was successfully redeployed this month. The buoy now continues to serve real-time information on wave height, direction, and period, as well as sea surface temperature in 30-minute intervals. Mahalo to Captain Stephen Kennedy from the University of Hawaiʻi (UH) at Hilo Marine Science Program and a special thanks to UH Hilo graduate Jon Marusek for their operational support. Data management for the PacIOOS wave buoys is made possible through long-term partnerships with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Coastal Data Information Program (CDIP).
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OceanObs'19 Conference in Honolulu
OceanObs'19, a decadal international conference series, will be held for the first time ever in the U.S. on September 16-20, 2019 in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi. Conference participants will gather to discuss the decadal progress of ocean observing networks and to chart innovative solutions to society's growing needs for ocean information in the coming 10 years. Community White papers and conference themes helped shape the conference agenda and programmatic schedule, including breakout sessions. Each conference day focuses on a specific objective: perspective, information, innovation, integration, and vision. Find relevant information about the conference program, exhibits, posters, and more. Early bird event registration closes on March 1, 2019.
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PacIOOS staff demonstrating gear used for scientific diving. Credit: A. Sakamoto |
A Future Career in Ocean Science
Staff from PacIOOS' nearshore water quality group participated in the 16th Annual Wilson Elementary School Career Day to introduce students to the ocean sciences as a career option. In three sessions, Kindergarten to 5th grade students rotated through a variety of career presentations. With hands-on activities and demonstrations, PacIOOS staff showed what it takes to become an ocean technician, scientific diver, and scientist. Students also learned about the different tasks and duties involved, why it is important to better understand the ocean environment, and how to be a good steward.
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Overlooking Hanauma Bay, Oʻahu. |
Sharing the Love for Technology & Data
Every Thursday evening at 6:30pm, the
Hanauma Bay Education Program invites the public to attend free science talks at the Hanauma Bay Visitor Center, Oʻahu. PacIOOS' presentation on Valentine's Day, titled
We love technology and data -- Do you?, focused on the technologies and instruments we use to
collect coastal and ocean observations. Participants also learned about the
suite of models that generate wave, ocean circulation, atmospheric, and coastal forecasts. Examples of ocean observing in action and specific use cases demonstrated how data are being used to make informed decisions. Check out the seminar event calendar for upcoming talks at Hanauma Bay!
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Iakwe and Welcome, Max!
Max Sudnovsky recently started as the new Marshall Islands Coastal Management Extension Faculty for the
University of Hawaiʻi Sea Grant College Program, based at the College of the Marshall Islands (
CMI). In his new role, Max also serves as PacIOOS' liaison and maintains the
PacIOOS nearshore sensor at Uliga Dock, helps with the maintenance and recovery of the
PacIOOS wave buoy off Majuro, and validates the
PacIOOS wave run-up forecast. Max enjoys building partnerships and connecting people to promote collaborations and opportunities. His goals are to improve the relationship between science and management, enhance capacity through research education and outreach, and promote innovators committed to environmental stewardship and sustainability.
Max is no stranger to the Pacific Islands. In a former capacity he worked for NOAA's Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center Coral Reef Ecosystem Program (
CREP) to support marine ecosystem research and conservation throughout the U.S. Pacific. In addition, he implemented intergovernmental scientific and technical exchanges, marine research, and capacity building on fisheries and marine resource management in the Asia-Pacific region through the United States Agency for International Development (
USAID). Max received his Master in Tropical Marine Ecosystem Management at the University of the Philippines. In his spare time you will find Max in or on the water, fishing, diving, or talking story.
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