WaveNet buoys launched off Scotland

An extension to the WaveNet network of buoys, which monitor wave activity, was launched this week on the east coast of Scotland. 

Directional Waveriders - the type of wave buoy deployed - measure wave height, period and direction, and sea temperature. The information is transmitted via satellites direct to Cefas, who manage WaveNet, and takes about 30 minutes to be received. 

The new buoys launched in Scotland's waters will aid the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) in its development of coastal flood forecasting and warning. The buoys will also aid SEPA in building historical records of the wave climate around Scotland. 

Claire Harley, SEPA Hydrologist, said: "There are estimated to be around 27,000 properties at risk from coastal flooding in Scotland, and accurate and timely flood warnings can help to reduce the impact of flooding." 

It is thought that storms in the UK may get more severe and more frequent, and this could have consequences on the impact of waves and for coastal flooding. Currently, significant wave data gaps exist around the Scottish coastline. 

Dr David Pearce, Cefas WaveNet co-ordinator, said: "This week's launch on the east coast of Scotland will be followed by two more buoys on the west coast in the near future. 

"Recently, the risk of flooding has become more apparent to the general public. This collaborative expansion of the wave buoy network will undoubtedly improve coastal flood warning services." 

WaveNet data are available in near real time and can be viewed by the public at http://map.cefasdirect.co.uk/wavenetmapping/StaticMapPage.asp. 

Data from key locations will be beneficial to many potential users. The information collected from WaveNet buoys is used by the Meteorological Office to calibrate wave models to improve their forecast quality. Wave data is also of interest to other marine users such as the fishing and renewable energy industries, as well as sailors and surfers. 

Fact file

1. For further information on the UK WaveNet network see www.cefas.co.uk/data/wavenet. 
2. SEPA is the flood warning authority for Scotland. In 2007 SEPA launched its coastal flood watch service. This is a tidal level monitoring and alert system based on threshold exceedances of a combination of astronomical and meteorological conditions in nine broad coastal zones. SEPA duty officers then issue Flood Watches via Floodline to the public and directly to professional partners. For more about Floodline see www.sepa.org.uk/flooding/floodline/index.htm. 
3. The Storm Tide Forecasting Service was established and funded by Defra. It is staffed by the Met Office and located in the National Meteorological Centre at Exeter. In 2006 the Scottish Government agreed to part-fund the WaveNet extension project to play its part in the ongoing development of the STFS, particularly in Scottish waters.