Nortek developed the SUV wave data collection and processing technique for measuring ocean waves from a subsurface buoy using a Nortek acoustic wave and current profiler (AWAC). Test results indicate that the acoustic surface tracking (AST), used to measure non-directional wave properties, was a robust technique and worked very well with the AWACs deployed on a subsurface buoy. Greater than 99% of all AST measurements passed the quality control checks (comparable to results from a bottom mounted AWAC) and measurements of wave height and period were in excellent agreement with the surface wave buoy. The wave directional estimates were in good agreement with the surface wave buoy, but indicated clear frequency bands with increased directional uncertainty. Guidance is offered to design a subsurface buoy which has a natural frequency outside of the wave band such that this technique may be used widely for offshore directional wave measurements.
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