Surface Wave Spectra

A Surface Wave Spectra sensor measures the frequency, height, period, and direction of waves on the ocean surface. The WAVSS instruments (TRIAXYS Next Wave sensors) measure three-dimensional acceleration, rotation rate, and orientation in the magnetic field of the earth via a compass. From this, the motion of the sea surface in the wave field can be reconstructed.

The instrument configuration is an important part of the metadata to be preserved together with the output data product, including engineering drawings that can be found in the cruise metadata.

The instrument measures acceleration for a certain acquisition time interval (typically 20-30 minutes). Then, the wave properties are computed for this interval. There is one data value for each wave property representing the entire acquisition time interval. The actual time series resolving the instrument motion over the course of the acquisition interval can be computed as well.

Data Products

This instrument measures the following data products. Select a data product's name to learn more.

The algorithm code used to generate data products for this instrument is also available in the ion-functions GitHub repository.

Instrument Models & Deployed Locations

The OOI includes the following instrument makes and models for this instrument type. Follow the links below to find out where in the OOI this instrument has been deployed. You'll also find quick links for each instrument to Data Explorer, where you can plot and access data.