Buoy for Automated Data Collection and Transmittal

摘要

A buoy for automated collection and transmittal of data. Select embodiments allow calculation of mass balance using data collected from an ice floe. The buoy is adapted to be inserted into the water through an opening in ice so that the buoy floats with the ice floe, the top of the buoy protruding above the surface of the ice floe. The buoy walls are constructed of white PVC. One section of the buoy incorporates closed cell foam for maintaining buoyancy and a bottom section houses a counterweight for maintaining proper orientation of the buoy in the water, the buoy requiring no support from its surrounds while minimally impacting response of the surrounding ice to it. Multiple sensors are incorporated for gathering data and a satellite transmitter transmits the data to a remote user.