Data acquired by NDBC platforms are transmitted each hour through GOES and are monitored in real time. The data are transmitted to a ground receiving facility at Wallops Island, VA, and are relayed to the NWS for processing. The data go through human/machine quality-control checks before being released to the user. The data are then forwarded to operational forecasters and national meteorological centers for ingestion into computer models.


Standard Measurements

(These measurements are made from all NDBC stations.)

  • Wind Speed
  • Wind Direction
  • Barometric Pressure
  • Air Temperature
  • Sea Surface Temperature
  • Wave Height (Measured from all buoys and some C-MAN stations.)
  • Wave Direction (Measured from the discus-shaped buoys only.)

Special Measurements

(These measurements are made from selected NDBC stations.)

  • Ocean Current Speed and Direction
  • Subsurface Temperature
  • Salinity
  • Rainfall

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Publication of the NOAA Education Team.

July 21, 1999