A moored floating device equipped with meteorological and oceanographic sensors near Alabama’s Orange Beach transmits real-time data. This information includes wave height, water temperature, wind speed and direction, and atmospheric pressure. These devices serve as critical infrastructure for maritime safety, scientific research, and coastal planning.
Data from these offshore platforms provides crucial information for boaters, fishermen, and other recreational users of coastal waters, enabling informed decisions regarding safety and trip planning. This information is also invaluable to researchers studying coastal processes, weather patterns, and climate change. Historically, similar technologies have evolved from simple floating markers to sophisticated data collection platforms, greatly enhancing our understanding of the marine environment and improving maritime safety.