AGL buoy

History

With the aim of strengthening its contribution to ocean observing system, in June 2007 the Spanish Institute of Oceanography (IEO) deployed the AGL ocean-meteorological buoy in offshore waters of the Bay of Biscay. This buoy is unique in the region due to its suite of biogeochemical sensors.

Discover the data provided through the measurements collected by the AGL buoy.

The AGL buoy, named in honor of Don Augusto González de Linares, founder of the Santander Marine Biology Station in 1886, was deployed on July 27, 2007 off the coast of Santander at position 43°50′N, 3°47′W, over a depth of 2,878 m. It is equipped with meteorological and oceanographic sensors.
Data are transmitted hourly to the oceanographic center and via the Global Telecommunication System (GTS) to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), where they are used and assimilated into meteorological, oceanographic, and climate prediction models. Moreover, its data are carefully calibrated, and quality controlled data are made also free available.

Technical specifications

ODAS Platform

On board Data Acquisition System, seawatch type

The metal structure is constructed of ocean-grade aluminum (resistant to marine corrosion) and consists of three parallel, 6-meter-long spars joined at their ends by frames housing some of the instruments, and in the middle by a lenticular structure surrounded by the fender. A visible plaque indicates the IEO's ownership and emergency telephone number.

Dimensions and Weight

Diameter including fenders: 1.7 m
Weight: 710 kg
Overall length: 8.6 m
Buoyancy: 1,400 kg

Power Supply System

Maximum output current: 10 A
Maximum battery and solar panel input voltage: 21 V
Maximum charging current: 7.5 A
Battery charging at a lower potential difference: 0.5 V
Charging voltage range: 10.7–20 V
Dimensions: 235 × 190 × 155 mm
Weight: 3 kg

Processing and Storage Unit

Storage memory: 28 MB
Microprocessor: 33 MHz
Real-time operating system
Data acquisition software
Operating voltage: 7 to 40 VDC
Dimensions: 177 × 133 × 111 mm
Weight: 2.4 kg
16 analog inputs and 17 digital inputs for sensors

Ocean Tracker

Transceiver modem on buoy and shore station

The buoy measures and transmits, in real time, the meteorological and oceanographic data it records, providing up-to-date information on marine environmental conditions. In addition, these data can be assimilated into weather forecasting and sea-state prediction models. To achieve this, the buoy is equipped with a transmission modem installed inside the buoy, which sends data via satellite. A shore-based receiving station (essentially a computer and a server) receives the transmitted data and enables its distribution to other locations for further use and analysis.

Mooring Structure

Mooring Line

The mooring line consists, at its deepest section, of a few meters of chain, followed by a combination of high-strength synthetic ropes (floating and no-floating ropes, respectively) with a total length between the two of 3,550 meters. In the upper part there is a 300 meter long cable connected to a 15 m long chain joined to a surface buoy that maintains the mooring. This section is connected to the AGL buoy by an hybrid line of cable with trawl floats and elastomer.

Anchor System

The anchoring system consists of a seabed ballast made up of 4 railroad wheels (approx. 1,250 kg total weight), connected by about 10 meters of chain to an anchor that secures the entire mooring assembly.