Sonar

Sonar: Sound Navigation and Ranging

Sonar is a technique that uses sound for underwater communication, detection, and navigation. It is used by divers, scientists, fishermen, and animals.

It was first recorded by Leonardo Da Vinci in 1490.

Satellite Sensors

Earth observation satellites are used to observe our planet from outer space. They are used to monitor environmental activity. They can detect changes in the oceans and ice fields. They were first used in the 1950's-60's.

Stream Gauge - Gauging Station

A stream gauge or gauging station is a location used by scientists to monitor and test terrestrial bodies of water. It is useful for many tasks associated with hydrology.

The national gauging station was started in its current form in the early 1970's in Europe.

Piezometer

The Piezometer is a small well used to determine the specific measurement of water pressure in groundwater in aquifers. There are different types of piezometers: standpipe, vibrating wire, and titanium pressure transducers.

It was invented by the Danish physicist, H.C. Orsted.

Disdrometer

A disdrometer is an instrument used to measure the drop size distribution of different types of falling precipitation. The disdrometer pictured has a tipping bucket rain gauge. Some disdrometers can distinguish between different types of precipitation. First developed in 1462.

Tide Gauge

A tide gauge is a device used to measure sea level. They are also used to measure tides and quantify tsunamis. They also make it possible to determine the mean sea level. Current satellite data improves information obtained from tide gauges.

Data from tide gauges dates back to 1700 in Amsterdam.

Submarines

Submarines are watercraft that can independently operate underwater. They can work at greater depths in the ocean than are survivable for human divers. Most are used for military purposes, but other submarines are used for tourism, exploration, and pipeline surveying.

The first submarine was invented by Cornelis Drebbel in 1620 under James I of England.

Submersible Vechicles

Submersible Vehicles were invented in the 1900's. They are manned vehicles that descend to the ocean floor, but cannot stay underwater long. They are mostly used for deep sea observation. This allows scientists to view new situations and make immediate changes to experiments if needed.

Tsunami Buoys

Tsunami buoys are part of the DART (deep-ocean assess and reporting of tsunamis) system. They consist of a surface buoy and seafloor bottom pressure recording package. The bottom pressure recording package transmits data to the buoy, which then sends the data to a satellite. The satellite then sends the warning to the Tsunami Warning Centers. The first prototype was invented in 1995 - in 2004, six stations became operational. These buoys are extremely helpful in early detection of deadly tsunamis.

Hydroelectricity

Hydroelectricity is electricity generated by falling or flowing water. The first hydroelectric power plant began operating on September 30, 1882 in Wisconsin. It is now the most widely used form of renewable energy and it produces no direct waste.