Each year, the SAWS Marine Research team deploys between 30 and 40 drifting weather buoys at sea. These amazing devices drift along under the
influence of the ocean’s surface currents. Their GPS transmitters, sea surface temperature sensors and air pressure sensors allow us real time
insight into key marine meteorological parameters across the world’s oceans. The data from these buoys gets incorporated into global weather forecasts
in order to enhance their accuracy, making them a critical element in ensuring safety of navigation.
SAWS is grateful to our partners at the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
who provides these buoys to use annually as part of the Global Drifter Programme.
The graphic below the drifters in the vicinity of South Africa. To see the full array, click here.
