Model Validation and Site Characterization for Early Deployment Marine Hydrokinetic (MHK) Sites and Establishment of Wave Classification Scheme - Wave Buoy Deployment in Buxton, North Carolina

This buoy will provide essential measurements to several user communities including the USACE Wave Information System modeling group pertaining to the During Nearshore Event Experiment (DUNEX), HF Radar validation for SECOORA and Muglia?s research group, the local boating and surfing communities, and private industry partners like Surfline. Project Goals 1. Disseminate information about the buoy to local stakeholders 2. Provide wave analysis of buoy observations with specific attention to the wave energy resource off NC 3. Put real-time wave observations on display in the research education corner at Jennettes Pier wave energy test facility in Nags Head, NC 4. Analyze surface current observations from the buoy, and make comparisons with the HF radar surface currents present from the HATY HF radar in Buxton, NC 5. Provide training to one engineering graduate student from ECU?s Department of Engineering specific to field work, data analysis, and wave/current energy quantification from observations off NC 6. Use buoy observations for educational programming in the NC Renewable Ocean Energy Program like the NC Renewable Ocean Energy challenge competition held at CSI on March 21, 2020 for high school, undergraduate, and graduate students in the NC system

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