DART® (Deep-ocean Assessment and Reporting of Tsunamis)

The Real-time tsunami buoy system is comprised of two parts: the bottom pressure recorder (BPR) and the surface buoy with related electronics. The BPR monitors water pressure with a resolution of approximately 1 mm sea water with 15 second averaged samples. Data is transmitted from the BPR via an acoustic modem, and data is transmitted from the buoy via the IRIDIUM modem. Under normal conditions (no tsunami) the BPR sends data hourly that is comprised of four 15-minute values which are single 15-second averages. The BPR can make up to 3 tries to get acknowledgment from the surface buoy that the data were received. The data is reformatted and sent via the IRIDIUM modem and displayed to show open ocean tides. This gives an hourly indication of the health and condition of the entire system. If data are not received from the bottom, the surface buoy uses the GPS derived buoy position for the self timed message.

For more information: Deep-ocean Assessment and Reporting of Tsunamis