Drifting Buoys

As the RNODC for Drifting Buoys ISDM manages a continuously updated archive of data collected from around the globe since 1978.

Data can be requested by buoy, area, date or programme with parameters including position, air and water temperature, air pressure, wind speed and direction.

Data and Products

• Global Telecommunications Service (GTS) data
  Every month nearly 1 million records from up to 1500 drifting and moored buoys reporting over the GTS are updated to the archives.
  • Drifting Buoy Cooperation Panel (DBCP) Action Groups
  • GTS code forms and advisories
• Surface Velocity Programme (SVP) data
  Data collected and processed by the Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML) under the Global Drifter Program formerly World Ocean Circulation Experiment - Surface Velocity Programme (WOCE-SVP) is available from 1979 to 2003.
• Kiel Deep Drifter Data
  Data from drifters with deep drogues collected by the Institut für Meereskunde, at the University of Kiel from 1980 to 1996.

Programme Information

• Responsible National Oceanographic Data Centre for Drifting Buoys (RNODC)
  Describes the activities of the RNODC-ISDM in acquiring and making drifting buoy data available to the international scientific community.