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The U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) Quality Assurance/Quality Control of Real-Time Oceanographic Data (QARTOD) project has released the Manual for Real-Time Quality Control of Water Level Data Version 2.0, which helps data providers and operators to ensure the most accurate real-time data possible. 

 

The U.S. IOOS QARTOD project has published nine data quality-control manuals since 2012, five of which have been revised. The manuals are based on U.S. IOOS-selected parameters (or core variables) that are of high importance to ocean observations. The purpose of the manuals is to establish data quality control (QC) procedures for data collection for core variables, such as water levels, currents, waves and dissolved nutrients. These QC procedures meet the requirements outlined in the Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System (ICOOS) Act of 2009 and provide guidance to eleven U.S. IOOS Regional Associations, as well as other ocean observing entities.

 

Version 1.0 of the water level manual was published in May 2014. Version 2.0 incorporates general content from QC manuals developed since 2014, updates links to related documents, and provides access to several related documents on the U.S. IOOS website.

 

Water Level observations covered by procedures outlined in the manual are collected in oceans and lakes in real time. Scientists use sensors that employ various technologies, including microwave radar, pressure, acoustic, global positioning system (GPS) and laser. Most water level sensors operate from fixed platforms, for example, at tide stations that have bench marks to ensure a stable reference point from which measurements are made.

 

Water level data are used for numerous critical applications, including those that contribute to safe navigation, recreational activities, and input for modeling studies. For example, vessel pilots need accurate water level data for decision support, whether for understanding how much clearance there is between the vessel mast and the bridge or how much distance there is from the bottom of the keel to sea floor. These data are also essential for coastal zone management and construction, as well as weather forecasting, aiding the understanding of long-term climate trends and several others.

 

During the manual preparation, U.S. IOOS received extensive input from experts from the Center for Operational Oceanographic Products and Services, the National Hurricane Center, the National Data Buoy Center, the U.S Army Corps of Engineers, and others. U.S. IOOS also actively solicits feedback from data providers and operators who have used the manual as guidance for conducting real-time quality control for not only water levels but other core variables as well. This feedback is pertinent for preparation of manuals and updates, which is done as technologies expand and as resources permit.