Tides are the regular rise and fall of sea levels caused by the gravitational pull of the moon (and, to a lesser degree, the sun) on Earth’s oceans and seas. They are characterized by the difference between the highest and lowest points, known as tidal range. There are two main types of tides: diurnal […]
Waves are periodic ridges or swells on the surface of bodies of water caused by energy passing through the water. Energy transfer from wind is the driving force behind most common surface gravity waves throughout the globe. As air passes over the water, the friction at the air-water interface produces localized wave crests. Unimpeded wave […]
Current, in terms of hydrology, refers to the movement of water that takes place in all natural surface waters, including streams, rivers, lakes, coastal waters, and oceans. Various factors influence water currents, such as wind patterns, temperature and salinity differences, the Earth’s rotation (Coriolis effect), the gravitational pull of the moon, the physical topography of […]
Water flow measurement builds on level measurement to provide not only water levels, but total volume in moving natural waterways, namely rivers and streams. Flow monitoring tracks the movement of water in a watershed and is a critical component of water resource management, hydropower generation, environmental conservation, and other hydrological studies. Flow rates in water […]
Water level measurement is a fundamental aspect of water resource management and environmental monitoring in aquatic ecosystems. Monitoring the water level in natural waters such as lakes, rivers, reservoirs, oceans, groundwater, and other water bodies is essential to researchers, resource managers, infrastructure planners, port authorities, and other environmental professionals. Climate change concerns have also amplified […]
While data loggers, sensors, and cloud datacenters make up the backbone of environmental measurement systems for continuous monitoring, various other displays are commonly used both during fieldwork and normal operation. Field computers, handheld display units, and mobile devices like smartphones are used both for real-time data collection and configuration of permanent installations. On-site displays are […]
Cloud datacenters, also known as web-based or online datacenters, play a pivotal role in managing the data delivered by modern environmental data collection systems. They provide a secure, centralized platform for storing, processing, and analyzing collected data via the Internet, thereby enhancing the accessibility, scalability, and functionality of environmental monitoring programs. Cloud datacenters typically offer […]
With remote monitoring also comes the need for an autonomous, efficient power supply to ensure the continuous operation of sensors, data loggers, and telemetry equipment. Systems installed at or near existing infrastructure can receive power from the electrical grid. However, fixed power supplies are not available in many applications, so alternative means are required. In […]
Telemetry refers to the automatic measurement and wireless transmission of data from remote sensors to centralized data collection and management systems. Such technology is crucial for environmental monitoring, particularly in remote locations where real-time data is essential to meet regulatory requirements or to provide quick notice of environmental conditions. Telemetry systems can use various communication […]
Data logger is a broad term that may refer to any device that stores sensor measurement data. Many smart sensors integrate on-board data logging electronics. However, for the purposes of environmental data logging, systems typically include dedicated data logger units that can interface with multiple sensor types and, in many cases, transmit the data. Data […]
