Tide Gauges

Tide gauges measure tidal fluctuations, instantaneous water depths and long-term water depth averages in coastal areas. Although tide gauges have been in use for many decades, advances in sensor technology have increased both the available options and measurement accuracy. Automated monitoring systems can deliver the data needed to analyze long-term trends and develop both near and long-term forecasts.

Tide Gauge Measurements

Shifting climate trends have placed an increased focus on environmental data collection. Concerns over global sea level rise and incidence of extreme weather events call for expansion of tidal monitoring networks around the world.

NOAA tide gauge data suggests that sea levels are rising at an increasing rate currently averaging over one inch every 10 years.

Higher sea levels allow storm surges to push farther inland and cause more damage particularly in low-lying coastal areas.

Tidal data can give indication of the best times and locations for fishing and recreational activities like boating, surfing and swimming.

Navigation routes in shallow ports, harbours and marinas may change depending on the phase of the tidal cycle.

Marine construction projects may need to design for and perform construction activities based around the timing and magnitude of local tides.

Incidence of extreme wave heights and tsunamis can be recorded by tide gauge systems.

Typical Tide Gauge System

Tide gauge systems may integrate various sensor types for measurement of mean water levels, wave heights and other factors like weather conditions. They are mounted on piers, docks or purpose-built structures and incorporate data logging systems with wireless, remote telemetry.

While systems have historically utilized mechanical float sensors or sounding tubes, NexSens tide gauge systems incorporate modern sensor technology such as the VEGA VEGAPULS C 23 radar level sensor, a non-contact water level instrument that requires little to no maintenance. Sensors are connected to the X3 environmental data logger, the central component of NexSens automated tide gauge stations. The X3 transmits real-time sensor data wirelessly, most commonly via cellular telemetry, but Iridium satellite telemetry is available for stations in remote areas with little connectivity.

Multiple sensor ports on the X3 allow for simultaneous connection of several sensors. A station could, for example, incorporate a pressure transducer like the Seametrics PT12 for redundant water level measurement. Other compatible sensors include meteorological sensors for measurement of weather factors like air temperature, barometric pressure, and wind speed and direction, ADCP current meters and profilers, and multi-parameter water quality sondes.

Flexible mounting options for the X3 simplify installation on structures. Power is typically supplied with SP-series solar power packs or fixed adapter if AC power is available. Telemetered data is received on the WQData LIVE web datacenter platform. WQData LIVE has a suite of data management tools and sends alerts via email or SMS text message when defined thresholds are exceeded.

Contact a NexSens Applications Engineer today to discuss your tide gauge application.

NexSens X3 Environmental Data Logger

NexSens MAST Aluminum Mounting Pole

NexSens SP10 Solar Power Pack

Vaisala WXT536 Multi-Parameter Weather Sensor

VEGA VEGAPULS C 23 Radar Water Level Sensor

Visit the Fondriest Learning Center to learn more about the fundamentals of environmental measurements.

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