Orientation Discrepancies in Lake Buoy Wind Direction Data: Update 3
June 15, 2021
This is an update to the previous post concerning wind direction data from the buoys.
Following the discovery that wind monitor orientation discrepancies were adversely affecting wind direction data in Wind speed and direction on lakes on-buoy (DP1.20059.001), NEON has field-verified current wind monitor orientations at the buoy sites and updated the algorithm to account for the wind monitor orientation and approximate uncertainty atop the buoy mast. The algorithm updates are reflected in NEON Algorithm Theoretical Basis Document (ATBD): Buoy 2D wind speed and direction (NEON.DOC.004738), revision B.
NEON published quality-flagged buoy wind direction data using the new algorithm and mast orientation offsets for all buoy sites except TOMB and BLWA on June 15, 2021. TOMB and BLWA updates should become available by the end of June, 2021. Note that manually flagged buoy wind direction data may be incorrect in orientation, but relative changes in direction should be accurate. The buoy windspeed data stream of this data product remains unaffected by this issue. We suggest data users refer to the nearby, onshore 2D wind speed and direction data product (DP1.00001.001) for riparian wind direction data. NEON will continue to assess and improve the wind direction algorithm as the new data processing pipeline rolls out in mid-2022.
Please use the contact form for further inquiries; please select DP1.20059.001 in the Data Product dropdown list and include the term "INC0042527" in the body of your request.
