Frequently asked questions
Anyone with an interest in Moreton Bay Marine Park is encouraged to become involved in its zoning plan review.
Why is wave recording important and who uses this information?
Wave information is used by planners and engineers in the design and construction of coastal structures and the Environmental Protection Agency to help short and long term investigations of natural coastal processes.
When a cyclone is approaching the coast, Environmental Protection Agency officers provide advice to the State Counter Disaster Organisation on the potential impact of waves on coastal communities.
A major user of the wave information provided by the department is the Bureau of Meteorology.
Wave data is used at four levels within the meteorological community where the primary aim of collecting and using wave data is for the safety of life and property.
At the most basic level, near-real-time locality data can be provided for individual planning purposes such as short duration fishing or pleasure craft activities.
At the regional level, wave data is used as input to forecasts for specific coastal areas and up to 60 nm seaward for periods of many hours in advance. These forecasts are aimed at 'small craft' venturing out on excursions where longer duration planning is required.
At the hemispheric level, wave data is used for calibration and verification of numerical wave models. These models cover large scale areas and provide guidance and input to forecasts and warnings on the high seas for periods of up to 24 hours in advance. These products are aimed at the large ocean-going vessels.
At the global level, wave data is used for calibration and verification of global numerical wave models. These, much broader scale models, provide the boundary condition data such as the propagation of remotely generated swell to hemispheric models. The performance of hemispheric models is therefore dependant on good quality and high resolution wave data obtained from all global sources.
What is a Waverider buoy?
A Waverider buoy is a floating buoy that is also a scientific instrument. It can transmit the wave heights that it measures to a radio receiver at a shore station.
How do they work?
Waverider buoys are battery powered wave height measuring instruments. The waves are measured by an "accelerometer" in the centre of the buoy. The accelerometer in the centre of a Waverider buoy is an electronic device that measures the amount that the buoy is accelerated up and down by each passing wave. These measurements are converted into electrical signals that are transmitted by radio to the shore station for recording and later analysis.
What and when was the biggest wave recorded in Queensland?
The largest wave recorded in Queensland waters was a 13.1 metre wave recorded at the department's Brisbane wave recording buoy moored in 80 metres of water off North Stradbroke Island on 17 March 1993, during the passage of tropical cyclone Roger. At the time the wave was recorded, TC Roger was centred 420 kilometres northeast of the wave recording buoy.
What is the biggest recorded ocean wave (not a tsunami)?
One of the largest waves ever encountered was recorded by an officer aboard the US navy tanker USS Ramapo on 7 February 1933 while on a voyage from Manila to San Diego. This wave was estimated to be 33.5 meters in height.
Last updated: 16 October 2008