OCS Study 

MMS 2000-009 

Observation of the Atmospheric 

Boundary Layer in the Western and 

Central Gulf of Mexico 

Second Annual Report 

U.S. Department of the Interior 

am 

Minerals Management Service 

Gulf of Mexico OCS Region 
OCS Study 

MMS 2000-009 

Observation of the Atmospheric 

Boundary Layer in the Western and 

Central Gulf of Mexico 

Second Annual Report 

Preparers 

Radian International LLC 

and 

Sonoma Technology, Inc. 

Prepared under MMS Contract 

1435-01-97-CT-30854 

by 

Radian International LLC 

Electronic Systems 

15705 Long Vista Drive 

Austin, Texas 78728 

and 

Sonoma Technology, Inc. 

1360 Redwood Way, Suite C 

Petaluma, California 94954 

Published by 

U .S . Department of the Interior 

Minerals 7management Service New Orleans 

Gulf of Mexico OCS Region March 2000 

DISCLAIMER 

This report was prepared under contract between the Minerals Management Service 

(MMS) and Radian International LLC. This report has been technically reviewed by the 

MMS, and it has been approved for publication. Approval does not signify that the 

contents necessarily reflect the views and policies of the MMS, nor does mention of 

trade names or commercial products constitute endorsement or recommendation for 

use. It is, however, exempt from review and compliance with the MMS editorial 

standards. 

REPORT AVAILABILITY 

Extra copies of this report may be obtained from the Public Information Office (Mail Stop 

5034) at the following address: 

U.S . Department of the Interior 

Minerals Management Service 

Gulf of Mexico OCS Region 

Public Information Office (MS 5034) 

1201 Elmwood Park Boulevard 

New Orleans, LA 70123-2394 

Telephone: 504-736-2519 or 1-800-200-GULF 

CITATION 

Radian International LLC and Sonoma Technology, Inc. 2000. Observation of the 

Atmospheric Boundary Layer in the Western and Central Gulf of Mexico, Second 

Annual Report. OCS Study MMS 2000-009. U .S. Department of the Interior, 

Minerals Management Service, Gulf of Mexico OCS Region, New Orleans, LA. 

32 pp . 

iii 

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

LIST OF FIGURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii 

LIST OF TABLES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii 

ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ix 

1 .0 INTRODUCTION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-1 

2.0 PROJECT OVERVIEW AND STATUS SUMMARY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1 

2.1 Goals and Objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-1 

2 .1 .1 Goals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-1 

2.1 .2 Objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-2 

2.2 . Organizational Structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-2 

2.2.1 Organization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2 

2.2 .2 Responsibilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3 

2.2 .3 Subcontracting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3 

2 .3 Implementation Planning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-4 

2.3 .1 Data Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-5 

2.3 .2 Logistics Responsibilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-6 

2.3 .3 Selection of Sites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6 

2.3 .4 Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6 

2 .4 Status Summary as of September 30, 1998 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7 

2.5 Status Summary as of September 30, 1999 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9 

3 .0 PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION DURING THIS REPORTING PERIOD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1 

3 .1 Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-1 

3 .1 .1 Personnel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-1 

3 .1 .2 Communications and Coordination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-1 

3 .1 .3 Record Keeping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-3 

3 .2 Site and Equipment Preparation Logistics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-3 

3 .2 .1 Site Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-3 

3 .2 .2 RF Licenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3 

3 .2 .3 Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4 

3 .2 .4 Data Processing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-5 

v 
TABLE OF CONTENTS (continued) 

3 .3 Site Operations and Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-5 

3 .4 Data Measurements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-6 

3 .4.1 Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-6 

3 .4 .2 Data Capture Rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-7 

3 .4 .3 Data Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-9 

3 .4 .3 .1 Radar Profiler High-Mode Wind Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10 

3 .4 .3 .2 Radar Profiler Low-Mode Wind Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-11 

3 .4 .3 .3 RASS Temperature Data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-12 

3 .5 Problems Encountered and Corrective Action Taken . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-13 

3 .5 .1 Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-13 

3 .5 .2 Site and Equipment Preparation Logistics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-13 

3 .5 .3 Site Operations and Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-13 

3 .5 .4 Data Measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-15 

3 .6 Summary and Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-16 

vi 
LIST OF FIGURES 

Figure 2-1 Organization of the Project Team . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-2 

Figure 2-2 Site Equipment Subsystems and Interconnectivity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-6 

Figure 2-3 Location of Selected Monitoring Sites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-7 

Figure 2-4 Principal Activities of MNIS Boundary Layer Study 

September 1997 - September 1998 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-8 

Figure 3-1 Project Team Personnel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-2 

Figure 3-2 Data Flow for MMS Boundary Layer Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-7 

Figure 3-3 Data Recovery for Radar Wind Profiler High-Mode Winds, 

September 1998 - August 1999 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-10 

Figure 3-4 Data Recovery for Radar Wind Profiler Low-Mode Winds, 

September 1998 - August 1999 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-11 

Figure 3-5 Data Recovery for Radar Wind Profiler RASS Mode, 

September 1998 - August 1999 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . : . . . . . . . . . . . .3-12 

LIST OF TABLES 

Table 2-1 Meteorological Measurements at Each Site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-5 

Table 3-1 Meteorological Equipment Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4 

Table 3-2 Data Capture Rate for VRM 22D Site, September 1998 - August 1999 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8 

Table 3-3 Data Capture Rate for SMI 160A Site, September 1998 - August 1999 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9 

vu 

ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS 

AGL Above Ground Level 

EC Degrees Celsius 

CD Computer Disk 

CDT Central Daylight Time 

CO Contracting Officer 

Comm Communications 

COTR Contracting Officer's Technical Representative 

CST Central Standard Time 

DCP Data Collection Platform 

ERL Environmental Research Laboratories 

GC Gateway Computer 

GFE Government Furnished Equipment 

GOES Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite 

GPS Global Positioning System 

KHZ Kilohertz 

km kilometer 

Max Maximum 

mb millibar 

Met Meteorological 

MHz Megahertz 

Min Minimum 

MMS Minerals Management Service 

m/s meters per second 

N North 

NA Not Applicable 

NCDC National Climatic Data Center 

NESDIS National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service 

NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 

NTIA National Telecommunications and Information Administration 

NWS National Weather Service 

O&M Operations and Maintenance 

QA Quality Assurance 

QC Quality Control 

RASS Radio Acoustic Sounding System 

RC Radar Computer 

RF Radio Frequency 

RH Relative Humidity 

RWP Radar Wind Profiler 

sec second 

SMI South Marsh Island 160A platform designator 

STI Sonoma Technology, Inc . 

Tv Virtual Temperature 

UPS Uninterruptible Power Supply 

VRM Vermillion 22D platform designator 

W West 

ix 

1 .0 INTRODUCTION 

This is the second annual contractor progress report on the data collection portion of the 

Boundary Layer Study in the Western and Central Gulf of Mexico, initiated by the Minerals 

Management Service (MMS), U.S . Department of the Interior . Radian International LLC was 

awarded the contract by MMS effective September 22, 1997. This annual report covers activities 

during the second year of the project, through September 30, 1999. Future progress reporting on 

an annual basis will detail data collection activities through their planned completion in 2001 . 

Section 2 .0 of this report provides a project overview and status summary. Future annual 

reports will update the status summary portion of this section. Section 3 .0 of this report provides 

project implementation details during the specific reporting period. For this report, Section 3 .0 

covers actions and results from the end of the First Annual Report (September 30, 1998) through 

September 30, 1999. Future annual reports will similarly provide implementation actions and 

results applicable to the specific reporting period. 

1-1 

2 .0 PROJECT OVERVIEW AND STATUS SUMMARY 

2 .1 Goals and Objectives 

2 .1 .1 Goals 

For the Gulf of Mexico, present data sets poorly represent how temperature, winds, and 

mixing height vary vertically over the atmospheric boundary layer and free troposphere . 

Estimates come from two sources : 1) automated weather stations measuring meteorological 

variables in the surface layer; and 2) observational satellites sampling the boundary layer and 

free troposphere at a few select altitudes . Because these techniques generally do not accurately or 

precisely measure for a range of altitudes, empirical constants and relationships are used to 

approximate vertical variations in temperature, winds, and other boundary layer properties. 

However, direct observations more accurately describe vertical variations because the cited 

estimates contain many assumptions and simplifications . 

Applications using these estimated winds, temperature, and mixing heights exist, but they 

contain uncertainties from above simplifications. For instance, the Minerals Management 

Service (MMS) applies such estimates in several ways when assessing changes in air quality 

from oil and gas production. The MMS requires meteorological inputs and computational 

routines in dispersion modeling. The MMS assessments use conceptual models of pollutant 

transport through the marine boundary layer and theoretical analyses on the marine boundary 

layer. The MMS then has an interest in collecting field observations of the vertical structure of 

the marine boundary layer because such observations would reduce uncertainties in 

environmental assessments. 

Under this project, the MMS shall obtain field observations describing the vertical 

structure of the marine boundary layer over the Western and Central Gulf of Mexico for ongoing 

and future applications . The agency will accomplish this goal by establishing two (2) boundary 

layer profiler systems on offshore platforms for approximately three (3) years of data collection. 

The MMS requires acquisition, installation, and maintenance of equipment, data collection, data 

management, and routine reporting over the life of this project. The MMS will retain ownership 

during and after the time period. 

Each system is to use existing, well-established technologies and procedures. Each 

system needs to make minimal demands on platform resources and produce no hazards to 

platform personnel or offshore radio transmissions. 

This project will provide a valuable source of information to the National Weather 

Service (NWS) operations as the boundary layer observations are collected in real time and 

distributed. An arrangement will be set up to permit NWS direct access to the observations . The 

NWS will also supplement quality control and archive the observations at the National Climatic 

Data Center (NCDC). 

2-1 
2.1 .2 Objectives 

Accurately collect, record, and report meteorological observations for three years in the 

Western and Central Gulf of Mexico . These observations shall include temperature, atmospheric 

refractivity, and winds from the surface layer into the free troposphere. Surface data collected 

shall measure air and sea surface temperatures, pressure, winds, and humidity . 

2.2 Organizational Structure 

2.2 .1 Organization 

Figure 2-1 depicts the organization of the project team. 

MMS 

Contracting Officer (CO) Contracting Officer's 

Technical Rep (COTR) 

C4IItf_a-Qt~P ecialist 

Program Manager I 

~ NOAA/ERL 

(Radian) 

Equipment O&M Team I I Qata Processing Reporting & Team 

Figure 2-1 . Organization of the Project Team 

2-2 
2 .2.2 Responsibilities 

Radian Team Position Responsibilities 

Program Manager All aspects of planning, organizing, directing, and 

controlling the project in accordance with contract 

requirements and specific project objectives and 

deliverables . Responsible to the MMS COTR for 

timely project reporting and to the MMS CO, 

through the Radian Project Contract Specialist, for 

resolution of all contractual issues . 

Principal Engineer All aspects of equipment preparation, siting, 

performance, removal, and reports preparation 

related to these activities. 

Principal Investigator All data collection, processing, and reporting. 

Contract Specialist Supports the MMS CO and Radian Program 

Manager on all contractual issues . 

QAQC Supports the Program Manager in performing all 

administrative functions, including documents, 

records, and reports . 

Admin Support Specialist Supports the Program Manager in performing all 

administrative functions, including documents, 

records, and reports . 

Equipment O&M Team Supports the Principal Engineer in performing all 

equipment-related activities. 

Data Processing and Reporting Team Supports the Principal Investigator in performing 

all data-related activities. 

NOTE : Key Personnel Positions are highlighted in bold print above . 

2.2.3 Subcontracting 

The Radian team for this project includes Sonoma Technology, Inc., under subcontract to 

Radian. As joint collaborators with NOAH for commercializing NOAA radar profiler 

technology, Radian and STI have worked closely since 1991 on all aspects of radar profiler 

production and implementation, and have teamed on many previous field projects of this type . 

For this MMS-support effort, Radian will exploit STI's extensive experience in data collection, 

processing and reporting. This function will be performed by STI under the direction of the 

Principal Investigator provided by STI and reporting directly to the Radian Program Manager. 

2-3 
2.3 Implementation Planning 

The following summary guidelines apply in project team efforts to achieve full 

performance of each task under the contract: 

Task l, Equipment All equipment types listed in the contract are to be 

procured, with careful consideration of cost-benefit tradeoffs . 

Task 2, Field Plan The most workable sites are to be identified and obtained ; a 

comprehensive field plan is to be prepared and endorsed by 

MMS. 

Task 3, Deployment & Two sites are to be operated and maintained, in an 

Operations accident free manner, providing all required data types at 

90% or greater capture level, with diligent QAQC and ontime reporting. 

Task 4, Discontinuation Equipment is to be fully checked, appropriately refurbished, 

of Monitoring and relocated as directed by MMS in a timely manner 

(within 30 days) after the data collection period. 

Task, All The project is to be completed within the estimated costing 

and on a time schedule approved by MMS. 

2-4 
2.3 .1 Data Requirements 

Table 2-1 lists each required data type, along with the applicable measurement instrument 

to be used, measurement frequency, and measurement accuracy. 

Table 2-1 . Meteorological Measurements at Each Site 

Reporting Sampling 

Data Type Instrument Frequency Frequency Accuracy 

Upper Air Measurements 

Wind Speed LAPS-3000 RWP' Hourly (55 minute 25 sec 1 m/s 

average) 

Wind Direction LAPS-3000 RWP' Hourly (55 minute 25 sec 10° 

average) 

Virtual LAPS-3000 RASSz Hourly (55 minute 25 sec 1 ° C 

Temperature average) 

Refractivity LAPS-3000 RWP1 Hourly (55 minute 25 sec NA 

Signal-to-Noise average) 

Ratio 

Surface Meteorolo ical Measurements 

Wind Speed Anemometer Hourly 2 sec 0 .2 m/s or 

1% 

Wind Direction Anemometer Hourly 2 sec 2 ° at 0 .2 

m/s 

Air Temperature Aspirated Sensor Hourly 2 sec 0 .50 C 

Sea Surface Infrared Sensor Hourly 2 sec 0 .50 C 

Temperature 

Relative Humidity Aspirated Sensor Hourly 2 sec f5% 

Pressure Barometer Hourly 2 sec 1 .5 mb 

'Radar Wind Profiler 

'Radio Acoustic Sounding System 

Each of two off-shore oil platform sites in the Louisiana Gulf Coast is to be configured 

to fulfill these data requirements. The preferred locations of the respective two sites are 

approximately 10 km within the shoreline and approximately 50-80 km within the shoreline. 

Collection of a three-year data record, with data capture rate greater than 90%, is to be 

achieved. 

2-5 
2.3 .2 Logistics Responsibilities 

The Program Manager will monitor all equipment and data handling logistics and will 

coordinate as appropriate with the MMS COTR. 

The Principal Engineer will be responsible for all equipment logistics, including 

procurement, pre-deployment testing, shipping, installation, preventive and emergency 

maintenance, audits and calibrations, removal, refurbishment, and shipment to MMS storage. 

He will use the facilities and personnel resources of Radian's Boulder, Colorado electronics 

plant, with supplementation as needed from Radian's Austin, Texas electronics plant. 

The Principal Investigator will be responsible for all data handling logistics, including 

sensor operating parameters, data retrieval, data reasonableness checks, audit and calibration 

report reviews, data validation, reporting, and archiving. He will use the facilities and personnel 

of STI' s dedicated Weather Operations Center in Santa Rosa, California and will work closely 

with QA/QC team members provided by both Radian and STI. 

The QA/QC team will monitor data and report quality and keep the Program Manager 

appraised of status, including any problems and recommended corrective action . 

2 .3.3 Selection of Sites 

The site selection process must be completed as the first step in field project preparation. 

A location in shallow water is needed to measure how the marine boundary layer is affected by 

the land/sea breeze mechanism. Such a location was estimated to be within 10 km from the 

shoreline. A location in deep water is needed to measure how the marine boundary layer is 

affected by interaction between adverting air masses and colder waters in the Gulf of Mexico. 

Such a location is believed to be approximately 75 km from the shoreline. One deep-water site 

and one shallow-water site at a minimum will best fulfill data requirements. 

2.3.4 Equipment 

Figure 2-2 illustrates the site equipment 

subsystems that will be installed on each platform 

site, and the interconnectivity of these subsystems. 

The subsystems are: 

" RWP (LAPS-3000 and RASS); 

" Surface meteorological sensors; 

" Computers; and 

" Communications Interfaces . 

Radiant 

STI 

Remote Con6o1 

new aevrerar 

(GOES) 

Comm. Computers 

Gulf of Mexico P tform 

Surface 

Met RWP 

Sensors 

Refer to Field Plan for detailed descriptions 

of these subsystems. 

Figure 2-2. Site Equipment 

Subsystems and Interconnectivity 

2-6 
2 .4 Status Summary as of September 30, 1998 

Following contract award, the establishment of two off-shore Gulf of Mexico 

meteorological monitoring sites was successfully accomplished. Meteorological monitoring 

systems were installed on two platforms in the northern Gulf of Mexico as illustrated in Figure 

2-3 . The sensors on each platform include a 915 MHz boundary layer profiler to measure 

vertical profiles of wind speed and direction, a 2 KHz BASS unit to measure virtual temperature 

profiles, and a suite of surface meteorological instruments. A GOES DCP (Data Collection 

Platform) is installed at each site to transmit hourly data via satellite communications to the 

project data management facility . 

"! Hattiesburg' 

allege Statlon Mobi 

Baton-Rou e p Bil xi----_Moss ornt 

ake Charles Lafay`ette , ~ -,Gulfpo~t 

Beaumon rangy ~ ~ : .ewfOrPeans 

Ho stQn~ rt A46 D 

~ ~~~~~~ aum 

Texas Ci -,,"""-" "ater-PlafoQ 

Galveston 

Vemvllion 22D 

29.4N ! 92 .SW 

(Owned by ER"I~ 

Deep Water Platform 

South Marsh Island 160A 

28.1N 191 .9W 

(Owned by Necvfield Exploration) 

Cuff 

Figure 2-3. Location of Selected Monitoring Sites 

2-7 
Activities during the first year included : 

" Preparing and testing the radar profilers; 

" Purchasing additional surface meteorological sensors; 

" Obtaining GFE sensors and other hardware; 

" Integrating the sensor and communications components; 

" Developing procedures for data collection, analysis, and reporting; 

" Modifying hardware and software to meet special MMS field conditions and 

communications requirements ; 

" Selecting and preparing oil platform sites; 

" Obtaining RF licenses for communications and profiling operations ; 

" Installing the systems on the oil platforms; 

" Operating and maintaining the data collection systems; and 

" Submitting monthly status and data reports. 

Installation of the meteorological monitoring systems at the two platform sites was 

completed during March 1998, but the monitoring systems were shut down temporarily while 

awaiting necessary RF licenses . The three-year data collection period started on June 3, 1998. A 

timelines overview of the first year of the project is shown in Figure 2-4. 

O TM* ~ I ~ l~m ~ ~ e~ Od Nov Dec Jn Feb MW .M Ji/ OQ 

~~YwJRen 

Z Coaaact Award " ~ 

4 Sit. $dECb04 & ACqWSifiOII ~ 1711 

I & All Ila JCW]CE ocations 

Equipment R.CCCQt C061QIELt t7A1 

Deployment nd Operations 

t IastaIVPect Platforms " 22 

Start Data CoDection f an 

Start MomMy Data Reports 

Start Sean-Aerial nuts ~ sn ~ 

Figure 2-4. Principal Activities of MMS Boundary Layer Study 

September 1997 - September 1998 

2-8 
2 .5 Status Summary as of September 30, 1999 

Both platform sites continued to provide high data capture rates. Three unscheduled site 

maintenance trips were required during the second year of the project: one in October 1998, one 

in December 1998, and one in August 1999. Problems were experienced with the relative 

humidity sensors at both sites, a GOES DCP problem occurred at SMI 160A, an SST problem 

occurred at VRM 22D, and data transmission problems (interrupting radar profiler and surface 

met data) occurred at VRM 22D. Scheduled maintenance trips were accomplished in April and 

September 1999. Systems and meteorological sensors audits for both sites were performed 

during the April and September 1999 scheduled maintenance visits . 

Real-time data losses due to failed communications or power outages were largely 

recovered by later manual data retrieval by maintenance technicians during site visits . 

A potentially significant problem arose with the transfer of ownership of SMI 160A when 

the new owners, Newfield Exploration Company, levied the requirement for an Indemnity and 

Boarding Agreement that was unworkable from Radian and MMS points of view. This issue was 

eventually resolved when the new owners modified their position and waived the Agreement as a 

prerequisite for our project personnel to visit the platform site . 

All monthly data reports were delivered on schedule to the MMS COTR, as were the First 

Annual Report and Slide Set. In January 1999, Radian submitted a replacement CD for the June 

through November 1998 data. This replacement carried a correction to the data times that were 

unknowingly being recorded in CDT instead of CST. All data are subsequently being collected 

in CST, as originally intended. 

2-9 

3.0 PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION DURING THIS 

REPORTING PERIOD 

Work accomplished and results achieved during the second year of the project, 

October 1, 1998 through September 30, 1999, are detailed below. 

3.1 Management 

MMS, Radian, and STI implemented a highly effective project team working 

relationship, using e-mail and telephone conferences to coordinate implementation actions and to 

resolve potential problems as they arose. 

3.1 .1 Personnel 

Figure 3-1 shows the personnel that performed each of the project organization functions. 

As referenced in this document, the Radian/STI "key personnel" include Gary Zeigler (Program 

Manager), Richard West (Principal Engineer), and Tim Dye (Principal Investigator). Participant 

changes during this reporting period included : Richard West replaced Canton Schneider as 

Principal Engineer; Craig Anderson replaced Mark Stoelting on the QAQC team; and Darlene 

Huebner replaced Jean Barnes as Administrative Support Specialist . 

3.1 .2 Communications and Coordination 

Authority for all required project team decision actions to ensure timely, efficient, and 

competent accomplishment of all work under the contract is vested in the Program Manager. 

Authority for day-to-day decision making is delegated to the Principal Engineer for all 

equipment-related matters and to the Principal Investigator for all data collection and processing 

matters. 

Routine meetings necessary for smooth implementations of the measurement sites have 

been replaced with as-needed teleconferences. 

3-1 
MMS 

Contracting Officer (CO) Contracting Officer's 

Technical Rep (COTR) 'i 

Wally Adcox 

Alexis Lugo-Fernandez 

Contract So i li 

Sammy Young 

(Radian) 

Admin Support Specialist 

Darlene Huebner 

Program Manages 

Gary Zeigler 

(Radian) 

ZLOAA/ERL 

Principal Engineer 

Richard West 

(Radian) 

QAQC 

Larry Best (Radian) 

Craig Anderson (STI) 

Principal Investigator 

Tim Dye 

(STI) 

Equipment 0&M Team Data Processing & Reporting Team 

Rick Lawrence Jana Schwartz Joe Kwiatkowski 

Bill Burton Martins Shultz Donna Ladner 

Figure 3-1 . Project Team Personnel 

All formal external communications and coordination by project team members were 

directed through the Program Manager. Informal communications and coordinating with 

personnel and agencies outside the project team were encouraged by individual team members as 

necessary to ensure effective accomplishment of the routine work within the responsibility of the 

respective team participant. Issues that arose during such informal external contacts were 

immediately reported through the project management chain to the Program Manager for formal 

resolution. 

3-2 
3.1 .3 Record Keeping 

The project contract file, including copies of all correspondence with the MMS 

Contracting Officer, is maintained in the office of the Radian Contract Specialist . 

A copy of all documentation related to project accomplishment is maintained in the office 

of the Program Manager. These documents include all project directives, reports of trips and 

meetings, record copies of all written deliverables submitted to MMS, and copies of all written 

correspondence between the Program Manager and the MMS COTR. 

Data collection and processing, chain of custody, and other quality assurance records are 

maintained by the Principal Investigator . These records serve as the basis of monthly and annual 

reporting, as well as other formal submissions. 

Equipment testing, installation, operation, maintenance, and quality assurance records are 

maintained by the Principal Engineer. The Principal Engineer also maintains a log of all 

scheduled and unscheduled site visit activities and the results thereof. These records serve as the 

basis of monthly and annual reporting, as well as other formal submissions, that were initiated by 

the Principal Engineer, through the Program Manager, to MMS as contract deliverables . 

Photographic records of all significant project activities continue to be taken by project 

team members, under the direction of project key personnel, as inputs to MMS under the 

"Presentation Slide Sets" deliverable requirement of the contract. 

3 .2 Site and Equipment Preparation Logistics 

3 .2.1 Site Selection 

Details on the original site-finding efforts and results are described in the First Annual 

Report. To recap, the following two platforms were selected for the study: 

1) Vermillion 22D, operated by ERT, as the shallow water site and 

2) South Marsh Island 160A, originally operated by Chevron, now by Newfield 

Exploration, as the deep water site . 

3 .2.2 RF Licenses 

For the MMS boundary layer study, RF licenses are required for the GOES satellite data 

up-link and for the wind profiler operating frequency . 

The profiler data is transmitted using a two-minute per hour channel of the 

NOAA/NESDIS Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) 

3-3 
system. Allocation of the channel from NESDIS and permitting from NTIA to 

transmit to the GOES satellite at 402 MHz were required and received . 

The wind profiler measurements are based on radar pulses centered at 915 MHz. 

Permission from NTIA to operate the two profilers in the Gulf of Mexico in this 

band was required and received . 

There have been no problems with our licenses during this reporting period . 

3.2 .3 Equipment 

The radar wind profilers employed in this MMS project were manufactured at Radian's 

assembly plant in Boulder, CO. Each was integrated with surface meteorological sensors and 

data communications components from MMS and from commercial vendors. Custom 

modifications to the two systems were made to adapt to the harsh environmental conditions 

expected on the platforms and also to support the unique data communications requirements . 

The components were also tested at the Radian Boulder facility before deployment to ensure the 

reliability of the fielded systems. Table 3-1 lists the equipment deployed. 

Table 3-1 . Meteorological Equipment Specifications 

Measured Sensor 

Parameter Manufacturer Sensor Model Sensor Specifications 

Wind Speed RM Young RMY 05305-5 Accuracy: X0 .2 m/s 

Range : 0 to 40 m/s 

Wind Direction RM Young RMY 05305-5 Accuracy: ±3' 

Range : 0 to 360° 

Temperature Campbell HMP35C Accuracy: ±0 .5'C 

Scientific, Inc. Range : -35° to +50.0'C 

Relative Campbell HMP35C Accuracy: f2% RH 

Humidity Scientific, Inc. Range : 0-90% RH 

Accuracy: t3% RH 

Range : 90 to 100% RH 

Pressure Vaisala PTA-427 Accuracy: f0 .6 mb 

Range : 600 to 1060 mb 

Sea Surface Everest 4000 .4GL Accuracy: f0 .5°C 

Temperature Interscience, Inc. Range: -40°C to 100°C 

Upper-air Wind Radian LAPS-3000 RWP' Accuracy: f1 .0 m/s 

Speed Range: 0 to 24 m/s 

(per beam) 

Upper-air Wind Radian LAPS-3000 RWP' Accuracy: X10° 

Direction Range: 0 to 360° 

Upper-air Virtual Radian LAPS-3000 RASSZ Accuracy: ±1.0°C 

Temperature Range: 5°C to 40°C 

Radar Wind Profiler 

Z Radio Acoustic Sounding System 

3-4 
3.2.4 Data Processing 

The data processing and communications tasks include preparing the data at the sites, 

transmitting the data back through GOES, receiving the data at the STI Weather Operations 

Center, analyzing and storing the data, and submitting data reports. 

During this reporting period no procedure or data flow changes were needed or made. 

There were some problems with real-time data collection due to GOES DCP and platform power 

disruptions, but all were addressed in timely fashion to keep capture rates high. 

3 .3 Site Operations and Maintenance 

During this reporting period we performed two regularly scheduled site visits and three 

unscheduled visits, all described below. 

" 9-10 October 1998 Unscheduled Visit 

SMI-160A: Synergistics GOES DCP was replaced with spare. The platform operator 

accidentally broke the DCP power switch while attempting to restore power to the 

unit after it had been shut down during passage of Hurricane Georges . The data 

collected between 29 Sep/0900 and 10 Oct/0700 CST at the platform was not 

transmitted via GOES during the DCP down time but was returned on disks to STI for 

archiving. 

VRM-22D: The sea surface temperature sensor was replaced with a spare. The 

sensor failed at 1200 CST on 1 Oct with data loss for SST covering 1 Oct/1200 

through 9 Oct/1700 CST. 

17 December 1998 Unscheduled Visit 

We performed an unscheduled maintenance visit to VRM-22D on 17 Dec. to replace 

the SST sensor that failed on 2 Nov. While there, we replaced the RH sensor as. a 

precaution due to the suspect appearance of its data during Nov and Dec. 

20 April 1999 Scheduled Visit 

We performed a scheduled visit to both platform sites on 20 April. SMI-160A audit 

confirmed all surface met sensors except for RH passed audit criteria. VRM-22D 

audit confirmed all surface met sensors passed audit criteria . 

6-7 August 1999 Unscheduled Visit 

Cleared up a transmission data loss problem at VRM-22D. Upper air data resumed 

normal flow, but an unresolved surface met data communications problem continued 

to keep data from being transmitted (it was being saved on site). 

3-5 
29-30 September 1999 Scheduled Visit 

SMI-160A: Needed to reboot the Gateway to clear it from a non-working status . The 

UPS had a battery problem. Platform personnel will ship it to Austin for repair. 

Audit of met equipment showed everything to be within tolerances. Performed data 

backups to zip disks, later sent to STI for archives . 

VRM-22D: Troubleshot and cleared the met data transfer problem that had remained 

unresolved after the unscheduled August 1999 site visit. Replaced short-haul modem 

with direct RS-232 connection that should improve met data transfer reliability. 

Repaired a hole in the datalogger NEMA-4 box . Replaced atmospheric and seasurface temperature sensors. Audit of met equipment showed all to be in tolerances. 

Performed data backups. 

3.4 Data Measurements 

3.4.1 Description 

The radar profiler is pre-programmed to take measurements continuously, and to alternate 

between recording vertical profiles of wind and recording vertical profiles of virtual temperature . 

During periods in which it is recording wind measurements, it is also pre-programmed to do so 

using alternating short and long transmission pulses. The resultant "dual-mode winds" produced 

include "low-mode winds" and "high-mode winds." Low-mode winds are the wind 

measurements made using the short transmission pulse. Advantages of low-mode winds are that 

they start at the lowest possible altitude above the radar profiler and that they have the best 

possible vertical resolution. High-mode winds are the wind measurements made using the long 

transmission pulse. The advantage of the high-mode winds is that they extend to the highest 

possible altitude above the radar profiler . 

The data flow for the study is shown in Figure 3-2. 

The Gateway computer on each platform continuously collects data from the radar 

profiler, the surface meteorological instrument datalogger, and the Global Positioning System 

(GPS) receiver. Once each hour, the latest data are packed into a compressed format and 

transmitted through the GOES satellite link to a database on the NOAA/NESDIS system in 

Wallops Island, VA. 

Automated procedures in the STI weather operations facility are used to retrieve and 

unpack the data files. The STI staff reviews the data daily to ensure that all of the collection 

systems are operating correctly. At the end of each month, the prior month's data are processed 

to quality-stamp any suspect and invalid measurements. A monthly data report is then generated. 

The validated monthly data are also loaded into a database archive. 

3-6 
OOEE S~NIIIt~ 

Z~ OOES/nTn il (iOEe DiTN FILE 

R-ProfiMS / / ]. 

Q ~ ~ ~ 0 

_ a ~oM ~P ~ES 

.L-me 

~ o 

NESDIS 

sun .ca rnac rw.. Wallops Island, VA 

v v 

I SOFfWpRE 

=LAfJl~at1< 

POP" 

SOFTWARE 

-I.ANI~~tlc 

-L l P d 

~~~pp ~ 

0-3

~ 

.-NT 

~unc ~ a 

-Surbc~ MN 

Gw~Fib 

CPSTGo~iGlck 

-PCAnywli~r, 

-Traml,rTOZIp 

" J 

M°4'° rL1~LYi~11 

Figure 3-2. Data Flow for MMS Boundary Layer Study 

3.4.2 Data Capture Rate 

The data capture rate measures the up-time of the integrated data collection and 

communications systems at each site . It is defined using : 

where: 

Data Capture Rate = (NumRec/NumPos)*100 

NumRec = number of hours of data received at STI during the reporting period 

NumPos = number of hours of data possible during the reporting period 

(which is defined as the total number of hours during the reporting period) 

As of the date of preparation of this annual report, data rates for September 1998 through 

August 1999 were available and are included. The data capture rates for September 1998 

through August 1999 from the VRM 22D site are shown in Table 3-2, and from the SMI 160A 

site in Table 3-3 . The goal of the MMS program is to achieve a capture rate of 90% or higher . 

The average capture rate for all sensors for the September 1998-August 1999 collection period 

was 92 .4%. The capture rate for the total program through August 1999 was 93 .4%. Although 

the whole 12-month period exceeded 90% capture rate, not all months did for the following 

reasons: 

September 1998 . Low capture rates at both platforms were due to power down times 

associated with the platform evacuations in reaction to an approaching tropical storm 

and Hurricane Georges. 

" April 1999. The GOES transmitter at the VRM site failed on 11 April causing 

sporadic real-time data loss . The transmitter was repaired on 20 April during a 

routine maintenance visit. All data between 11 and 20 April were collected at the 

site, downloaded to zip disks, and returned to STI for archival . 

3-7 
June 1999 . VRM continued to experience sporadic GOES transmission dropouts 

which denied us real-time data. The most significant problem led to an outage from 

18 to 23 June associated with a local platform power distribution problem . After the 

platform power was up and stabilized we were able to remotely, with the help of a 

platform employee, get the transmission of data to begin. 

August 1999 . During July 1999, a problem was experienced with only the radar 

profiler portion of the VRM data stream. This problem manifest itself as invalid data 

being reported by the VRM radar profiler during the periods 12-13 July, 17-19 July, 

and 20-31 July. During July, all possible efforts were exhausted in trying to resolve 

the problem by remote means. Therefore, as of the end of July, we had exhausted 

trouble-shooting options via remote means and were preparing to make an 

unscheduled maintenance visit to VRM. As this unscheduled visit was about to be 

made, we lost all data flow from VRM on 3 August 1999. We subsequently visited 

the VRM platform on 6-7 August and found that the platform had taken a direct 

lightning hit on 3 August. We fixed the radar profiler during the site visit and 

restored GOES transmission of the radar profiler data. We were unable to restore the 

transmission of the surface met data at that time, however, because the surface met 

data are not being received by the hub computer from the datalogger . Following our 

visit, we sent a replacement surge protector to the platform and had it installed by a 

platform operator . Unfortunately, that did not restore the transmission of the surface 

met data. The site visit of 30 September 1999 found a serial port problem in that the 

short-haul modem was damaged. The situation was resolved and met data flow 

resumed. The large met data file was copied and returned to STI for purposes of 

recovering the lost data since 3 August. 

Table 3-2. 

Data Capture Rate for VRM 22D Site, September 1998-August 1999 

Date Upper Air Winds Upper Air T . Surface Met 

Se -98 80.7 81 100 

Oct-98 95 .2 95 .3 953 

Nov-98 96.8 96.7 96.9 

Dec-98 97.3 97.3 97.3 

Jan-99 94.2 94.2 94.2 

Feb-99 97.6 97.6 97.6 

Mar-99 95 .4 95.4 95 .8 

A pr-99 74 .4 74 .4 71 .9 

May-99 97 .9 97 .9 98 .7 

Jun-99 72 .8 72 .6 72.4 

Jul-99 98.8 91 .8 98.8 

Aug-99 87.0 78 .4 8.7 

Annual Average 90.7 89.4 85 .6 

3-8 
Table 3-3. 

Data Capture Rate for SMI 160A Site, September 1998-August 1999 

Date Upper Air Winds Upper Air T Surface Met 

Se -98 85 .3 85 .5 100 

Oct-98 90.7 91 87.6 

Nov-98 98 .9 98 .8 99 

Dec-98 87.5 87 .4 94.8 

Jan-99 99.5 99 .5 99.5 

Feb-99 96.1 96 .1 96.1 

Mar-99 97.7 97.7 98 .1 

A pr-99 98.9 99 99.3 

May-99 98.5 98 .5 99.3 

Jun-99 98.1 98 .1 98 .1 

Jul-99 97.9 97.9 97.9 

Aug-99 99.3 99.5 99.5 

Annual Average 95 .7 95 .8 97.4 

3.4.3 Data Recovery 

The data recovery rate is defined as the percentage of valid data captured by each 

instrument while the integrated system is operational. It is calculated using: 

Data Recovery Rate = (NumVaUNumRec)*100 

where: 

NumVa1= Number of valid hours of data received during the reporting period 

NumRec = Number of hours of data received at STI during the reporting period . 

The data recovery rate provides a method to evaluate the performance of the instruments. 

As of the date of preparation of this annual report, data rates for September 1998 through 

August 1999 were available (and data for September 1999 were being processed) . These figures 

illustrate data recovery rate for each site in a series of graphs that are labeled "Max %", 

"Average", and "Min %". The graphs are, respectively : 

The maximum monthly recovery rate over the twelve months in the sample; 

The average monthly recovery rate over the twelve months in the sample; 

The minimum monthly recovery rate over the twelve months in the sample. 

The horizontal (or x) scale is the percent of data recovery and the vertical (or y) scale is 

the measurement altitude in meters AGL. 

3-9 
3.4.3.1 Radar Profiler High-Mode Wind Data 

The data recovery for the two sites for the high-mode wind is shown in Figure 3-3 . The 

relatively low data recovery at low altitudes at the SMI site can be attributed to interference from 

sea clutter. The VRM profiler installation is less sensitive to sea clutter and did not experience 

similar data losses . 

VRM-22D Site, High-Mode 

o ,o 2o 3o 4o 5o 6o 7o eo 9o ,oo 

f nnax% 

. Average 

Min 

SMI-160A Site, High-Mode Winds i 

Percent Data Capture 

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 

'. . .. . ..

. 

. . .. . ..p. . .. . . .. . .e . . . .. .i. . .. . ..e. . .. . ..i .. . .. . . ... .i

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. 

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. ..i. . . ...~ .. . . .i .. . . . .i. . . . ... . ..

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3573 

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. 

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2418 

--- 

. 

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.

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1649 

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1456 ---

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1264 

.

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686 Z 

JUL 

. ...o. . ... ..i . . ... .e ... ... . e. .. . .. . . . .. ' .~ ... ... . ' . . . . .~ 

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. ...0. . .. . ..1 . . ~ ... . . .. . .. .1. . . ~ . .. . .. . ... . ~. . .. . ... . ..1. . . . . .0.. ... ..1 .. . . .. .6 . .. . .. .I. ... . ..0. . .. . ..j .. . ... .p ... .. . .j. ... ... 

Figure 3-3. Data Recovery for Radar Wind Profiler High-Mode Winds, 

September 1998 - August 1999 

3-10 
3.4.3 .2 Radar Profiler Low-Mode Wind Data 

The data recovery rate for the low-mode wind is shown in Figure 3-4. Both sides 

experienced data losses at the lowest altitudes due primarily to sea clutter interference . 

VRM-22D Site, Low-Mode Winds l) 

Percent Data Capture 

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 

V, 1478 . .. . .. ... . .. .. . .. . ..... ... . .... . .. . . . .. . .... . .. . .: . . . .. ... . . . .. . .. .i ... ... . _ . _ . . . _ . _ . "~ M 

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. .

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1189 . .. . .. ...

. .. . .. . .. . . . ... ... . . 

.

... . 

.. .,. . .. . .... . .. . .. , .. . .. . . . .. . .. . .. . . . . 

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VRM-22D Site, Low-Mode Winds 

Percent Data Capture 

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 

2440 

. .. . . ... . .. . 

. . .j .. . ... .j ... ... .~. . . ' . . .. . ..;.. . .. . .e .. . .. ..i ... . . .e . .. ... .i. ... . ... ...;. . .. . . .o .. ... ..; .. . .. . .e . .. . .. .i. . .. . ..e. . .. . . .i . .. . .. . 

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15 1093 . . ..e .. . .. . .i . ... ...j. ... ...j . ... ..y.. ... ..j .. . .. ... ...... .i . .. . .. .i. ... : . . .. ...i.. ... ..i. . .. . ..~ ... ... .j .

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900 .. j. ... . ..~ .. . .. . .i ... . 

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Figure 3-4. Data Recovery for Radar Wind Profiler Low-Mode Winds, 

September 1998 - August 1999 

3-11 
3.4.3.3 RASS Temperature Data 

In the RASS mode, virtual temperature profiles are measured by using the scattering of 

radar pulses from acoustic waves. The data recovery for the radar profiler BASS mode is shown 

in Figure 3-5. 

VRM-22D Site, RASS Mode 

Percent Data Capture 

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 

1260 ._.:.. . . . .. ... . ... .;. ...... ;. . ._ .. ; .. . ... .: ... .._. .: . .. ... ... ... ... ;. . ... ...;.. ... ..:..__ .. . ... ... :. ._. ... ... ... .: . ._ ... . ... .. . . 

1200 . ..i.. . .. . .i ...~. ......i .. . .. . .:. . '. ......,. : ._ .. ; ... ... .i ... ... .i .. . ... .i. ... ...,. . .. ....;.. ... ..i.._. . .i . ... ...i. ._. ..i ... ... .i . ._ ...i .. . .. . . 

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.

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_. " .. ..: . .. ...s. .._.. :.. . . . ._. .:_._..t. . ._.. :.. . .. .s ... . . .. . .. 

840 . ...j. . ... ..; . . .i . .._..i.. ... ..i .. ._..;. ... . ~ 

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: o 780 

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660 . .. .i. . .. . ..i ... . ... ; ..._..,.. .; .. . ....;. ... ...i . ... ...i .. ... ..i .. ._ . ., .. . ' ... . .. .i. .._.. .i. ... . ..i. . .. . ..i ... ....i . ._ ...i.. . .. . . .. .i.. ... .. 

. a AVCf2ge 

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480 . . ...i. . .. . ..i . .. ... .i . ... .. . . ... ..i-. . .. ..~.... .. .j . ..... . .. . . ~ .. . . i.. . .. ..i ... ... .i. ...... .i. ... . ..j. . .. . ~ . ... .i . ._ ... ... . .. . .i .._.. . .. . 

360 .».i. . .....i .."'..~ .... ...i.. ... ..~.. . ..»i.... .» i. ... ...i.. ... ..j.. . .. ..i .. ... ..' .

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.'' ' .. . . . . 

SMI-160A Site, RASS Mode 

} e : ~Percerd Data Caphxe , . 

0 : ',1 10 ? t'~~`30 ? . X40 50 ' 60 .'70 ' .L' 80 ~ . ::90 `§'100 

?`~ 

,21275' ; ..._. .i-.. e._.. ..;.. ._ ..; .__..i .i.. ... ..i..._ .ti . ....i .._.. .;. ._ ...;. ... ..y ..-^'i--_...i-. ... ..i-..». .i. ... ...i. . ..._i ....... c 

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. . w 

975 . 

-

.,915 

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M % 

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. . ~ Average 

YG~615 . . . .. ._,_._. ,_ ... ; . .._.. .; H : 

~~r 555 = _ = s = .*. Min% 

95_ 

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435 

---- ------- - 

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,.,. 

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',135' ._ .j . .._.., .._...j ..._ . .j ... ... .j. .._..j.. .. ...i .. ._..i ...»»i. .»..j. ... ...j._ ._.j.._. ..~ .... ._j . ._ . . ... .i . ...._i.. ... _.. .,. 

Figure 3-5. Data Recovery for Radar Wind Profiler RASS Mode, 

September 1998 - August 1999 

3-12 
3 .5 Problems Encountered and Corrective Action Taken 

3 .5.1 Management 

No problems involving the management of the project were experienced during this 

reporting period . 

3 .5.2 Site and Equipment Preparation Logistics 

a. Problem: Spares occasionally falling below safe quantity levels at off-site 

storage locations. 

Corrective Routinely sent faulty sensors taken from platform sites to the 

Action: manufacturers for repair . Quick returns kept spares quantity to 

proper levels . 

3.5.3 Site Operations and Maintenance 

a. Problem: GOES DCP on SMI inoperative due to a broken power switch . 

Corrective Repaired during unscheduled maintenance trip 9-10 October 

Action: 1998 . Restored functionality 0700/10 October 1998 . Data 

collected between 29 September 1998/0900 and 10 October 

1998/0700 CST at the platform, but not transmitted via GOES 

during the DCP down time was copied to disk and mailed to STI 

for archiving. 

b. Problem: The GOES satellite system was inoperative for 18 hours on 27 

October 1998, causing us to not receive data during 0100-1800 

CST that date from both sites. 

Corrective This was a NESDIS problem that they fixed. Lost data was saved 

Action: at site and was copied to disk during the 17 December 

unscheduled maintenance visit and sent to STI archives . 

c. Problem: The "Indemnity and Boarding Agreement" required by the new 

owner of SMI-160A, Newfield Exploration Company, created a 

problem potentially impacting our future access to this site . 

Corrective Following unsuccessfully attempting to negotiate revised wording 

Action: with Newfield, Radian signed a limited-time agreement under 

their terms to cover the 9-10 October 1998 unscheduled 

maintenance visits . After .much negotiations among Radian, 

MMS, and Newfield Exploration Co., we received a waiver to 

their Indemnity and Boarding Agreement on 15 December 1998. 

This allows us access to SMI site and transportation to support 

this MMS project. 

3-13 
d. Problem : Temporary interruptions of data flow from SMI occurred in 

December 1998. 

Corrective In every case, the platform site operator helped us resolve the 

Action: problems and to restore normal data flow. 

e. Problem : A DOS window problem on the SMI GC resulted in loss of 37 hrs 

of data in October 1998. 

Corrective Upon identification of an open data port, corrective actions were 

Action : taken, and routine operations restored. While these data were not 

transmitted, they were recovered during the 17 December 

unscheduled maintenance visit and sent to STI archives . 

f. Problem: Lower than 90% capture rate for upper air data was seen at SMI in 

December 1998 due to failure of the local area network between 

the RC and GC . 

Corrective The network connection was repaired during the December 1998 

Action: unscheduled maintenance visit. Data flower normally after that . 

g. Problem: During January-May 1999, strong aloft and surface winds at both 

sites frequently reduced the data recovery for RASS above SOOm 

AGL and for profiler winds below 1000m AGL in the low-mode 

and below SOOm AGL in the high-mode. 

Corrective No solution, just situational. 

Action: 

h. Problem : VRM system "lost track" of its time on the evening of the 10 

April 1999 resulting in data stoppage. The few data-files that got 

through were showing up with dates nine days ahead. 

Corrective Resolution was to reboot the radar computer and to remotely reset 

Action : all wrong dates in launchpad manually. This strange event may 

have been related to platform generator problems, power outages, 

and the Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) crashing in the 

middle of a time reset session from the GPS clock. This problem 

took five days to resolve, unfortunately, mostly because of the 

platform power problems taking that long. 

3-14 
i. Problem: Radar profiler data from the VRM site was intermittent during 

July 1999. A problem of non-receipt of both the radar profiler 

and surface met data from VRM that was experienced during 

June was resolved remotely through system resets and an 

unscheduled maintenance visit was not necessary. However, 

during July a different problem was experienced with only the 

radar profiler portion of the VRM data stream . This new problem 

manifest itself as invalid data being reported by the VRM radar 

profiler during the periods 12-13 July, 17-19 July, and 20-31 July. 

While making preparations for a maintenance visit all data flow 

from VRM was lost on 3 August 1999. 

Corrective Visited the VRM platform 6-7 August 1999 and found that the 

Action: platform had taken a direct lightning hit on 3 August 1999. We 

fixed the radar profiler during the site visit and restored GOES 

transmission of the radar profiler data. We were unable to restore 

the transmission of the surface met data at that time, however, 

because the surface met data were not being received by the hub 

computer from the datalogger . Following our visit, we sent a 

replacement surge protector to the platform and had it installed by 

a platform operator . Unfortunately, that did not restore the 

transmission of the surface met data. During the scheduled 

maintenance visit to the VRM platform in September 1999, we 

isolated the problem to the short-haul modem that transfers 

sensors' output to the data logger . We corrected the problem 

during that site visit. 

3.5.4 Data Measurements 

a. Problem: The SST and RH sensors are the most problem-prone of the 

sensor suite. For example, the SST sensor at VRM failed in 

October 1998, November 1998, and September 1999. 

Corrective Replaced the VRM SST sensor during the unscheduled 

Action: maintenance visits in October and December 1998 and the 

scheduled maintenance visit in September 1999. During our 

December 1998 VRM site visit, we added to the SST sensor an 

extension tube to try to protect the lens from any sea salt spray 

contamination. We also sent an identical tube to the SMI 

operators for installation on that site's SST sensor. 

b. Problem: We discovered in December 1998 that the radar profilers at both 

sites were set to automatically adjust their time keeping for 

daylight savings time and back again to standard time. We had 

thought this feature was disabled . 

3-15 
Corrective Data reports sent under daylight savings time were off one hour as 

Action: data was represented in the reports as CST. The data was 

subsequently adjusted to the correct times and replacement CD 

sent to MMS/COTR in January 1999 . 

3.6 Summary and Recommendations 

The objective of this MMS project is to accurately collect, record, and report 

meteorological observations for three years in the Western and Central Gulf of Mexico . These 

observations shall include temperature, atmospheric refractivity, and winds from the surface layer 

into the free troposphere. Surface data collected shall measure air and sea surface temperature, 

pressure, winds, and humidity. 

As documented in this annual report, tasks completed during the second year of work on 

this project successfully supported the objective. Site and equipment were rigorously monitored, 

problems quickly addressed, and reports submitted on time. All data measurements collected 

were quality checked on a daily basis and were processed and documented by formal reporting on 

a monthly basis. The project's data capture rate goal of 90% established by MMS was exceeded. 

Recommended action is that the project data collection and reporting be continued, as 

originally planned and as subsequently implemented during the first two years of project effort . 

3-16 
.~~~.ET °F r The Department of the interior Mission 

p As the Nation's principal conservation agency, the Department of the Interior has responsibility for 

a most of our nationally owned public lands and natural resources. This includes fostering sound use 

1 of our land and water resources ; protecting our fish, wildlife, and biological diversity; preserving the 

a9 environmental and cultural values of our national parks and historical paces; and providing for the 

4ACH 3 ~e enjoyment of life through outdoor recreation . The Department assesses our energy and mineral 

resources and works to ensure that their development is in the best interests of all our people by 

encouraging stewardship and citizen participation in their care. The Department also has a major 

responsibility for American Indian reservation communities and for people who live in island territories 

under U.S . administration . 

The Minerals Management Service Mission 

~rLxr o. ryc 

As a bureau of the Department of the Interior, the Minerals Management Service's (MMS) primary 

responsibilities are to manage the mineral resources located on the Nation's Outer Continental Shelr 

(OCS), collect revenue from the Federal OCS and onshore Federal and Indian lands, and distribute 

those revenues . 

Moreover, in working to meet its responsibilities, the Offshore Minerals Management Program 

administers the OCS competitive leasing program and oversees the safe and environmentally sound 

exploration and production of our Nation's offshore natural gas, oil and other mineral resources. The 

MMS Royalty Management Program meets its responsibilities by ensuring the efficient, timely and 

accurate collection and disbursement of revenue from mineral leasing and production due to Indian 

tribes and allottees, States and the U.S . Treasury . 

The MMS strives to fulfill its responsibilities through the general guiding principles of : (1) being 

responsive to the public's concerns and interests by maintaining a dialogue with all potentially affected 

parties and (2) carrying out its programs with an emphasis on working to enhance the quality of life for 

all Americans by lending MMS assistance and expertise to economic development and environmental 

protection .