The United States sent the first batch of six by ship to the South Pacific. As many as 3,000 could bob along the surface of international waters within three years if Europe, Canada, Japan, India and Spain help complete the network as planned. In the wake of floods in 1982 and 1983, which caused billions of dollars worth of damage in California alone, climatologists set up a network of fixed buoys in places like the South Pacific. Each can last for years and disrupt rain patterns across the world. But the new generation floats, not restricted to one spot or to the surface, should improve global forecasts.
Research indicates that the ocean depths play help shape world weather patterns.
CNN Environmental Correspondent Natalie Pawelski contributed to this report. All Rights Reserved. Terms under which this service is provided to you. Read our privacy guidelines .