Development and implementation of cellular-based real-time reporting and internet accessible coastal sea-level gauge - A vital tool for monitoring storm surge and tsunami

We describe the development and implementation of real-time reporting and Internet-accessible coastal sea-level gauge, wherein data communication between the gauge and an Internet server has been established through a cellular modem utilizing General Packet Radio Service technology. Using the existing cellular phone network, a continuous real-time update of coastal sea-level changes is realized on a web-server. The system implemented, and accessible to every authorized personnel, provides a graphical illustration of the predicted fair-weather sea-level, current sea-level, and residual sea-level (i.e. measured minus predicted fair-weather sea-level), which can be monitored via Internet from any part of the world. This system provides a cost-effective and easily maintainable platform for real-time monitoring of coastal sea-level and for providing the requisite input for efficient implementation of any alert and warning mechanism in the event of oceanogenic natural disasters, particularly storm surges and tsunamis. The architecture of the system described herein, and operational since 24 September 2005 at Verem jetty in the Mandovi estuary, Goa, would complement the INSAT-based sea-level gauges that are proposed to be put in place by the Government of India by the year 2007.