ABSTRACT 



Most energy from ocean waves and tides is ultimately transmitted 

 to ttie coastal periphery or nearshore zone. The dissipation of this 

 energy creates a complex environment characterized by intense inter- 

 actions between waves, currents, and sediments. A data acquisition 

 system, using digital techniques, has been designed and used in the 

 laboratory and field; it provides instantaneous-synoptic measurements 

 of the nearshore environment. Using modern computer techniques, the 

 system can efficiently acquire and analyze a tremendous volume of data, 

 Special sensors of the system include: a digital wave gage with self- 

 contained logic circuitry; a v i brat i ng-wi re transducer to measure 

 pressures on the bottom; a Savon i us current meter; and a photography 

 technique for estimating the density of suspended sediments. 



FOREWORD 



A data acquisition system such as this one will be of great value 

 to coastal engineers. It could mal<e possible a more accurate evaluation 

 of wave characteristics, littoral currents, littoral transport rates, 

 and their various interactions. 



The paper was prepared at Scripps Institute of Oceanography, La 

 Jolla, California under contract with the Coastal Engineering Research 

 Center. The authors are Wayne A. Koontz, an electronic engineer, and 

 Professor Douglas L. Inman, both of Scripps. 



At the present time, J. M. Caldwell is Acting Director of the 

 Coastal Engineering Research Center. 



NOTE: Comments on this publication are invited. Discussion wi 

 published in the next issue of the CERC Bulletin. 



This report is published under authority of Public Law 166, 79th 

 Congress, approved July 31, 1945, as supplemented by Public Law 172, 

 88th Congress, approved November 7, 1963. 



