General Working Data Set 



The final working data set from which to extract storm data consists of 

 6,762 observations of S(f,8) spanning the period from September 1986 to 

 August 1991, or about 5 years. Two major gaps in data collection occurred 

 during this time, affecting the seasonal coverage of storms and reducing their 

 total number. After SUPERDUCK, full time collection of directional gauge 

 data did not resume until late January 1987, so there is a gap in the time line 

 of collections from November 1986 to January 1987. In December 1987, a 

 fishing boat trawled a net along the line of the linear array of gauges, destroy- 

 ing about half of them. Parts replacement and repairs could not be effected 

 until August 1988, so there is another gap from December 1987 to August 

 1988. Aside from these two major gaps, the record is substantially complete, 

 excepting short periods for routine maintenance and calibration. 



Chapter 2 Measurement Scheme 



