simultaneous observations from nearby gage sites. Frequently, the spectrum 

 and/or distribution function of sea surface elevations were examined to deter- 

 mine if the data were acceptable. After the analysis results had been 



edited, monthly summaries of H and T were generated for inclusion in 



m p " 

 o ^ 

 summary reports. 



Tide and Water Level Data 



Collection 



47. The tide and water level information was obtained from an NOS tide 

 gage which produced a digital paper tape of instantaneous water levels sampled 

 continuously at 6-min intervals. At the end of each month, the paper tape was 

 removed from the recorder and mailed to NOS in Rockville, Md. , for analysis. 

 Analysis 



48. The digital paper tape records of tide heights taken every 6 min 

 were analyzed by the Tides Analysis Branch of NOS. A Mitron interpreter 

 created a digital magnetic computer tape from the punched paper tape. This 

 magnetic tape was then processed on a Univac 732 computer in the following 

 manner. First, a listing of the instantaneous tidal height values was ob- 

 tained for manual checking. If errors were encountered, a computer program 

 was used to fill in or recreate bad or missing data, using correct values from 

 the nearest tide station and accounting for known time lags and elevation 

 anomalies. The data were plotted, and a new listing was generated and re- 

 checked. When the validity of the data had been confirmed, monthly tabula- 

 tions of daily highs and lows, hourly heights (instantaneous height selected 

 on the hour), and various extreme and/or mean water level statistics were 

 generated. The MSL reported here is the average of the hourly heights 

 throughout the month, while the mean tide level (MTL) is midway between mean 

 high water (MHW) and MLW. 



Meteorological Data 



Collection 



49. Each instrument used for monitoring the meteorological conditions 

 at the FRF was read and inspected daily. For those instruments with analog 

 chart recording capabilities the following steps were taken: (a) the pen was 



18 



