120 NM NW of Valparaiso - Live Wave Heights & Surf Conditions

About 120 NM NW of Valparaiso Buoy

The 120 NM NW of Valparaiso buoy is part of the NOAA National Data Buoy Center (NDBC) network. It monitors deep-ocean pressure changes and sea-level anomalies to detect tsunami waves before they reach shore. The readings feed tsunami warning centers, emergency managers, and coastal resilience planners across International.

This station participates in NOAA’s Deep-ocean Assessment and Reporting of Tsunamis (DART) network, designed to spot tsunami waves and trigger early warnings.

Data Applications

• Emergency managers: Receive rapid tsunami alerts and confirmation readings to guide evacuations and public safety messaging.
• NOAA Warning Centers: Verify tsunami models with live ocean-bottom pressure changes and refine alert thresholds.
• Researchers: Study seismic-driven wave propagation and improve coastal inundation models.
• Coastal planners: Assess long-term tsunami risk and strengthen resilience plans for vulnerable communities.