Stokes Drifter is a compact drifting buoy equipped with GNSS positioning, a sea surface temperature sensor, and Iridium satellite telemetry, which enables the buoy to transmit vital sensor and geo-positional location data in real time.
The STOKES was developed in collaboration with Dr. Nico Wienders, at Florida State University. Dr. Wienders has spent the past 20 years studying the stokes drift which led to the design of the Stokes Drifter in 2015. The applications for the drifter are endless due to its engineering and design to mimic the stokes drift which is the main factor influencing floating pollutants in open waters.
Some applications include:
- Oil spill monitoring
- Plastic tracking
- Environmental monitoring
- Debris tracking
“By having the ability to track the ocean surface circulation, the Stokes Drifters can provide accurate information to state, federal, and environmental agencies regarding the speed, location, and predicted course of harmful pollutants such as oil spills, plastic patches, or contaminated river plumes to better protect ecosystems, aquatic life, and mankind. The drifters also provide precious and unique data to help scientists validate their numerical predictions and forecasts, satellite current observations or coastal high-frequency radar current observations.” – Dr. Nico Wienders, FSU – inventor of the Stokes Drifter