Air-Sea Interaction Meteorology: The ASIMET System

Aluminum buoys are prone to leaks after long periods at sea. Most newer buoys, like this one off Bermuda, are made of solid Surlyn foam that is much more durable and buoyant. The tower top has been further enlarged from earlier designs, and the square tower provides more headroom for engineers reaching into the buoy well. (Photo courtesy Bob Weller, WHOI)