GPRS based Real-Time Reporting and Internet Accessible Sea Level Gauge for Monitoring Storm Surge and Tsunami

Development and implementation of a real-time reporting and Internet-accessible sea level gauge is described. The paper addresses the application of mobile communication technology and particularly the use of General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) for accessing data from remote sea level gauge. By using a microcontroller and existing mobile phone network with a GPRS support, a continuous connection to the Internet is implemented for real time update of sea level data on a web server. The system provides a graphical illustration of the predicted fair-weather sea level, the current sea level, and the residual sea level (i.e., measured minus predicted fair-weather sea level). Thus, a cost-effective and easily maintainable platform is realized for real-time reporting of sea level and providing the requisite input for efficient implementation of any alert and warning mechanism in the event of oceanogenic natural disasters, particularly storm surges and tsunamis. The system described herein is operational in Goa, India since 24th September 2005.