An evaluation of Gill sonic anemometers in the marine environment

Winds measured by Gill “Wind Master” sonic anemometers were compared with those measured by R.M. Young Model 05103 anemometers at two coastal and one buoy station. Two problems have prevented operational certification and widespread use of the Gill sensors by the National Data Buoy Center (NDBC). First, the sensor reported wind speeds about 10% higher than the R.M. Young when it experienced gale force winds on a buoy at the edge of Hurricane Danny in 1997. Other field and calibration data suggest that the Gill is in error. Second, the sensor occasionally gives unrealistically high speeds and erroneous directions during thunderstorms at coastal stations. At wind speeds below 15 m/s, the Gill speeds and directions compared within acceptable standards. Because the reliability of the R.M. Young sensors has improved noticeably through the last decade, NDBC has suspended test and evaluation of sonic anemometers.