Weather buoys are deployed throughout the world, mainly near coastlines, but also in the deep ocean, to measure winds and temperatures as well as wave heights and direction. Waves are measured using an accelerometer, an instrument that measures the vertical acceleration of the buoy as the wave passes. Inside the buoy are very large marine batteries that are recharged by solar panels on the buoy. This provides the necessary power for the buoy to operate and to send its data to either geostationary or passing polar orbiting satellites. This information is used by government agencies like the National Weather Service for producing marine forecasts as well as by commercial, and public fishing and boating interests for planning voyages. Error processing SSI file