What oceanographic tool is used to measure wave height and frequency?

The wave buoy is specifically designed to measure wave height and frequency. These buoys are equipped with sensors that can detect the motion of the water's surface, allowing them to record variations in wave height as well as the time between successive waves, which corresponds to their frequency.

Buoys are often deployed in various marine environments and can transmit data in real-time, providing critical information for weather forecasting, navigation, and research on ocean dynamics. This makes them an essential tool in oceanographic studies focused on wave patterns and their impact on coastal ecosystems and human activities.

In contrast, sonar is primarily used for detecting objects underwater or mapping the seafloor, while the Niskin bottle and CTD rosette are instruments designed for collecting water samples and measuring water properties like temperature, salinity, and pressure, rather than focusing on wave characteristics.