Buoy for automated data collection and transmittal

A method for automated collection and transmittal of data from a sea ice floe, said method comprising the steps of:

• selecting a buoy having a white polyvinyl chloride (PVC) housing material that does not disturb a thermal gradient in the ice;
• and also has optical properties such that said buoy reflects similar amounts of shortwave radiation as surrounding snow and ice, said housing incorporating multiple enclosed sections,
• wherein said housing sections are readily separated for ease of storage and transport;
• buoyant installing material in one of said multiple sections centered approximately midway along a longitudinal axis of said buoy, wherein said buoyant material prevents the loss of buoyancy in the event of leakage of water into said housing and also restricts convective heat transfer in said housing;
• positioning a righting device in the bottommost of said multiple sections;
• wherein said righting device maintains proper orientation of said buoy, said buoy requiring no external support;
• installing electrically powered devices comprising:
• at least one sensor for gathering data;
• at least one data logger in operable communication with said at least one sensor, said data logger for storing said data;
• at least one transmitter in operable communication with said at least one data logger;
• at least one transmitter for transmitting said stored data;
• and at least one antenna in operable communication with said transmitter, said antenna for receiving said data from said transmitter and broadcasting said data;
• installing wiring and releasable wiring connectors for connecting and releasing said electrically powered devices;
• and
• deploying said buoy down an opening in said sea ice floe.