A National Coastal Ocean Surface Current Mapping System for the United States

Abstract

A description is given for a nation-wide surface current mapping system for the U.S. continental shelf regions based on the emerging capabilities of high frequency (HF) radar backscatter instruments. These HF radar systems have the advantages of being real-time, non-invasive, shore-based instruments capable of mapping ocean surface currents out to ranges of ∼200 km from shore. A framework for a national backbone system is described based on long-range HF radar systems and example results are provided from existing arrays off the northwest and northeast U.S. coastlines.