Evaluating HF Coastal Radar Site Performance for Tsunami Warning

Abstract

We describe theoretical and experimental work for evaluating the suitability of coastal High Frequency (HF) radar sites for tsunami detection. A method is outlined which involves superimposing simulated tsunami velocities on typical radial current velocities measured at the radar site. This leads to an estimate of the minimum detectable tsunami height at the site. Results are presented from application of these methods to data measured over a day by a radar located at Brant Beach, New Jersey.