High-Frequency radars
Brief History:
High-frequency radar technology (HF radars) is a unique technology mapping ocean surface currents and wave fields, along with other variables, over wide areas with high spatial and temporal resolution.
Taiwan Island was the first nation to have a radar network covering its entire coastline. Since then, about 400 radars were installed in 36 countries around the world.
Description:
These radars are fixed installations, based on land at shore. They have a long-term operational capability and are cost-effective requiring only small manpower and technical costs for maintenance due to weathering and wear.
Deployment location:
On the coastline.
Data collected:
HF measures ocean surface currents and thus acquires information on waves and wind. In more detail, HF radars measure:
- Ocean circulation
- Coastal processes
- Contamination/pollution
- Extreme events
- Fronts and eddies
- Waves and surface winds
- Upwelling
- Etc.
Societal applications:
All these measurements provide essential local, regional and even global information about the ocean. Some applications of HF data are::
- Weather and ocean forecasts
- Climate projection (climate analysis and evolution)
- Monitoring of harmful algal blooms
- Monitoring pollutants
- Environmental assessment and outlook
- Research and rescue operations
- Ship navigation and marine spatial planning
- Ecosystem management
- Etc.
If you want to learn more about this program, visit the website: http://global-hfradar.org/