HF radar observations of wind-current relationships at the air-sea boundary

Abstract

In June, 1997 a pair of new multifrequency (4-25 MHz) HF radars were installed at the Long Marine Laboratory (University of California at Santa Cruz) and Moss Landing Marine Laboratory (California State Universities) on the north and east coasts of Monterey Bay, respectively. These radars use four frequencies to observe near-surface currents at varying depths in the top three meters of the ocean. Observations, reported, were made over a one-week period in June, 1997 during which there was a strong land-sea breeze circulation over Monterey Bay. Wind measurements were made at the MBARI M1 buoy near the mouth of the bay. Analysis of these data show that a distinct coupling exists between the near-surface current and wind pattern with evidence of the time-dependent vertical transfer of momentum through the water column. These and other HF radar observations provide a basis for limited retrieval of both surface wind speed and direction.