Initial observations of ocean currents, current shears and wind direction using a multi-frequency HF radar

A new high-frequency (4-25 MHz) phased-array radar, constructed jointly by the University of Michigan, the Environmental Research Institute of Michigan and Stanford University, was installed at Santa Cruz, California in July, 1996. After initial equipment checkout and antenna calibration using a transponder carried on a small boat, regular data collection started in October, 1996. Installation of a second HF radar is planned at a site south of Santa Cruz to allow resolution of current vectors. Wind and wave data from moored buoys in the radar field of view, wind sensors at several coastal sites, and current measurements from several CODARs in the Monterey Bay area also are available.