VHF PortMap Sea Surface Radar Observations in a Shipping Channel

A new sea surface radar system is described, which gives a spatial resolution of 100 m and operating ranges to up to 3 km. The deployment of the dual-radar system at the Lido Entrance to the Venice Lagoon gave current flow data in the channel and provided detail of a complex counter-flow at the end of the channel where it debouches into the Adriatic Sea. This circulating flow near the end of the channel is similar to that observed in wide-mouthed natural channels and is bringing turbid water into the channel The presence of the circulation at the end of the channel has some consequences for sediment dynamics at the site. This deployment demonstrates the functionality of the PortMap radar in a busy shipping channel.