USA Releases National Surface Current Mapping Plan
Release Date: 5 October 2009

As a component of the U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System, representatives from across the USA have drafted a cohesive plan for establishing, operating and maintaining a network of regional HF radars in coastal waters of the USA. Collectively, the network will deliver operational surface current information, free of charge, to a wide-range of users, with government agencies and universities being the largest sectors among such users. With the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) playing a leading role, the plan proposes to add 208 HF radars to the existing network of 143 HF radars, for a total of 351. Ninety percent of the existing HF radars are CODAR SeaSondes.

Key components of the plan include recognition of existing systems and leading roles being played by the university community, definition of O&M requirements - including staff training programs, and the need for a robust data collection, processing, distribution and archiving infrastructure. Implementation of this infrstructure has already begun through a series of data portals and nodes located on both the east and west coasts of the USA.

Maps of existing and proposed radar sites and accompanying data distribution networks are included in this well-written plan, which can be accessed online through the NOAA IOOS Web site (click here to access).