Surface Current and Wave Validation of a Nested Regional HF Radar Network in the Mid-Atlantic Bight

The National High Frequency Surface Current Mapping Radar Network is being developed as a backbone system within the Integrated Ocean Observing System IOOS. Of the core variables recognized in the IOOS Development Plan, two can be measured by High Frequency Radar HFR ocean surface currents and ocean surface waves. Rutgers University operates a nested multi-frequency network of HF Radar systems along the coast of New Jersey. The network provides near real-time current observations with varying coverage from the coast to the shelf break. This is a subset of the larger regional coverage of the 26 site Mid-Atlantic HF Radar Consortium. The primary goal of this consortium is to operate the regional system in a coordinated way to guarantee the delivery of quality ocean current and wave data. In this paper we present the validation of both wave and current observations measured with this nested network. Particular emphasis is placed on surface current comparisons with Coast Guard deployed surface drifters SLDMBs and nearshore wave comparisons with moorings. The Coast Guard comparisons have a specific focus on quantifying the uncertainty in the HF radar surface current estimates as applied to search and rescue operations. These metrics will be used to ensure that quality data is going to the Coast Guard and that this information is properly incorporated into existing search planning tools. The nearshore measurements focus on algorithm development projects to incorporate shallow water effects into the estimates of nearshore waves.