Sea surface currents and wind direction by VHF radar: results and validation

The performance and operational feasibility of the very high frequency (VHF) COSMER pulsed Doppler radar have been demonstrated in a region dominated by strong tidal currents. The VHF COSMER system was deployed in the Normand Breton Gulf (France) for the EPEL program, supported by the French Navy. Comparisons of ocean radial currents are made between these from COSMER system and these from an in situ instrument. We also made comparisons with currents simulated by the numerical model TELEMAC 2D. This paper presents results of the analysis. Preliminary results of wind direction estimation are also presented, using a cos/sup s/ model.