Science Marine X-band Radar for R/V Sikuliaq
Abstract
ABSTRACT Marine X-band radars (MRs) have been widely used for ship navigation since the mid- 20th century. In recent decades, oceanographic MR applications have received growing interest. Here, we propose a combined MR-based sea ice (sigma S6 Ice Navigator) and wave monitoring system (WaMoS) for ice breaker R/V Sikuliaq. The promises of an oceanographic MR aboard an ice breaker are manifold from both a science and a navigation safety perspective. In ice zones, the system offers an improved detection of icebergs, bergy bits, and growlers that can significantly damage a vessel. The system furthermore enables the differentiation between open water, ice pans, leads, and ridges, essential information for route planning. Science experiments will benefit from the ability to characterize the sea ice cover, e.g. flux measurements. In addition to sea ice monitoring, the system offers near real-time surface wave and near-surface current monitoring. Further science applications include the study of bathymetry, winds, internal waves, oil spills, and both atmospheric as well as oceanic rows (Langmuir circulation). This proposal covers the system s installation, the range and azimuth calibration, as well as the data processing, monitoring, and archiving for an initial 3-year period.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Aug 12, 2016
- Source ID
- N000141512638
Entities
People
- Hans Graber
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- University of Miami