Assessing HF radar capabilities to resolve mesoscale eddy interactions with littoral waters

Abstract

Eularian and lagrangian observations collected through the Caribbean Coastal Ocean Observing System (CARICOOS) and satellite imagery suggest that the interaction between mesoscale eddies (MSEs) and littoral waters may be significant in the southern coast of Puerto Rico (northern Caribbean Sea), where the insular shelf is narrow (O[10 km]); tidal ranges are low (<0.5 m), high swells are almost inexistent; nearshore bathymetry is complex; and MSE activity is high. A recent expansion of the CARICOOS HF Radar network allows for unprecedented coverage of near-surface currents near the southwestern coast of Puerto Rico, with the potential to detect and track such mesoscale ocean features. This study assesses the shoreward extent at which CARICOOS HF radars are able to resolve near-surface currents potentially resulting from mesoscale forcings. The approach taken consists of time and frequency domain comparisons of HF radial velocities (ideal and measured) with a moored ADCP, as well as qualitative comparisons with drifter trajectories. Potential implications of this work include: 1) implementation on ecological early warnings systems; 2) navigational safety and optimization; 3) fisheries management; among others.