A second focus of the laboratory is the operation of High Frequency Radars (HFR) to map the real time surface currents, winds and waves. Currently, the laboratory has three radars operational with a fourth radar to be deployed in North Key Largo in the near future in the South Florida footprint. These radars, working 24/7, provide data to the HFR national network to measure the energetic, and oft-trecherous Florida Current through the Florida Straits. In addition to providing valuable data for student research topics, these real time measurements address a spectrum of societally relevant issues related to the coastal ocean on : search and rescue operations by the United States Coast Guard; ship tracking by the Department of Homeland Security; dispersion of toxins such as harmful algae blooms in the surface layer (e.g., beach closures); predicting and mitigating the effects of an oil spill (e.g., Deep Water Horizon); improving storm surge and inudation models; providing data to improve rip current predictions; and linking fisheries and biological data to coastal ocean circulation processes. The program is supported by the Southeast Coastal Ocean Observing System Regional Association which is sponsored by NOAA's Integrated Ocean Observing System Program.
UODL provides a forum for scientists, students and local communities with critical resources relevant for the continued state-of-the-art study of tropical storms and their impacts on coastal ocean circulation. With three decades of solid research experience, scientists and students exchange ideas with common interests in these highly relevant societally relevant themes.
