High-Frequency Radar

Researchers at the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) are using high-frequency radar (HFR) systems along the coast to generate real-time images of ocean currents in the Chukchi Sea, Bering Strait region, and in Cook Inlet. HFRs are the only land-based sensors capable of measuring large-scale ocean surface currents in detail. The radar antennas emit radio waves that reflect off ocean waves, and the collected data are processed into images showing water flow direction and speed.

This publicly available resource supports marine navigation, search and rescue, marine forecasting, and oil spill response. Combined with observations from local communities, these maps provide a more complete understanding of the marine system. While similar tools are common along the U.S. East and West Coasts, Alaska has limited infrastructure of this kind. To address this challenge, the UAF HFR team developed a remote power module to operate sites in remote locations without electricity or internet access.

In near real-time, HFR images are uploaded to the CFOS ocean currents websites, and the data is integrated into IOOS’s HFR National Network. The information is accessible to the public and is directly fed to agencies such as the U.S. Coast Guard, NOAA’s Office of Response and Restoration, and the National Weather Service.

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