The Integrated Ocean Observing System HF radar network

As the US Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) high frequency (HF) radar network (HFRNet) approaches its tenth year of existence, we highlight the growth and enhancements that have occurred. High frequency radar systems measure the speed and direction of ocean surface currents in near real time. Starting with about 30 radars in 2005, the network has grown to over 130 radars with 33 participating organizations and approximately ten million radial files sent via the network. A key component of the network has been the data ingest, processing and distribution system that is the core of the national HF radar data servers. Due to the scalability that was designed into it, this IOOS HF radar data management system has kept pace with the network growth and continues to have high reliability. We will show how the gridded vector velocity data have repeatedly proven their value in a number of operational applications including offshore search and rescue, oil spill response and water quality monitoring.