OCean surface current measurements using HF radar during the 2011 Japan tsunami hitting Chilean coast

One of the oceanographic high-frequency (HF) radar systems is located in Chile. The radar was in operation when the 2011 Japan tsunami waves hit the Chilean coast after propagating throughout the Pacific Ocean. The unique chance to observe a natural tsunami event using an HF radar showed that such radars are capable to measure tsunami surface current velocity. Large deviations in ocean current measurements were observed by the radar system. The tsunami wave train was clearly seen in radar measurements and it was compared with water level measurements by the tide gauge. The tsunami wave periodicity was estimated for both types of measurement data. It showed agreement estimating two different tsunami wave periods.