Application of VHF high resolution radar to evaluating circulation around a seawater intake facility

Abstract

The Australian Institute of Marine Science operates a research aquarium at Cape Ferguson in North Queensland which requires a high volume circulation of ocean water from the adjacent bay. Turbidity and water quality are significant issues which govern the location of the seawater intakes. A VHF high resolution ocean radar was deployed at the site of the sea water intakes in order to evaluate the circulation in an area of approximately 2 km 2 km with spatial resolution of about 100 m. The short deployment showed that there are complex flow patterns at this scale, and identified three bodies of water which may affect the quality of water that enters the intakes.