A new High Frequency Radar (HF radar) was installed in Myrtle Beach State Park by the University of South Carolina. The new HF radar system was installed to close a gap in HF Radar coverage between Caswell Beach, NC and Georgetown, SC.
Myrtle Beach State Park HF Radar
The radar antennas are located within Myrtle Beach State Park near the pier house. HF radar transmit radio signals across the ocean. These radio signals bounce off of ocean waves and signals are scattered back to the coast where they get picked up by the antennae. The returned signals are analyzed to estimate surface current speed and direction.
Why collect surface current data?
HF radar are land-based systems that measure the speed and direction of ocean surface currents in near real-time. Surface currents can move objects in the ocean such as boats, marine debris, and nutrients.
The data collected by HF radar has many uses, including U.S. Coast Guard search and rescue mission planning and oil-spill response efforts. Scientists use the surface current data to track harmful algal blooms and marine debris and to better understand ocean transport of larval fish, plankton, and nutrients.
Backbone of Coastal Ocean Observing Systems
HF radar networks form the backbone of many coastal ocean observing systems. The broad range of uses is the reason that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS®) invests in a national network of HF radar. SECOORA operates a growing network of HF radars in the Southeast. 17 HF Radar are currently deployed from North Carolina to the Gulf coast of Florida and 4 more HFR will be installed on the east coast of Florida by 2022.
The new HF radar was funded by IOOS as a national effort to close the gaps in monitoring the ocean.
Related news
Plankton Perfect: Using Imagery to Document Microscopic Marine Life
Dr. Enrique Montes is working to understand how plankton respond to changes in the ocean by capturing high resolution imagery with advanced technology. This work is funded by the Marine Biodiversity Observation Network (MBON) to use novel techniques like the Continuous Particle Imaging and Classification System (CPICS).
SECOORA Community Spotlight: Craig Harris
When Craig Harris signed on as the Emergency Management and Resiliency Coordinator for the city of Wilmington, North Carolina, he brought with him knowledge of water level sensors. SECOORA worked with Craig to install a water level sensor at the Love Grove Bridge in Wilmington, a site prone to flooding.
SECOORA Funding Opportunity Announcement: Letters of Intent Solicitation
SECOORA will submit a coordinated regional proposal in response to the anticipated FY 2026 Implementation of the U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) funding opportunity. Letters of Intent to be considered for inclusion in SECOORA’s full proposal are due September 9, 2025.