Concept for a Radar Groundbased Tsunami Early Warning Radar System

Abstract

The WP 4430 investigates the requirements of a possible ground based tsunami early warning radar system as required for a continuous observation over a large ocean area. Here, the observable interaction of a High Frequency field HF (3–30 MHz) with ocean waves is of particular interest. The spatial propagation of a tsunami is done in such a way that all the water particles of the water column undergo an elliptical orbital motion. The tsunami-induced horizontal water column motion and upwelling effects in the coastal area offshore Indonesia will give an additional horizontal water flow superimposed to the actual surface current field. In this contribution we present the potential of a ground based HF-Radar along the coast of northern Sumatra as part of a possible Tsunami Early Warning System (TEWS).