Determining currents from marine radar data in an extreme current environment at a tidal energy test site

A marine X-band radar has been deployed at a coastal location overlooking a region of extreme tidal currents used for the testing of tidal stream energy turbines. Near-surface tidal currents are known to reach 3.8m/s in water depths of the order of 50m. Preliminary results from the analysis of radar data collected at this site will be presented with particular reference to the currents determined using an inversion of the wave spectrum. Comparisons will be made with current profile data collected using an Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) deployed within the field of view of the radar.