A two year comparison between HF radar and ADCP current measurements in Liverpool Bay

This study compares current measurements between HF WERA radar and Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers (ADCPs) in Liverpool Bay using a two-year time series from 2006 to 2008. Radar measurements are shown to agree well with those of ADCPs, having directional differences of less than 3°, amplitude correlations greater than 0.93, and small root mean square differences. Using Least Squares Harmonic Analysis for tidal decomposition radar measurements are shown to best capture surface effects. The effects of the North Hoyle wind farm on current measurement accuracy are found to be negligible, while effects from cross-over angle in the region of the wind farm are of greater importance.