CALYPSO an operational network of HF radars for the Malta-Sicily Channel

Abstract

An HF radar observing system composed of three CODAR SeaSondes is providing real-time surface current pseudo-Eulerian maps every hour in the strip of sea dividing Malta and Sicily. This initiative forms part of the CALYPSO project that principally aims to support the efficient response against marine oil spills in this busy area of maritime transportation in the Mediterranean. In combination to numerical models, an operational chain of activities provides essential data to a spectrum of applications and addresses the needs of a number of responsible entities in Malta and Sicily, targeting the better control of the trans-boundary maritime space and greater efficiency for security and safety at sea. The usefulness of this effort is measured by the level of usage of the data provided by CALYPSO through dedicated web services with browsing, viewing, and user-defined download of data. The project comprised several validation and system performance tuning exercises through the matching of radar data with direct sea current measurements using drifters and ADCP deployments. The spatial coverage and high temporal resolution of the HF radar data collected since September 2012 is permitting a unique and detailed characterization of the surface circulation variability in the area at sub-to-mesoscale and seasonal scales. Substantial eddy field structures are evidenced; their origin, dynamics, evolution and linkages to biological processes and the location of fisheries is the subject of ongoing research.