Application of High Frequency Radar to Potential Hydrocarbon Development Areas in the Northeast Chukchi Sea

Personal Author: Weingartner TJ; Winsor P; Potter RA; Statscewich H; Dobbins EL

Publication Title: Application of High Frequency Radar to Potential Hydrocarbon Development Areas in the Northeast Chukchi Sea

Subject: Physical Oceanography
Physical Oceanography; Chukchi Sea; Ocean Currents; High Frequency Radar; Webb Slocum Gliders; AUVs; Moorings; Barrow Canyon Transport; Hydrography; Circulation

CSE Reference: Weingartner TJ, Winsor P, Potter RA, Statscewich H, Dobbins EL (University of Alaska, Fairbanks, AK). 2013. Application of high frequency radar to potential hydrocarbon development areas in the Northeast Chukchi Sea. Anchorage (AK): US Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management. 6 p. Obligation No.: M09AC15207. Report No.: OCS Study BOEM 2012-079. URL: https://espis.boem.gov/Technical%20Summaries/5265.pdf

Abstract: The shallow (50 m) Chukchi shelf extends 800 km northward from Bering Strait to the shelfbreak along the 200 m isobath. The Chukchi Sea flow field is influenced by the winds; however, on average these blow from the east-northeast, so the mean flow tends to oppose the mean winds. Many of the historical current measurements were obtained from current meters installed 10 m above the seabed in depths over 40 meters. Thus, there has been concern that these measurements may not reflect the near-surface currents. In anticipation of potential offshore hydrocarbon development activities in the northeast Chukchi Sea, the overall goals of this multi-year program were to improve our understanding of the circulation and to provide an extensive data set that can be used to test and evaluate circulation models.