X-band radar data processing and support for the academic research fleet

The National Science Foundation Division of Ocean Sciences awarded $631,062 to the University of Miami on July 15, 2026, under the Geosciences program (CFDA 47.050) to provide technical services for X-Band radar data processing and Wave Acquisition Stereo System (WAMOS) operations aboard U.S. Academic Research Fleet vessels. The award funds system monitoring, calibration, quality assurance, data management, product generation, user support, and integration with the Rolling Deck to Repository (R2R) community data system. Work encompasses currently supported research vessels and planned regional class research vessel installations. These activities enhance ocean surface observation capabilities, supporting research into ocean conditions, waves, currents, sea ice dynamics, and air-sea interactions while strengthening shared research infrastructure for ocean science, workforce development, and coastal resilience applications. Performance occurs in Key Biscayne, Florida, with a period of performance through June 30, 2031. The source indicates no sub-awards are planned for this award.

Abstract

This project enhances shared-use ocean observing capabilities supporting scientific operations aboard vessels of the U.S. Academic research fleet. The project improves the collection, management, and accessibility of oceanographic observations used to study ocean surface conditions, waves, currents, sea ICE dynamics, and air-sea interactions. By expanding access to standardized observational data products, the project strengthens shared research infrastructure while supporting modern ocean science, workforce development, and research and education activities relevant to ocean observation, environmental prediction, maritime operations, and coastal resilience. The project provides technical services necessary to operate and maintain the wave acquisition stereo system (WAMOS) and associated X-band radar data processing infrastructure aboard currently supported research vessels and planned regional class research vessel installations. Activities include system monitoring, calibration, quality assurance, data management, product generation, user support, and integration with rolling deck to repository (R2R) and other community data systems. These investments improve the reliability, accessibility, and long-term usability of radar-derived observations while supporting continued maturation of ocean surface monitoring capabilities within the academic research fleet. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.- subawards are not planned for this award.