Sodar MFAS, University of Split’s instrument installed at Split Airport, will measure storm surges

University of Split’s instrument, Sodar MFAS, was installed at the end of December at Split Airport, and will measure wind speed and direction with extreme precision, from the ground up, to as high as one thousand meters. These measurements will provide a unique view of one of the most interesting meteorological phenomena in this area - storm surges.

It is pretty sophisticated equipment, or ultrasonic SCINTEC Flat Array Sodar MFAS radar (shorter Sodar MFAS), procured from the European Structural and Investment Funds with the project "Functional integration of the University of Split, PMF-ST, PF-ST and KTF-ST through the development of the scientific research infrastructure in the three faculties’ building” (KK.01.1.1.02.0018). Sodar is worth HRK 918,750.

- In the area of Split Airport, gusts of wind (called ‘bura’) are extremely strong and often interfere with aircrafts taking off and landing. We hope that the measurements taken by MFAS sodar will in the long run contribute to safety in air navigation - said assoc. prof. Jadranka Šepić Ph.D. from the Faculty of Science, the expert in charge of this equipment. Recently retired prof. emeritus Darko Koračin Ph.D., also from the Faculty of Science in Split, is the one who had the initial idea to procure this sodar.

Before MFAS sodar was installed, an agreement on cooperation between the University of Split, the Faculty of Science and the Split Airport had to be signed.

- This agreement is an example of good practice in using University of Split’s scientific research equipment, in cooperation with the local community - said prof. Leandra Vranješ Markić Ph.D., Vice-Rector for Science and Innovation.

Split Airport Deputy Director, Pero Bilas pointed out that Split Airport always supports the implementation of EU projects that help develop our region.

- Free access to data from this sodar creates the possibility of better understanding certain meteorological conditions at Split Airport, so we look forward to future successful cooperation with the University of Split - concluded Pero Bilas.