Concept design of a near-space radar for tsunami detection

Off-shore detection of tsunami waves is a critical component of an effective tsunami warning system (TWS). Even more critical is the off-shore detection of local tsunamis, namely tsunamis that strike coastal areas within minutes from the triggering quake. In this paper we propose a new concept for tsunami detection. NESTRAD (Near-Space Tsunami Radar) consists of a real aperture radar accommodated inside a stationary stratospheric airship providing continuous monitoring of tsunamigenic oceanic trenches.