HF ocean radar provides unprecedented time-resolved maps of surface currents over meso-scale areas (typically up to 150km x 150km) of coastal ocean. Deployment of the radars is in support of research in regional IMOS Nodes where there is a range of identified questions concerned with boundary currents and associated eddies, and their interaction with the shelf water and topography. These physical phenomena are linked to productivity and connectivity of biological populations, and to management issues such as coral bleaching and disease transmission. The ACORN system provides a basis for applied research into wave modelling and offers test sites for hydrodynamic modelling.

The Australian Coastal Ocean Radar Network includes the two main types of ocean surface radars that are being used around the world. They are the Phased Array genre (WERA), and the Amplitude Direction Finding genre (SeaSonde). These systems have different specifications and each has conditions under which it is preferred.