Aspects of Current Measurement with Single-site Long Range High Frequency Radar: Part 2

High frequency surface wave radar (HFSWR) is one of many istruments that may be used to measure characteristics of the ocean surface. These radars transmit radio waves which scatter from the ocean. Some of the scattered wave energy, which is received at the radar site, contains information on ocean surface currents, waves and winds. For about three decades researchers have been developing models to better explain the actual scattering process and how to extract the ocean characteristics which are imprinted on the radar signal. Because of the complex nature of the whole scattering process and the environment in which the radars operate, there are still many intersting research problems which need to be addressed. Among these is the determination of the limitations on the measurements themsevles. In particular, in the proposed work, the intern will investigate the precision with which ocean currents can be measured with HFSWR.

Northern Radar Inc (NRI) has been involved in HFSWR for over twenty years. While their primary focus has been on using the radars are surveillance tools for tracking ships and low-flying aircraft, ocean surface information is a by-product of interest. The work being proposed here will enhance NRIs capabilities to market HFSWR as an ocean remote sensing tool. Furthermore, as NRI seeks to enter the market from small HFSWRs whose primary purpose is for ocean measurements, it is important to establish the capablities and limitations of the systems. The proposed internship fits precisely into these aspects of the company’s initiatives and continues the works of a Mitacs Accelerate Internship begun in September 2009.

Faculty Supervisor:

Dr. Eric Gill

Student:

Jianjun Zhang

Partner:

Northern Radar

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Information and communications technologies

University:

Memorial University of Newfoundland