Students pursuing their Masters in Operational Oceanography (MOO) recently undertook a field trip to Sea Bright, New Jersey, where they inspected high-frequency (HF) radar stations critical for real-time monitoring of coastal ocean currents. The MOO students were also joined by students participating in the Research Internships in Ocean Sciences (RIOS) program which is funded by the National Science Foundation. This excursion provided a hands-on learning experience, allowing students to observe the practical application of HF radar technology which they were introduced to this week. HF radar transmits radio waves to measure the speed and direction of surface currents, thereby supporting critical operations like search and rescue, harmful algal bloom tracking, pollution monitoring, and marine navigation. During their visit, the students gained insights into the physical components of the radar stations, learned about the maintenance protocols ensuring data quality, and understood the data flow from collection to integration into broader oceanographic models and public platforms. This direct engagement with the HF radar infrastructure and the experts who operate it is an essential component of the RUCOOL MOO program. This field trip will one of many that the students will take over the next 16 months which will prepare them for impactful careers in oceanographic monitoring and prediction.
