NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ — Rutgers University undergraduate Andy Garcia has completed a comprehensive independent research project optimizing coastal radar performance. The electrical and computer engineering student analyzed high-frequency (HF) ocean-monitoring systems along the New Jersey coastline. His study provides critical insights for marine safety, search and rescue, and weather tracking operations. Working with advisor Dr. Hugh Roarty from the Department of Marine and Coastal Sciences, Garcia evaluated remote sensing technology deployed by the Rutgers Center for Ocean Observing Leadership. The data collection was conducted as part of the Mid Atlantic Ocean Observing System (MARACOOS).
The investigation tracked seven distinct medium-range radar sites spanning from Sea Bright in the north down to North Wildwood at the southern end of the state. Garcia who is an electrical engineering undergraduate student utilized Google Maps to calculate the precise distance from each antenna to the nearest shoreline. He then processed thousands of hourly radar diagnostic data points spanning the entire year of 2025 using Jupyter Notebook Python scripts he developed. The analysis focused on comparing antenna proximity to water against signal to noise ratio and effective radar range.
The independent study yielded distinct results regarding how physical placement of the equipment alters radar efficiency. Garcia discovered that signal clarity showed no direct linear correlation with shoreline distance. Localized environmental noise, antenna orientation, and site-specific interference instead caused variable signal clarity across the different testing locations. Conversely, effective detection range showed a strong, conclusive link to shoreline proximity. Radar sites placed closest to the water achieved slightky longer ranges. Installations in Sea Bright and Holgate achieved peak ranges exceeding 80 kilometers. The Brigantine antenna sat furthest from the water and consequently suffered the shortest operational reach.
These findings validate established electromagnetic propagation theories regarding mixed-media paths. Seawater possesses high electrical conductivity which maintains signal strength over long distances. Land exhibits high electrical resistivity which quickly degrades radar waves. Garcia’s findings emphasize that shoreline proximity is vital during site selection for coastal monitoring systems. Moving forward, the research team aims to expand this analysis across multiple years and more stations. Future work will incorporate seasonal environmental factors, varying ground conductivity, and additional radar frequencies. This continuous optimization ensures more accurate surface current data for the Mid-Atlantic region.