Oceanography Seminar Series
Aaron Farkas
Canadian Geological Survey
Title:
"From satellites to sea level: how GPS could change the way we measure tides"
Time:
June 30, 2026 - 11:45am Atlantic Time (Canada)
Room Location: C332, LSC
Teams link below.
Abstract:
Accurate water level data is critical for hydrography, oceanography and coastal applications. Traditional tide gauges鈥攚hile reliable鈥攁re costly and often difficult to install in areas with strong currents, large tidal ranges, unstable shorelines, or limited infrastructure. This study evaluated the use of Global Navigation Satellite System Interferometric Reflectometry (GNSS-IR) for remote water level measurement and compared its performance to a permanent tide gauge. Data from an NRCan CACS station at Port-Aux-Basques was processed to generate a water level time series, then harmonically analyzed to derive tidal constituents, datums and predictions. Results were compared with those from a nearby tide gauge to assess its agreement with established methods. Findings suggest GNSS-IR could deliver tidal information, offering a viable alternative in challenging environments.
Bio:
Aaron Farkas has been with the Canadian Hydrographic Service at the Bedford Institute of Oceanography since 2013. He currently leads field operations for the Atlantic Region鈥檚 Tides and Currents Unit, supporting the acquisition and delivery of high鈥憅uality water level data for hydrographic, oceanographic, and coastal applications. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Engineering in Geodesy and Geomatics from the University of New Brunswick and brings experience from both academic research and private industry prior to joining the federal public service.
This is our last seminar for the Summer Term.
We'll be back in the Fall Term.
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