Monitoring and prediction of the enigmatic behaviour of the sea

At AZTI Tecnalia we study hydrodynamic, sedimentary and contamination processes using advanced instruments to measure oceanographic variables.  Measurement quality in the field is complimented by the use of statistic tools and advanced simulation for analysis, evaluation and examination.

Efficient real-time measuring and monitoring systems of marine processes are developed. These approaches are complemented by numerical applications, that allow prediction of the behaviour of the sea; these contribute significantly to the improved management and evaluation of human impact on the environment. Likewise, to alleviate accidental events, such as the spillage of hydrocarbons.

• Development and improvement of predictive models: New biophysical models optimised for data assimilation. Wave and turbulence prediction models, to gain knowledge about ocean-atmosphere interaction and the behaviour of marine currents.

• Marine environment monitoring: application of existing and emerging technologies: Information systems of environmental variables, from high-resolution satellite data. Implementation of emerging technologies in coastal monitoring (video observation, multibeam probe, ocean-meteorological stations, SAR, LIDAR, etc.)

• Hydrodynamic surveys: Three-dimensional tide and current  measurements  Sediment transport and littoral dynamics. Surveys for the location of fish farming industries. The analysis of alternatives for dumping in the marine environment. Risk evaluation of hydrocarbon contamination, based upon in-house technology.

• Ocean-Meteorological Information Systems: Network of ocean-meteorological stations and buoys, in close collaboration with suppliers of equipments, for real-time monitoring of the sea state.

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