WP4 - Coastal Oceanographic Modelling

In WP4 integrated and coupled numerical models are developed and tested, focused on better understanding and representation of the main processes in the coastal zone and the study of their interactions. 
WP4 addresses, in an innovative way, the main themes of modern coastal oceanography, and is set on three major pillars:

1. the choice of an integrated and interdisciplinary modeling approach, which considers air-water-sediment compartments, establishing a strong link between physics and biology;

2. the investment of substantial know-how and budget to acquire data and oceanographic measurements specifically designed to validate modeling tools;

3. the choice to consider the entire National Marine perimeter, exploring space-time scales adequate to support production activities in the country (commercial harbors, boating, swimming, coastal protection and mitigation) through Strategic Areas Test (ATS).

The ultimate goal of the WP is to get the definition, implementation, calibration and validation (using ad hoc collected data) of a numerical model hierarchy that can provide adequate resolution in limited domains, quantitative information on the effects of major processes taking place in coastal areas.

The WP is divided into the following actions:

• AZ1 - Process modelling

• AZ2 - Integrated wave-current-sediment modelling

• AZ3 - Modelling of support to the coastal infrastructures and offshores

• AZ4 - Ecological and biogeochemical modelling

• AZ5 - Hydrodynamic and morphodynamic modelling of lagoon systems

• AZ6 - Data Calibration, validation and assimilation

WP leader Sandro Carniel - ISMAR