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Research examining the impact of tides, internal waves and coastal surges and the potential consequences of climate change across hundreds of square kilometres of ocean environment in WA will be summarised at a symposium tomorrow.

The four-year study - carried out on behalf of the Western Australian Marine Science Institution (WAMSI) - was initiated in 2007.  It focuses on the impact of physical oceanographic processes on coastal and offshore engineering activities

The Offshore and Coastal Engineering Symposium will cover:

• projected changes in wave climate and storm surge activity along the WA coastline;
• beach stability and response resulting from sea level rise, storm surge and wave climate changes;
• tidal and internal wave climatology from field measurements and numerical modelling over the NWS; and
• the deployment and application of ocean glider technology in WA ocean waters.

Winthrop Professor Greg Ivey, senior oceanography and fluid dynamics researcher at The University of Western Australia, said the study's large-scale predictions based on a combination of field measurements and numerical modelling could be scaled down to small areas covering one or two square kilometres to give precise indications of how tides, waves and currents can impact the sea floor and coastline.

"This is particularly important when locating marinas, jetties, moorings, boat ramps, oil and gas rigs, undersea pipelines and coastal developments.  It is also important for the fishing industry," Professor Ivey said.

Computer models developed by the team can assess wave climate, tides and sea floor effects.  The use of ocean gliders off Perth (Rottnest Island), Ningaloo and the North West Shelf have been used to give ‘real time' indications of what's happening in the ocean.

"This is pioneering research focussed on the WA marine environment and the offshore oil and gas communities.  It can also be used by coastal planners," he said.

WAMSI CEO Dr Steve Blake said work done by Professor Ivey and his colleague Winthrop Professor Charitha Pattiaratchi would undoubtedly improve safety along the WA coast, help predict the impacts of climate change and provide best quality information for planners and engineers.

"This will further underpin the safe development of the oil and gas sector in the State's North West," he said.

Professor Ivey, Professor Pattiaratchi and others will be available for interview at t he symposium starting 1pm Friday, November 26, at the Woolnough Lecture Theatre, Geography and Geology Building, UWA, Hackett Drive, Nedlands.

Media references

Janine MacDonald (UWA Public Affairs)  (+61 8)  6488 5563  /  (+61 4) 32 637 716