Coastal Infrastructure Development Research Articles

Status and impacts to sea turtles in Vietnam

Sea turtles face a great danger of extinction because of human impacts, and the number of turtle occurrence is decreasing. By interviewing fishermen, coastal residents and authorities combined with field surveys in some places where turtles regularly lay eggs, such as Con Dao and Ninh Thuan, the results show that 05 species of sea turtles were found in Vietnam: The Green (Chelonia mydas), Hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata), Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea), Loggerhead (Caretta caretta) and Leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea). Among them, Green turtles are the most abundant and distributed in all surveyed localities; Hawksbill and Olive Ridley were smaller in number; and Loggerhead and Leatherback were the two species with the least number. Only 03 species remaining to breed on the beaches: Green, Olive Ridley, and Leatherback. The Hawksbill turtles used to lay eggs in the past but have been no longer recorded. Con Dao is a home for the largest number of breeding Green turtles. The reasons for the decline of turtles in Vietnam were the collection of eggs and nesting turtles, fisheries bycatch, development of coastal infrastructure and waste pollution, habitat degradation, and illegal trade in sea turtle products.

Современные подходы к обеспечению комплексного развития Северного морского пути: маркетинг-анализ транспортно-логистического потенциала

. The article on the basis of marketing approach analyzes the main factors, that determine the development of the Northern Sea Route (NSR) in the context of increasing intensity of shipping and freight transport growth. The purpose of the research is on the basis of the three-dimensional matrix (consumers — needs function — technology to meet needs) to consider the expectations and needs of key actors of the Arctic marine highway use, assess the process of demand formation, identify and summarize the most important factors of functioning of the NSR taking into account regional specific features to meet the needs and preferences of the NSR user groups, analyze bottlenecks of cargo transportation in the conditions of strict competition in the market of maritime transport services. The expediency of the three-dimensional matrix is substantiated by systematizing the significant features of the NSR use, based on the characteristics of the product that are important for consumers (the NSR transport and logistics services). This toolkit made it possible to determine measures to increase the NSR operation attractiveness. It is noted that the needs of the NSR user groups demand the following: advanced organizational management structure, implementation of measures to ensure navigation safety, creation and development of coastal infrastructure, modernization and construction of multifunctional ports, modern ice-breaking fleet availability and operation of monitoring systems. The relevance of the use marketing tools to solve the problems of the integrated development of the NSR in order to attract consumers and increase its competitiveness was offered. The novelty of the work lies in the author’s view on the prospects of the NSR development manifested in the offered algorithm (three-dimensional matrix of diagnostics) of marketing analysis of maritime transport along the NSR with the consistent identification of factors influencing the shippers' choice of transport services. The results obtained show the practical significance of the research, and help more comprehensively and systemically study the priority areas of the NSR development and its transport and logistics potential.

Historical Shoreline Analysis and Field Monitoring at Ennore Coastal Stretch along the Southeast Coast of India

A shoreline change analysis has been carried out for the coastal stretch from Ennore creek to Karungali village located along the southeast coast of India. This 15 km-long coastal stretch had undergone significant changes such as erosion and accretion concerning infrastructure developments and leading to large impact on the livelihood of the community. To assess the shoreline changes, the analysis of multi-temporal satellite images has been carried out. A historical trend is established for the study period from 1991 to 2019. The analysis has been made in three timelines considering various developing activities. There was no significant coastal infrastructure development during 1991 to 1999; however, between 1999 and 2009, a major port, pier, and a groyne field were constructed. Additionally, a port was established between 2009 and 2019. Erosion was observed on the coast from Kattupalli to Karungali at a rate of −16.85 m/yr since 2009, while the coast on the south of Ennore port is accreting at the rate of +12.43 m/yr during the same period. The near-future projection using a linear regression model shows further erosion in the coast under similar conditions. The results of this study provide a baseline data for future anthropogenic activities along this coast.

Coastal Vulnerability Index for Kuwaiti Coast

Kuwait is investing significantly for the development of coastal infrastructures in many of its coastal areas. It is essential to know the vulnerability of the coast of Kuwait for the future sea level rise and other physically influencing parameters. For this purpose, a detailed study is carried out and the Coastal Vulnerability Index (CVI) is established for the Kuwaiti coast including the coasts of Islands. The CVI is assessed based on the data on coastal geomorphology, historical shoreline change rate, landward side of the coastal slope, mean significant wave height, mean tidal range and the particle size of the sediments along the beach. The total Kuwaiti coastline of 499 km is divided into two groups with a total of 162 coastal segments. The group 1 contains 138 segments and covers the mainland, Boubyan and Failaka Island. The group 2 contains 24 locations and covers Umm Al-Maradim, Qaru and Kubbar Islands. Field data collection is carried out for all these segments. From this study it is found that 5% of the Kuwaiti coastal area in group 1 are very low vulnerable; 34% low vulnerable; 31% moderately vulnerable; 18% highly vulnerable and 12% are very highly vulnerable. Similar results are obtained for group 2 coastal segments. The results of this study will be useful while preparing the Integrated Coastal Zone Management plan for Kuwaiti coast and for its sustainable coastal infrastructure development.

Assesment of the Marine Litter on the Romanian Black Sea Beaches

"The paper presents the results of seasonal marine litter surveys carried out during the period 2018 – 2019 along the Romanian littoral of the Black Sea on 3 sandy beaches differing in their touristic exploitation and urbanisation. The assessment of abundance and composition of macrolitter (> 2.5 cm) and microplastics (1-5 mm) followed the monitoring methodology described in the EU MSFD TG10 guidance (Galgani et al., 2013). Out of the fifty-five litter types mostly monitored, cigarettes buts and plastic/polystyrene pieces (2.5 cm - 50 cm) made up the highest contribution with more than 50% in all years. The mean abundance of total microplastics ranged from 4 and 272 particles/m2 among sites; the microplastics were mostly expanded polystyrene (EPS), fragments and films. The microplastic abundance in touristic beaches of Mamaia resort (Marina Regia and Malibu) was between 2 and 30 times higher than in protected wild areas (Vadu). Overall, the different types and quantities of marine litter found during our study were related to differences in human activities set up in all three locations in touristic and post-touristic season 2018 and 2019. The highest macrolitter and microplastic concentrations were recorded in the southern area of Mamaia summer resort (Malibu beach) indicating that beside the level of coastal infrastructure development, the seasonal tourists and local population density are important factors affecting marine litter pollution level on the Romanian beaches. Key-Words: marine litter, macrolitter, microplastics, beach sediment, Black Sea "

Capillary Characteristics and Applicability of Coal Bottom Ash as an Anti-Capillary Material for Coastal Constructions

Utilization of Coal bottom ash (CBA) as well as finding the solutions to prevent saline intrusion, meeting the needs of coastal infrastructure development have been considered by the authors of the article for a long time. In this study, the authors focused on analyzing capillary characteristics in order to find a suitable group of CBA particles, which can be applied in the design of foundations with the high ability in restricting or preventing the effects of salt in saline groundwater. The obtained results show that (1) The capillary height is inversely proportional to the particle size: the larger the particle, the smaller the capillary height and vice versa. The CBA group with a diameter of 2.0 - 5.0 mm has an average capillary height around 3.33 cm; a group of particles size of 1.0 - 2.0 mm is 7.16 cm; a group of particles size of 0.5 – 1.0 mm is 23.36 cm. Meanwhile, the group of particles size of 0.1 - 0.5 mm is 31.26 cm. (2) The capillary height is inversely proportional to the salt concentration in the capillary solution: the maximum capillary height exhibits with the lowest capillary solution salinity ~ 0.0 g/L, whereas it reaches minimum value when salinity approximate 33.0 g/L. Thus, CBA with the same particle size of gravel (diameter from 2.0 to 5.0 mm) is able to block capillary flow. This study forms the basis for the design solutions of anti-saline foundation, especially in the context of climate change and sea-level rise.

Detection of Floating Objects Based on Hydroacoustic and Hydrodynamic Pressure Measurements in the Coastal Zone

Abstract The development of coastal infrastructure and related maritime transport necessitatesthe intensification of vessel traffic monitoring. Navigation systems used in this research are traditionally based on the information transmitted by radio waves. Marine traffic safety requires constant supervision carried out by dedicated systems, the operation of which may be limitedby difficult environmental conditions. The possibilities of supporting navigation systems with underwater observation systems are explored here. The research was carried out using an underwater measurement system. Local disturbances of the hydroacoustic and hydrodynamic field from the moving vessels were analysed. The potential for identifying a moving vessel, for example for offshore infrastructure security purposes, is demonstrated.

Microplastics on sandy beaches of the southern Baltic Sea

Microplastic occurrence and composition were investigated along the Polish coast (southern Baltic Sea) on 12 beaches differing in terms of intensity of their touristic exploitation, urbanisation and sediment characteristics. Their mean concentrations varied between 76 and 295 items per kg dry sediment. Fibres and plastic fragments were the dominant microplastic types. Overall, no relationship was found between their concentrations and sediment characteristics. Fine sediments were not identified as microplastic pollution traps. The highest microplastic concentrations were recorded at some urban beaches indicating that population density and the level of coastal infrastructure development are important factors affecting microplastic pollution level on beaches. On the other hand, microplastic concentrations in national parks did not differ substantially from the other beaches. Our results suggest that sediment accumulation processes may exceed microplastic accumulation, and overcome the effect of tourism and/or urbanisation, highlighting the role of the beach hydrodynamic status in structuring beach microplastic pollution.

Exploration of Northern Commercial Fishing Area Resources and Sustainable Use Challenges and Ways to Resolve them

The present article is based on the review of the current patent, scientific and technical sources. It indicates the main challenges of fishing industry in the North-West Russia with the Murmansk Region taken as an example. The basic fishing techniques, being employed by the local fishing companies, are considered. The article defines the main challenges of the Northern commercial fishing area resources exploration and sustainable use. It substantiates the necessity to increase the share of fishing tools with better selectivity. It is concluded that the raw-materials supply crisis is likely to set in the fish processing industry. The article analyses the existing methods of processing applied to the underutilized fishing grounds. It reveals a correlation between the intensiveness of research applied to specific fishing grounds and the consumer demand availability and scope. It is concluded that predominantly research is made with regard to the use of underutilized species for production of dietary supplements and components which alter some food properties. The article substantiates the necessity to use the non-conventional hydrobiont species for food production, based on the consumer demand data. A study of the main standards has been performed with regard to regulation of the hydrobiont catching issues. The article reviews the underutilized species of the Northern commercial fishing area which are most prospective from the production and processing point of view. It concludes with the prospects of the proposed option for the fishing industry development and its probable impact on the development of coastal infrastructure and of the whole region.

Urbanization effects on sandy beach macrofauna along an estuarine gradient

Abstract The rapid urban population growth and coastal infrastructure development worldwide add dimensionality and complexity to the management process in sandy shores, and therefore the development of beach quality indices that take into account the increasing role of urbanization are particularly relevant. This work analyses the potential of human population density (HPD), nighttime lights and vegetation cover as indicators of urban impact on sandy beach biodiversity. Each indicator was tested against a large-scale 2-yr study of macrofaunal richness and physical characteristics along a strong environmental gradient defined by the widest estuary of the world, the Rio de la Plata. A negative linear relationship between HPD and the number of species was found. The amount of light recorded at night peaked at the most urbanized area in the coast, Montevideo city, and showed a negative relationship with macrofaunal richness. Vegetation cover, expressed through a normalized difference vegetation index, showed a weak positive relationship with species richness. Multiple linear regressions, combining urban indicators and physical characteristics as explanatory variables of macrofaunal richness, showed the best results when HPD and salinity range were combined. A regression tree explained 65% of deviance and had a structure coherent with previous results. Salinity was the dominant ecological driver: beaches with salinity ≥27.2 showed higher species richness, while beaches with less salinity and higher nighttime lights showed the lowest species richness. Random Forests selected salinity (mean and range) and HPD as the most informative variables to discriminate groups of beaches according to their macrobenthic richness. These results reflect that the salinity gradient is a macroscale driver that shapes species richness patterns along this coast, whereas the effects of urbanization are confined within the dominant large-scale environmental gradient. The identification of suitable urban indicators provided in this work constitutes the first step onto the development of more rigorous approaches to assess this globally relevant and long-lasting stressor.

The extreme waves in Kuwaiti territorial waters using measured data

The extreme significant sea wave height, swell wave height and total wave height were determined for return periods of 10, 25, 50, and 100 years for seven stations in Kuwaiti territorial waters based on measured data. The measured wave data was obtained from Kuwait Meteorological Department of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The extreme wave analysis was carried out using Gumbel and Weibull distribution methods. It was noticed that the Weibull distribution is a better fit to the measured wave heights in Kuwaiti territorial waters. The result of the extreme significant sea wave height for 100-year return period ranges between 3.24 and 3.99 m, while there is a large variation in the extreme significant swell wave height, which ranges between 2.31 and 4.55 m. Furthermore, the extreme significant total wave height varies from 3.37 to 4.25 m among these seven stations in Kuwaiti waters. The comparison between the present study and the prediction of the extreme wave heights based on hindcasted data by Neelamani et al. (2007) shows closer correlation of the results, except for the North West part, where there are some noticeable differences in the results. The present study is important for optimal design of marine structures and coastal infrastructure development of Kuwaiti islands.

Preface

The 2019 6th International Conference on Coastal and Ocean Engineering (ICCOE 2019) was held in Bangkok, Thailand, April 25-28, 2019. ICCOE 2019 is dedicated to issues related to Coastal and Ocean Engineering.The objective of the conference is to bring together interested academics and industry experts in the field of Coastal and Ocean Engineering to a common forum. Three keynote speeches were delivered. Prof. Chou Loke Ming from Tropical Marine Science Institute, National University of Singapore, presented a keynote speech “Coral Reef Restoration and Habitat Creation to Mitigate Urbanization and Climate Change Impacts”. Assoc. Prof. Baoping Cai from China University of Petroleum gave the keynote speech “Development of Subsea Systems for Offshore Oil and Gas Equipment, with Fault Diagnosis Issues”. Professor Koh Hock Lye from Sunway University, Malaysia gave the third keynote speech “Sustainability in Theory and in Practice: A Three-decade Reflection on Education for Sustainability”. In addition, an Invited Speech “Convection-permitting Projections of Future Changes in Hydroclimatic Characteristics” was given by Dr. Shuo Wang from Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Papers were presented in four sessions of the conference: 1) Marine Ecology and Environment, 2) Ocean Engineering and Physics, 3) Wastewater Treatment, and 4) Health and Renewable Energy Application. 29 presentations were given by participants from 10 countries.This proceedings present a selection from papers submitted to the conference. All papers were subjected to peer-review by conference committee members and international reviewers. The papers selected depended on their quality and their relevance to the conference. This volume presents the recent advances in Coastal and Ocean Engineering and related areas, such as beach erosion and sediment transport, marine ecology and environment, climate change and sea level rise, lowland development and reclamation, subsea pipeline, coastal infrastructure development, deep sea engineering, and ocean activities platform.We would like to thank all the authors who have contributed to this volume, and also the organizing committee, reviewers, speakers, chairpersons, sponsors and all the conference participants for their support to ICCOE 2019.Prof. Chou Loke MingTropical Marine Science Institute, National University of Singapore, SingaporeMay 5, 2019

X-band radar as a tool for monitoring natural coastal behaviour and potential development impacts

ABSTRACTThis paper reports ongoing exploration of X-band radar as an operational monitoring tool for coastal infrastructure development. Data have been continually gathered since 2013, helping a major energy developer (EDF Energy) better understand shoreline processes at a proposed new nuclear power station at Sizewell, UK, to inform considerations of engineering design. The continual coverage provided by the radar enables greater confidence in defining natural variability and therefore enhanced assurance to regulators of the integrity or suitability of the site.Sizewell is located on a low-lying, soft coast with at least 1000 years of recorded (net) retreat. The commercial X-band system deployed calculates hydrodynamic data (suitable for managing navigation and vessel access), but this paper illustrates using radar images to establish the pre-construction baseline geomorphic behaviour of the nearshore, including a steep pebbly beach-face, two shore-parallel sub-tidal sandbars, and a large sandbank, 2 km offshore, which significantly affects nearshore hydrodynamics. Data illustrate baseline geomorphic behaviours that were previously unobserved, despite beach profiling records over 20 years. The temporal and spatial scales of natural changes are compared with the potential impacts of the development, including dredging (and spoil deposition) for navigation channel maintenance and the presence of nearshore structures, all of which would affect shoreline processes and so would need to be monitored (and any impacts managed) as development proceeds. Finally, the paper considers where the utility of X-band radar as an operational monitoring tool may surmount the barriers that have limited its uptake outside of academic/research circles.

Satellite remote sensing to monitor mangrove forest resilience and resistance to sea level rise

Abstract Coastal ecosystems, such as mangroves, provide key ecosystem services for climate change mitigation and adaptation. However, combined anthropogenic activities and climatic change‐driven sea level rise (SLR) pose a severe threat to their global persistence, and to the continued delivery of these services. Mangrove vulnerability to SLR depends upon capacity for both resilience (landward migration) and resistance (maintained functioning with the existing distribution), which are in turn hindered by extractive activities and coastal infrastructure development. Limited landscape‐scale data availability means existing SLR vulnerability assessment frameworks lack rigorous quantification of these discrete processes. Here we develop and implement a novel multi‐product (multispectral, microwave, derived‐product) open‐access satellite remote sensing approach to assess both coastal ecosystem SLR resilience and resistance capacity in multiple mangrove sites across the world, and landscape‐level and anthropogenic factors driving these capacities. Our approach allows comparative ranking of resilience and resistance capacities across sites, based on relative observed ecosystem change (biomass, distribution) and in constraints to these two components of SLR vulnerability. We observe mostly low SLR resilience and resistance across our case study sites. Furthermore, we find that site‐specific resilience and resistance capacities and constraints can be highly incongruent, highlighting the importance of comprehensive SLR vulnerability monitoring for effective management. High within‐site variation was also detected in resilience and resistance capacities and their constraints. This underlines the importance of spatially explicit monitoring at extensive spatial scales to inform decision making. The methodology developed and repeat‐pass imagery employed adds to the remote monitoring and assessment toolkit for adaptive coastal ecosystem management under SLR, providing a new approach to inform conservation and management priority assessments in data‐deficient regions.

Heavy metals in mangrove sediments of the central Arabian Gulf shoreline, Saudi Arabia

To assess heavy metals in mangrove swamps of Sehat and Tarut coastal areas along the Arabian Gulf, 18 sediment samples were collected for Al, V, Cr, Mn, Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, Hg, Sr, As, Fe, Co, and Ni analysis. The results indicated that the distribution of some metals was largely controlled by anthropogenic inputs, while others were of terrigenous origin and most strongly associated with distribution of aluminum and total organic carbon in sediments. Mangrove sediments were extremely severe enriched with Sr (EF = 67.59) and very severe enriched with V, Hg, Cd, Cu, As (EF = 44.28, 37.45, 35.77, 25.97, and 11.53, respectively). Average values of Sr, V, Hg, Cd, Cu, Ni, As, and Cr were mostly higher than the ones recorded from the Mediterranean Sea, the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aqaba, the Caspian Sea, the Arabian and Oman gulfs, coast of Tanzania, sediment quality guidelines, and the background shale and the earth crust. Landfilling due to coastal infrastructure development around mangrove forests, oil spills and petrochemical and desalination effluents from Al-Jubail industrial city to the north were the anthropogenic activities that further enhanced heavy metals in the studied mangrove sediments.

Distribution and metal contamination in the coastal sediments of Dammam Al-Jubail area, Arabian Gulf, Saudi Arabia

Present work aims to document the distribution and metal contamination in the coastal sediments of the Dammam Al-Jubail area, Saudi Arabian Gulf. Twenty-six samples were collected for Al, V, Cr, Mn, Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, Hg, Sr, As, Fe, Co and Ni analysis. Results of enrichment factor indicated that Sr, Cd, Cu, Hg, V, As, Ni, Cr and Zn gave enrichment factors higher than 2 (98.87, 40.28, 33.20, 27.87, 26.11, 14.10, 6.15, 3.72 and 2.62 respectively) implying anthropogenic sources, while Pb, Mn and Al have very low background level (1.37, 0.71, 0.124 respectively), probably originated from natural sources. Average concentrations of Sr, V, Hg, Cd and As were mostly higher than those from the background shale and the earth crust, the Caspian Sea, the Mediterranean Sea, the sediment quality guidelines, the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aqaba and the Gulf of Oman. The higher levels of the studied metals are mostly related samples with high Al and TOM content, as well as the visible anthropogenic pollutants along the studied coastline. The most recorded anthropogenic pollutants were sewage effluent, landfilling due to coastal infrastructure development, oil spills, petrochemical industries and desalination plants in Al-Jubail industrial city.

Optimizing coastal and marine spatial planning through the use of high-resolution benthic sensitivity models

Effective management of coastal and marine resources requires knowledge of how community sensitivity varies spatially. With this in mind, we developed a benthic sensitivity index (SI), based on the distribution and abundance of five ecological groups that can be used to assess community tolerance to organic enrichment and other disturbances. The index, projected as a high-resolution map, ranks communities from those dominated by sensitive and ecologically important species (i.e. low SI values) to those composed mainly of tolerant and/or opportunistic species (i.e., high SI values). Applying our model to a multiple-use case study in southeast Brazil, we were able to show considerable variability in the sensitivity of communities across the study area that was relatively stable over time. This allowed us to evaluate the possible direct (i.e., spatially overlapping) and indirect effects (i.e., cumulative changes to the physical environment) of a range of activities on sensitive and ecologically diverse benthic communities. Our approach and the resulting high-resolution maps hold promise for a range of spatial planning applications, including the development of coastal infrastructure, assessments of the representativeness of marine protected areas and other activities such as the selection of appropriate locations for dredge spoil dumping. Overall, we present a novel and transparent way of extrapolating limited survey data to provide spatial and temporal information on the sensitivity of benthic communities in multiple-use coastal and marine areas.

Coastal Zone Management: Resolving Climate Change Issues Through a Statutory Framework

<p>The coastline of India is part of its valuable natural heritage that has since been severely impacted by unregulated human activities, indiscriminate urbanization and unsustainable models of development for coastal infrastructure. Climate change impacts have added to numerous causes that have left marine areas distressed and struggling for survival. Overwhelming scientific evidence suggests that undeterred by curbs on rise in global temperatures, sea levels along India’s coast has continued to rise at the rate of 1.3mm per year. India’s coastal management program is undermined by the absence of a primary legislation, the ensuing laxity in enforcement of and compliance with regulatory norms. The present legal regime denotes a clear absence of measures to protect the natural heritage of India’s coastline and coastal ecosystems. Industrial activities affecting India’s coastal areas are governed by a set of legislative instruments that are sectoral in their approach and therefore seem fragmented for a cohesive battle against climate change impacts. The Coastal Regulation Zone Notification, 2011(CRZ) issued under the Environment Protection Act, 1986 does not provide adequate measures to protect threatened shorelines and marine areas. The delegated legislation falls short in regulating industrial activities along the coasts, monitoring unsustainable development of coastal infrastructure and preventing pollution at source. There is an undeniable need to constitute a legal regime for coastal management that in its core serves an agenda to address climate change impacts, enhanced by a mandate for adaptation programs. This paper will attempt to present an argument in favor of a statutory framework that will enhance the existing integrated coastal zone management plan in India and resolve conflicts arising out of economic, social and environmental issues encompassing coastal zone regulation. Climate change is forcing developing nations to usher in requisite legal reforms within their regulatory regimes that rise up to meet international standards for coastal and ocean governance.</p>

Structure, stability, and tsunami hazard associated with a rock slope in Knight Inlet, British Columbia

Abstract. Rockfalls and rockslides during the past 12 000 years have deposited bouldery debris cones on the seafloor beneath massive rock slopes throughout the inner part of Knight Inlet. The 885 m high rock slope, located across from a former First Nations village destroyed in the late 1500s by a slide-induced wave, exposes the contact between a Late Cretaceous dioritic pluton and metamorphic rocks of the Upper Triassic Karmutsen Formation. The pluton margin is strongly foliated parallel to primary and secondary fabrics in the metamorphic rocks, resulting in highly persistent brittle structures. Other important structures include a set of sheeting joints and highly persistent mafic dykes and faults. Stability analysis indicates that planar and wedge rock slope failures up to about 500 000 m3 in volume could occur. We suspect that failures of this size in this setting would have the potential to generate locally hazardous waves. As several similar rock slopes fronted by large submarine debris cones exist in the inner part of Knight Inlet, it is clear that tsunami hazards should be considered in coastal infrastructure development and land-use planning in this area.

Wave hindcast experiments in the Indian Ocean using MIKE 21 SW model

Wave prediction and hindcast studies are important in ocean engineering, coastal infrastructure development and management. In view of sparse and infrequent in-situ observations, model derived hindcast wave data can be used for the assessment of wave climate in offshore and coastal areas. In the present study, MIKE 21 SW Model has been used to carry out wave hindcast experiments in the Indian Ocean. Model runs have been made for the year 2005 using QuickSCAT scatterometer winds blended with ECMWF model winds. In order to study the impact of southern ocean swells, the model has been run in two different domains, with the southern boundary being shifted far south for the Domain 60S model. The model simulated wave parameters have been validated by comparing with buoy and altimeter data and various statistical yardsticks have been employed to quantify the validation. Possible reason for the poorer performance of the model in the Arabian Sea has also been pointed out.