Heavy Sea Research Articles

Comprehensive Satellite Observations and a Numerical Study of a Wintertime Shallow Sea Smoke Event in the Yellow Sea

Abstract A winter storm triggered a significant sea smoke with the northwesterly wind to the Yellow Sea, China, on 7 January 2021. The ocean responses to this event lasted about 3 days. Satellite observations show that the sea surface temperature dropped from 5.7° to 4.7°C on the following day and then recovered to the previous level; the chlorophyll-a, a bio-growth indicator, increased from 3.6 to 3.9 mg m−3 due to cooling-induced coastal upwelling between 7 and 9 January. Two buoys measurements showed that the air temperature dropped to −13.3°C and high relative humidity with a maximum value of 89.0% above the sea surface, creating favorable conditions for sea smoke generation. A Regional Ocean Modeling System (ROMS) and Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model coupled model with the Goddard Chemistry Aerosol Radiation and Transport (GOCART) chemical module was implemented to reproduce this sea smoke phenomenon and analyze the air–sea interaction. The 20°C temperature difference between extreme cold air (−13.3°C) and the relatively warm stable sea surface (4.7°–5.7°C) enhanced the seawater evaporation. In addition, we suppose the concentration of sea salt, a kind of condensation nucleus, with a particle diameter of 0.5–1.5 μm above the sea surface increased quickly on 7 January. The boiling-water-like sea surface was imaged on a synthetic aperture image. We developed an image analysis method to describe the cell-shaped texture characteristics imaged by Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR). We also found that the sea surface imprints of sea smoke are governed by the thermal, not the dynamical instability. Significance Statement On 7 January 2021, a significant sea smoke event happened in the Yellow Sea. The ocean response to the event lasted 3 days. First, on a synoptic scale, this study presents the comprehensive satellite observations of the sea surface temperature drop and chlorophyll-a increase associated with the sea smoke. Second, a coupled air–sea interaction model with the Goddard Chemistry Aerosol Radiation and Transport (GOCART) chemical module was implemented to reproduce this sea smoke phenomenon and identify which condensation nucleus induced such heavy sea smoke. Third, we developed an image analysis method to analyze high-resolution synthetic aperture radar images and found that the sea surface imprints of sea smoke are governed by the thermal, not the dynamical instability.

Rolling stability analysis of high-static-low-dynamic stiffness floating raft vibration isolation systems

Floating raft vibration isolation (FRVI) systems employing isolators with high-static-low-dynamic stiffness (HSLDS) characteristics offer excellent large-scale and multidirectional vibration attenuation performance ideally suited to stealth applications in ocean faring vessels. However, the rolling motions of vessels in heavy seas can produce large displacements and induce instability in HSLDS-FRVI systems, and our present state of understanding of these systems is insufficient to facilitate the design of more stable systems. The present work addresses this issue by establishing an accurate analytical model of a double-layer FRVI system with 12 degrees of freedom to facilitate detailed rolling stability analyses when adopting HSLDS isolators. This model is also adapted to obtain a simplified single-layer HSLDS-FRVI system model and a corresponding single-layer equivalent linear system (ELS) model for investigating the factors contributing to FRVI system stability. The results demonstrate that the single-layer HSLDS-FRVI system obtains increasingly superior rolling stability compared to that of the corresponding ELS as the system loading increases. Also, good rolling stability can be maintained by applying proper mounting locations for the isolators. Additional factors contributing to FRVI system stability are deduced by comparing the results obtained for double-layer HSLDS-HSLDS, HSLDS-ELS, ELS-HSLDS, and ELS-ELS systems. The results demonstrate that the use of isolators with HSLDS characteristics is most beneficial for improving the rolling stability of double-layer FRVI systems when applied between the ground and bottom layers, and maximum rolling stability is obtained when the mass of the lower level is close to that of the upper level.

Urban Planning for Climate Change: A Toolkit of Actions for an Integrated Strategy of Adaptation to Heavy Rains, River Floods, and Sea Level Rise

Cities and urban systems are the places most responsible for climate change, but at the same time they are the places where its effects are felt the most. A state-of-the-art analysis showed that Ecological–Environmental, Settlement, and Infrastructure and Service Systems are the components of cities most exposed to risk phenomena. Therefore, it is important to identify site-specific actions aimed at enhancing ecosystem services and building hierarchical ecological networks (green and blue infrastructures), according to an Ecosystem-based Approach (EbA). In this regard, the contribution presents the results of a research work on the theme of multi-risks connected to climate change, referring to heavy rains and river flood phenomena and sea level rise and proposes a systematisation of international best practices in the field of the Ecosystem-based Approach (EbA). Each best practice analysed is traced back to the three urban resilience macro-strategies of “defence”, “adaptation”, and “relocation/de-anthropisation”, already conceptualised by the authors during their joint research activity. The aim is to outline a synthetic toolkit of site-specific design actions, exportable to other contexts, intended as a tool to support the innovation of urban planning tools at the local level.

Health risk assessment and source apportionment of PM2.5-bound toxic elements in the industrial city of Siheung, Korea

The emission sources and their health risks of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in Siheung, Republic of Korea, were investigated as a middle-sized industrial city. To identify the PM2.5 sources with error estimation, a positive matrix factorization model was conducted using daily mean speciated data from November 16, 2019, to October 2, 2020 (95 samples, 22 chemical species). As a result, 10 sources were identified: secondary nitrate (24.3%), secondary sulfate (18.8%), traffic (18.8%), combustion for heating (12.6%), biomass burning (11.8%), coal combustion (3.6%), heavy oil industry (1.8%), smelting industry (4.0%), sea salts (2.7%), and soil (1.7%). Based on the source apportionment results, health risks by inhalation of PM2.5 were assessed for each source using the concentration of toxic elements portioned. The estimated cumulative carcinogenic health risks from the coal combustion, heavy oil industry, and traffic sources exceeded the benchmark, 1E-06. Similarly, carcinogenic health risks from exposure to As and Cr exceeded 1E-05 and 1E-06, respectively, needing a risk reduction plan. The non-carcinogenic risk was smaller than the hazard index of one, implying low potential for adverse health effects. The probable locations of sources with relatively higher carcinogenic risks were tracked. In this study, health risk assessment was performed on the elements for which mass concentration and toxicity information were available; however, future research needs to reflect the toxicity of organic compounds, elemental carbon, and PM2.5 itself.

A Hierarchical Stabilization Control Method for a Three-Axis Gimbal Based on Sea–Sky-Line Detection

Obtaining a stable video sequence for cameras on surface vehicles is always a challenging problem due to the severe disturbances in heavy sea environments. Aiming at this problem, this paper proposes a novel hierarchical stabilization method based on real-time sea–sky-line detection. More specifically, a hierarchical image stabilization control method that combines mechanical image stabilization with electronic image stabilization is adopted. With respect to the mechanical image stabilization method, a gimbal with three degrees of freedom (DOFs) and with a robust controller is utilized for the primary motion compensation. In addition, the electronic image stabilization method based on sea–sky-line detection in video sequences accomplishes motion estimation and compensation. The Canny algorithm and Hough transform are utilized to detect the sea–sky line. Noticeably, an image-clipping strategy based on prior information is implemented to ensure real-time performance, which can effectively improve the processing speed and reduce the equipment performance requirements. The experimental results indicate that the proposed method for mechanical and electronic stabilization can reduce the vibration by 74.2% and 42.1%, respectively.

Mediterranean cyclones: current knowledge and open questions on dynamics, prediction, climatology and impacts

Abstract. A large number of intense cyclones occur every year in the Mediterranean basin, one of the climate change hotspots. Producing a broad range of severe socio-economic and environmental impacts in such a densely populated region, Mediterranean cyclones call for coordinated and interdisciplinary research efforts. This article aims at supporting these efforts by reviewing the status of knowledge in the broad field of Mediterranean cyclones. First, we focus on the climatology of Mediterranean cyclone tracks, their relationship to large-scale atmospheric circulation and their future trends. Second, we discuss the dynamics and atmospheric processes that govern the genesis and development of Mediterranean cyclones. Then, we present the different subtypes of Mediterranean cyclones, devoting special attention to medicanes, i.e. cyclones with tropical characteristics and subjects of numerous recent studies. In a subsequent section, we review the state of the art in forecasting cyclones and relevant high-impact weather, and we discuss in detail the challenges and recent efforts to increase their forecast skill. Finally, we discuss the main impacts produced by cyclones, namely heavy precipitation, windstorms, dust transport, storm surges and sea wave extremes. In the last section of this review article, we thoroughly outline the future directions of research that would advance the broader field of Mediterranean cyclones.

Detection and Estimation Algorithm for Marine Target With Micromotion Based on Adaptive Sparse Modified-LV’s Transform

Due to the complex marine environment and high-order frequency modulation (FM) on radar echo from the micromotion of the target, the effective and robust detection of a marine target with micromotion under heavy sea clutters’ background is a challenging task. In this article, we propose a novel detection and estimation algorithm based on adaptive sparse modified-Lv’s transform (ASMLVT). First, the micro-Doppler (m-D) characteristics of marine targets are employed and modeled as quadratic frequency-modulated (QFM) signals. Second, we modify the 2-D robust sparse Fourier transform (2-D-RSFT) and make it adaptive to the sea clutters’ background, namely, 2-D adaptive sparse Fourier transform (2-D-ASFT). Then, we substitute the 2-D Fast Fourier transform (2-D-FFT) operation with 2-D-ASFT in the modified-Lv’s transform (MLVT). The proposed algorithm can not only achieve good energy accumulation and accurate parametric estimation for marine targets with micromotion but is also robust to the heavy sea clutters and can greatly reduce false alarms. Besides, it has a good cross-term suppression ability to detect multitargets. Experiments with simulated and real radar datasets show that the proposed algorithm can effectively detect and estimate multitargets with micromotion under heavy sea clutter and low signal-to-clutter ratio (SCR) background.

PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION DUE TO STERN TAB DEFLECTION AT MODEL SCALE

Trim tabs form an important part of motion control systems on high-speed watercraft. By altering the pitch angle, significant improvements in propulsion efficiency can be achieved by reducing overall resistance. For a ship in heavy seas, trim tabs can also be used to reduce structural loads by changing the vessel orientation in response to encountered waves. In this study, trials have been conducted in the University of Tasmania hydraulics laboratory using a closed- circuit water tunnel to measure model scale trim tab forces. The model scale system replicates the stern tabs on the full- scale INCAT Tasmania 112 m high-speed wave-piercer catamaran. The model was designed for total lift force measurement and pressure tappings allowed for pressures to be measured at fixed locations on the underside of the hull and tab. This investigation examines the pressures at various flow velocities and tab deflection angles for the case of horizontal vessel trim. A simplified two-dimensional CFD model of the hull and tab has also been analysed using ANSYS CFX software. The results of model tests and CFD indicate that the maximum pressure occurs in the vicinity of the tab hinge and that the pressure distribution is long-tailed in the direction forward of the hinge. This accounts for the location of the resultant lift force, which is found to act forward of the tab hinge.

Система управления курсом судна с компенсацией действия внешних возмущений на работу рулевой машины

The article focuses on developing synthesis methods for automatic heading control systems for the rudder-controlled sea vessel. The solution of the problem of vessel heading control is carried out in the conditions of heavy sea. The disturbing effect of the external water environment causes the vessel yawning, which results in exceeding activity of the steering gear. This leads to its increased wear and loss in the longitudinal speed of the vessel. To reduce the wave effect there has been supposed an approach based on the additionally introduced internal model of the ship dynamics. The given approach is aimed at improving the operation of the steering gear in rough seas. To implement the proposed algorithm, changes are made to the original system by introducing an internal model in parallel to the control object and modifying the feedback channel of the control system. To describe the sea vessel dynamics there is used the 1st order Nomoto model, the steering gear model is implemented in accordance with the imposed speed limits and the rudder shift value. Wave disturbance is close to harmonic disturbance. The identification of the parameters of the internal model can be carried out in advance, both by maneuvering tests and by the process of operation. Numerical simulations carried out in the MATLAB/Simulink system confirmed the advantage of the proposed approach. The synthesis of control in a system with an internal model makes it possible to significantly neutralize the influence of wave disturbance. The modifications introduced to the original control system help to improve functioning of the steering gear, significantly reducing the number of rudder shifts during operation.

Joint effects of sea ice melt, freshwater discharge and tidal currents on zooplankton abundance in the Sea of Okhotsk: 2004 and 2013

The foremost flooding event of the past century happened in 2013 on the Amur River, which flows into the Sea of Okhotsk. Concurrently, the winter of 2012–2013 was a year of heavy sea ice and delayed onset of melting in this region. To examine the joint effects of these major, regional-scale hydrological freshening events on oceanographic processes, we compared physical (CTD, tides and currents) and biological (zooplankton) data measured in 2004 and 2013 in Academy Bay, Sea of Okhotsk. Our results indicate that the difference in sea water temperature between the two years played a primary role in shaping zooplankton variability. Data collected in 2013 showed that water temperature was colder and that the upper layer was substantially fresher (∼4–5 psμ) than in 2004. This decrease in water temperature and salinity reduction was accompanied by a significant decrease in the abundance of some key zooplankton species including Calanus glacialis, Pseudocalanus spp. and Sagitta elegans and a corresponding increase in the abundance of Limacina helicina. Delayed melting of sea ice in 2013 potentially triggered a mismatch in pelagic production that may have impacted the recruitment of calanoid copepods. Variation in tidal and subtidal advection of cold and highly saline Okhotsk Sea shelf water appears to be an important process influencing regional variation in zooplankton abundance. The occurrence of such hydrological events has the potential to trigger cascading effects through the food web.

Оптимизация автоматического регулирования частоты вращения судового дизеля

Annotation – The well-established method of tuning the speed governors (SG) of diesel engines during their operation under conditions of step disturbances, which are characteristic of diesel-generators, cannot be used for the main marine engines, the dynamic modes of which are associated, first of all, with heavy seas, because disturbances cannot change stepwise both along the channel for setting the rotational speed and along the load channel. In this regard, the practical need for the development of a method for tuning the SG of the main engines, which takes into account the peculiarities of their operation in heavy seas, has been determined. The study simulates the automatic speed control system (ASC) of the main marine engine HYUNDAI – MAN B&W 6G70ME-C9.2 of the large crude carrier "GOLDWAY" with the AutoChief 600 electronic SG. The minimum of instability of the controlled parameter was used as an optimality criterion, i.e. the amplitude of the oscillations of the rotational speed of the diesel engine shaft, with the most probable values of the amplitude and period of oscillations (rolling) of the disturbing effect. The study has established that changing the tuning parameters of the governor may lead to local extrema of the optimality criterion when using an electronic governor in the ACS in the factor space of disturbances on a diesel engine, which are typical for heavy seas. It means that the task, requiring finding local extrema using specialized methods, can be set when using an electronic governor in the ACS. However, a significant decrease in the instability of the rotational speed was achieved by carrying out a simple enumeration of the tuning parameters of the SG. It was also found that with a "heavy" propeller, the rotational speed stability can be increased by decreasing the proportional gain, as well as increasing the integrator time.

Quantifying The Impact That Coxswain Behaviour Has on Whole Body Vibration - Simulator Trial

A common risk to personnel is from Whole Body Vibration (WBV) and shock when transiting at speed in heavy seas, and much research has been done by maritime organisations to reduce this risk and the associated health impacts. It is well known that coxswain ‘driving style’ can radically affect exposure levels for a given sea state and sustained transit speed. A data-driven approach to define what makes a good coxswain from a WBV perspective is currently being developed by the Naval Design Partnering team (NDP). In phase 1, a systematic coxswain behaviour tracking methodology has been developed and demonstrated using a motion platform-based fast craft simulator at MARIN. The performance of several experienced volunteer coxswains from MOD, RNLI and KNRM has been evaluated based on a set pattern of tests. The advantages of using the simulator, over a sea trial, have been demonstrated: it is more repeatable, more controllable, accurate and more accessible. The potential disadvantages of the approach are also discussed with reference to feedback gathered from coxswains. Analysis has shown effective throttle control is much more important than steering to reduce WBV. Several interesting trends in WBV reduction potential have been shown which it is thought, with further validation, could aid mission planning, mission execution and provide data for training autonomous feedback/control algorithms. Further work is required before the findings of this study can be fully exploited. These subsequent phases, which include sea trials, aim to provide validation and further evidence to support the initial findings.

Improving Ship Detection in Clutter-Edge and Multi-Target Scenarios for High-Frequency Radar

As one of the main sensors for continuous maritime measurements of sea state parameters, high-frequency surface wave radar (HFSWR) also plays an important role in ship detection and tracking. Compact HFSWR often suffers from missing targets, especially when the target appears near the Doppler region with heavy sea clutter or near another target in a multi-target scenario. To address this problem, an automatic ship detection method based on time–frequency (TF) analysis is presented in this paper. The TF target ridge areas are extracted in the TF image via the eigenvalues of the Hessian matrix, image edge detection, and local maximum search. Then, whether ship signals exist in the TF ridges or not is decided by a decision threshold that is calculated by fitting the probability distribution function (PDF) of sea clutter in the TF domain. The proposed TF method can separate TF ridges of similar Doppler frequency and performs constant false alarm rate (CFAR) detection for TF targets, which facilitates detecting these targets that are masked by sea clutter and other large targets. Experimental results show that the number of detected ships that match with the automatic identification system (AIS) records is four times more than that obtained by the conventional constant false alarm rate (CFAR) detectors and 1.3 times more than that by the state-of-the-art TF method in consideration of approximately the same number of detected targets.

Characteristics of hydrogen/oxygen isotopes in water masses and implications for spatial distribution of freshwater in the Amundsen Sea, Southern Ocean.

Antarctica’s marginal seas are of great importance to atmosphere–ocean–ice interactions and are sensitive to global climate change. Multiple factors account for the freshwater budget in these regions, including glacier melting, seasonal formation/decay of sea ice, and precipitation. Hydrogen (H) and oxygen (O) isotopes represent useful proxies for determining the distribution and migration of water masses. We analyzed the H and O isotopic compositions of 190 seawater samples collected from the Amundsen Sea during the 34th Chinese Antarctic Research Expedition in 2017/2018. The upper-oceanic structure ( 3%) of freshwater generally lie in the upper ~50 m and extend from Antarctica to ~65°S in the meridional direction (anomalously low freshwater proportion occurred between 68°S and 71°S). Winter Water mainly occupied the layer between 50 and 150 m south of 71°S in the western Amundsen Sea. The water structure and spatial distribution of freshwater in the upper Amundsen Sea were found influenced mainly by the rates of basal and surficial melting of ice shelves, seasonal alternation of sea ice melt/formation, wind forcing, and regional bathymetry. Owing to the distance between heavy sea ice boundary (HSIB) and ice shelves is much shorter in the western HSIB than the east HSIB, the western part of the heavy sea ice boundary includes a higher proportion of freshwater than the eastern region. This study, which highlighted the distribution and extent of freshwater derived from ice (ice shelves and sea ice) melt, provides important evidence that the offshore drift pathway of cold and fresh Antarctic continental shelf water is likely interrupted by upwelled UCDW in the Amundsen Sea. Citation : Shao H B, He J F, Luo G F, et al. Characteristics of hydrogen/oxygen isotopes in water masses and implications for spatial distribution of freshwater in the Amundsen Sea, Southern Ocean. Adv Polar Sci, 2021, 32(3): 221-238, doi: 10.13679/j.advps.2021.0037

Analysis of heavy floating cranes and features of their operation

The main characteristics of offshore heavy floating cranes, which are independent navigation without tugs and the performance of cargo operations in open waters with wind and waves, are considered. The safety of navigation in these conditions can be ensured with high seaworthiness and maneuverability by giving the appropriate shape of the bow end of the hull, the minimum windage of the structure, as well as the optimal design of the topside (crane). The requirements for the design and construction of universal heavy sea floating cranes, built after 1966, are analyzed, the operating conditions, depending on the purpose, and the architectural and structural type of floating cranes with a lifting capacity of 100–900 tons are considered. When calculating the strength of the topside, the possibility of the floating crane operating with the maximum load was taken into account when the sea is rough up to three points and the wind is up to five points, taking into account the dynamic and inertial loads arising from rolling in waves, when picking up and breaking the load. In the event of an emergency breakage of the load, the structure of the topside and the boom system must exclude or minimize vibrations caused by the breakage of the load. The results of the calculation of the forces at the breakage of the load must be verified by full-scale tests of floating head cranes, for which the corresponding methods have been developed. The possibility of using the developed structure of the hull and the topside (crane) in the design and construction of modern floating cranes in the production conditions of shipyards is shown.

FORCED OSCILLATIONS OF FLEXIBLE PIPELINES ON SEA SURFACE WAVING

In offshore maintenance of oil platforms, a great number of technological processes on offshore fleet vessels (Diving Support Vessel, Construction Ship, Support and Supply Vessel) directly relate to the operation of flexible pipelines. Flexible pipelines are frequently used - from working fluids and fuel feeding to towing various surface and submersible craft. In some cases, in heavy seas, the flow velocities through the flexible pipeline can be very high. Ultimately, this will always lead to dangerous forced oscillations of the flexible pipeline that is used.

Arctic sea ice variation in the Northwest Passage in 1979–2017 and its response to surface thermodynamics factors

Sea ice conditions in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago (CAA) play a key role in the navigation of the Northwest Passage (NWP). Limited by observed sea ice thickness data, the research of temporal and spatial variation of sea ice in the NWP is insufficient. Based on the observed sea ice concentration and simulated thickness data, the temporal and spatial characteristics of sea ice concentration, extent and thickness from 1979 to 2017 in the NWP of the CAA were studied. The more specific pathways of the northern and southern routes of the NWP were evaluated. Against the background of the rapid retreat of Arctic sea ice, the 39-year observed sea ice concentration and extent of the NWP exhibited a relatively large decreasing trend in summer and fall, while heavy sea ice conditions were maintained in winter and spring, with slightly increasing trend in some subregions. The sea ice thickness in most subregions of the NWP showed a decreasing trend, with exception of Lancaster Sound. The sea ice thickness was larger along the northern route than the southern routes. The significant correlation (p < 0.05) between sea ice and surface air temperature (SAT) and sea surface temperature (SST) in the NWP suggested that the surface thermodynamic factors had a greater impact on sea ice in the summer and fall, and the variations of sea ice concentration were more closely correlated with the surface thermodynamic factors than sea ice thickness. The SST had a higher correlation with sea ice concentration than SAT, while SAT exhibited a higher correlation with sea ice thickness than SST. The remaining sea ice concentration and thickness in the fall, associated with the summer and fall SAT and SST, contributed to the formation of sea ice in the following winter and spring. The heat content and mixed layer depth were also be considered as the vertical thermodynamic factors to the sea ice condition in the NWP.

An analysis of factors affecting the severity of marine accidents

This study aims to explore the relationship between the severity of marine accidents and influencing factors. An ordered logistic regression model is used to reflect the relationship between these factors and the severity of marine accidents using the worldwide accident investigation reports in the period of 2010–2019. The obtained results show that the marine accident severity is positively associated with sinking accidents, far away from port, strong wind, heavy sea, strong current and/or good visibility. With respect to ship types, fishing vessels, yachts and sailing vessels, and other ship types are the ship types most involved in accidents of higher severity. The severity level is higher for ships having incomplete or invalid seafarers’ certificates, inadequate ship manning, incomplete or invalid ship certificates and/or over 30 years of age. Seafarers with poor theoretical knowledge and less sea experience are more likely to be involved in accidents of serious consequences. Small water depth and ship types such as chemical tankers, oil tankers, container ships and/or bulk carriers are negatively related to the accident severity. The results of this study can be used to assist the relevant maritime authorities in taking effective measures of preventing the occurrence of serious marine accidents.

QUANTIFYING THE IMPACT THAT COXSWAIN BEHAVIOUR HAS ON WHOLE BODY VIBRATION - SIMULATOR TRIAL

A common risk to personnel is from Whole Body Vibration (WBV) and shock when transiting at speed in heavy seas, and much research has been done by maritime organisations to reduce this risk and the associated health impacts. It is well known that coxswain ‘driving style’ can radically affect exposure levels for a given sea state and sustained transit speed. A data-driven approach to define what makes a good coxswain from a WBV perspective is currently being developed by the Naval Design Partnering Team (NDP). In phase 1, a systematic coxswain behaviour tracking methodology has been developed and demonstrated using a motion platform-based fast craft simulator at MARIN. The performance of several experienced volunteer coxswains from MOD, RNLI and KNRM has been evaluated based on a set pattern of tests. The advantages of using the simulator, over a sea trial, have been demonstrated: it is more repeatable, more controllable, accurate and more accessible. The potential disadvantages of the approach are also discussed with reference to feedback gathered from coxswains. Analysis has shown effective throttle control is much more important than steering to reduce WBV. Several interesting trends in WBV reduction potential have been shown which it is thought, with further validation, could aid mission planning, mission execution and provide data for training autonomous feedback/control algorithms. Further work is required before the findings of this study can be fully exploited. These subsequent phases, which include sea trials, aim to provide validation and further evidence to support the initial findings.

A Framework for a Subwatershed-Scale Screening Tool to Support Development of Resiliency Solutions and Flood Protection Priority Areas in a Low-Lying Coastal Community

Flood risk analysis is the instrument for local officials to create a sound strategy and adaptation plans for the impacts of inundation due to heavy rains, climate change and sea level rise. Hence, cities with aging infrastructure are retrofitting their stormwater management systems to mitigate the impacts. However determining the most at risk areas and the options for corrections is more challenging. As a result, there is an urgent need to develop a screening tool to analyze watersheds and identify the most at-risk areas. High-quality, open source data and sophisticated spatial analysis techniques allow engineers to create innovative ways to conduct watershed wide inundation analysis. In this study, the investigators developed a screening tool to identify at-risk properties by combining readily available data on topography, groundwater, surface water, tidal information for coastal communities, soils, open space, and rainfall data. Once the screening tool is developed, the means to identify and prioritize improvements to be funded with scarce capital funds is the next step. A tool box of solutions was developed to address flood risk and vulnerability. Testing of the screening tool was conducted in Broward County, Florida and shows encouraging results. Comparison with FEMA Flood maps and repetitive loss mapping indicates that the process works in a coastal community. The framework appears to be viable across cities that may be inundated with water due to sea-level rise, rainfall, runoff upstream, and other natural events.