The impact of estuary dynamics on offshore wind infrastructure

1st year is the PG Diploma and research and Industry preparation Years 2-4 are a PhD

Central research question - How do environmental changes in estuaries impact the morpho dynamics governing port access, and what implications does this have for the development and long-term sustainability of offshore wind infrastructure in the context of climate change?

Methodology - existing field and modelling data of estuaries all over the world will be used to identify relevant processes, e.g. characteristics of sediments & biota, and to quantify the (expected) range and variations in environmental drivers, such as sediment input, river discharge and sea level rise. Secondly, a literature review will be conducted on future port requirements, in terms of quayside operation, shipping volume and vessel size and draft, for existing and predicted offshore wind development.

Idealized morpho dynamic models on the estuary scale will then be developed for scenario testing, as identified by the literature review. The numerical models will most likely be developed in Delft3D and adapted from existing estuary models. Details of any collaborations - I am not sure of any collaborations as of now.

Envisaged outputs - Numerical Models and Scenario Simulations. Risk assessment for ports and offshore wind sites. Ethical considerations - Yes