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Dee Estuary research

19 July 2007

The Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) is funding POL to do sediment transport research work in the Dee Estuary. The project is with the University of Wales Bangor (UWB). The project's title is: Field Observation and Modelling of the Sediment Triad (FORMOST).

FORMOST will run for three years. Using new observational abilities, its main aim is to improve and validate local sediment transport models for conditions involving both clean sand and sediment of mixed size (including a fine cohesive fraction). The model results will be parameterised over wave and current ranges of operational importance. The resulting transport formulations will be tested in existing coastal area modelling systems. The strengths and complementary skills of POL - in field experimentation and large-scale modelling - and UWB - in local process modelling of wavecurrent interaction and sediment transport - are paramount in undertaking this ambitious project.

Hilbre Island, looking south-east down the Dee Estuary with the Welsh coast in the background. Inset: RV Prince Madog

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Notes

The Proudman Oceanographic (POL) scientific research focuses on oceanography encompassing global sea-levels and geodesy, numerical modelling of continental shelf seas and coastal sediment processes. This research alongside activities of surveying, monitoring, data management and forecasting provides strategic support for the wider mission of the Natural Environment Research Council.

As a public funded body it is part of our remit to inform the public of the science and research undertaken at the laboratory. Attending events like the 'Ocean Awareness Weekend' at the Blue Planet Aquarium offers the opportunity for our scientists to meet members of the public and present the laboratory's work.

The Natural Environment Research Council is one of the UK's eight Research Councils. It uses a budget of about £ 350m a year to fund and carry out impartial scientific research in the sciences of the environment. NERC trains the next generation of independent environmental scientists. It is addressing some of the key questions facing mankind, such as global warming, renewable energy and sustainable economic development.