Coastal Systems

Goal

The goal of the Coastal Systems research group is to provide an in-depth scientific understanding of the manner in which global change propagates through the land-water-ocean system, the focus being on the coastal ecosystems that lie at the interface between land and ocean ecosystems and the ecosystem services provided by these coastal systems.
Through

• acquiring an in-depth understanding of hydrodynamic, sediment and biogeochemical processes and (primary) productivity in coastal ecosystems at the appropriate temporal and spatial scales required to assess/forecast the implications of global change on coastal ecosystems, and
• its unique interdisciplinary skills base to developing appropriate, integrated assessment and predictive capabilities of these coastal processes

the research group intends to provide both strategic (policy level) and operational (management level) decision support for effective integrated ecosystem-based coastal management in southern Africa and southern Africa that ensures optimal and sustainable utilisation of the natural resources of the coastal zone.

Competencies

a)  Hydrodynamic modelling
Models are useful to identify sensitive or critical parameters or processes and thus help to optimise the use of resources for field monitoring studies. Most importantly, models provide predictive capacity to explore impact scenarios arising from different approaches to a potential water quality problem.
The numerical modelling platforms are the hydrodynamic and water quality models, Delft 3D- FLOW and WAQ respectively to simulate the transport and fate of pollutants in aquatic systems.
In parallel to the successful application of modelling is an understanding of the underlying processes of the system, as well as insight into the characteristics of the geographical region.
b)  Analytical chemistry laboratory
The group has monitoring and assessment capacity in the analytical chemistry domain. The environmental monitoring capacity is closely linked to that of the coastal engineering and data management group within the CSIR Built Environment operating unit. Analysis capabilities are augmented through collaboration with the laboratories in Durban and Pretoria.
The measurement process is complemented by robust and ISO-accredited analysis methods to ensure the validity of the data. Results are used to ensure compliance with water quality objectives and international standards.
c)  Marine water quality management
This competence includes detailed experience in dealing with the biological and geochemical characteristics of water masses, the flux of constituents across internal boundaries and external interfaces in the coastal region (specifically in the vicinity of marine effluent, coastal and port developments).
d)  Sediment dynamics
The Research Group employs an array of measurement, analysis and modelling tools to solve problems associated with sediment suspension by waves/currents, sediment transport and beach and nearshore morphology (erosion and accretion).
Measurement capabilities such as sediment sampling and application of optical backscatter sensors allow validation of sediment transport models/predictions. Analysis tools, mainly developed in-house, facilitate the calculation and interpretation of sand and beach parameters. Modelling tools range from simple one-dimensional models of beach/nearshore morphology, such as shoreline models and storm erosion models, to fully three-dimensional models of sediment transport and morphology of the sea bed.
e)  Policy development
The group has gained considerable experience in legislative protocols for marine water quality management and estuarine management.
f)  Estuary system management
We have a competence to provide holistic decision support for the management of estuaries. Components that are handled include the ability to collect, interpret, present and store field data on estuary mouth conditions, sediment movements, salinity distributions and other water quality components in estuaries and marinas.
The data collected on the estuary or marina characteristics are used in models such as Mike 11 (one-dimensional) and Delft 3-D (two- and three-dimensional) to obtain a comprehensive understanding of hydro- and sediment dynamic processes and of water quality in estuaries. These results are used by specialists to assess the ecological consequences of various flow scenarios.
The holistic understanding and multidisciplinary integration of all the processes, and their impacts of natural and human interventions, creates our ability to manage comprehensive projects on freshwater requirements of estuaries.

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