PROJECT 3.1: DESIGN WAVES AND WATER LEVELS IN THE GBR
(Dr T Hardy, JCU)
The project aims to improve understanding of the interaction of waves
and coral reefs; improve existing numerical models and develop new models
to efficiently and accurately predict waves and water levels for the design
of structures and safe operation of facilities, and to compile information
on cyclone-induced waves and water levels, obtained from both modelling
and measurement, for publication as an 'Atlas of Cyclone Waves and Water
Levels in the Great Barrier Reef'.
Field sites have been selected at Green Island, Agincourt Reef and Norman
Reef for location of the permanent wave measurement sites and to test
the telemetry between them and the Cape Tribulation ranger station. Tourism
operators have provided key logistic and site support. Discussions with
the University of Queensland are addressing a cooperative project at Heron
Island to increase the opportunity of collecting wave measurement data
during a tropical cyclone. Promising international collaboration has been
established with the Danish Hydraulic Institute, a world leader in the
nonlinear modelling of shallow water waves and with the Australian Bureau
of Meteorological Research Centre, which will provide some additional
assistance in the frequency modelling aspects for the Atlas of Cyclone
Waves and Water Levels in the GBR.
Delays in the commercial supply of primary field measurement instruments
meant developing them in-house. Problems with telemetry (power, interference)
have now been resolved and field tests are planned which employ a robust
wave measuring system. Extra research support has been obtained
in the modelling of cyclone waves to help compensate for the loss of time
due to instrument problems in the field work.
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