title: Dynamical and optical processes in coastal sea areas
reg no: SF0822523s03
project type: targeted financing
subject: 1.1-1.5. Exact Sciences
1.10-1.16. Bio-Geo Sciences
2. Engineering
status: accepted
institution: TTU Marine Systems Institute
head of project: Tarmo Soomere
duration: 01.01.2003 - 31.12.2007
description: The principal target of the project consists in combining theoretical analysis, in situ measurements and numerical modelling of hydrodynamical processes with the possibilities of contemporary optical methods to obtain operational information of the state of marine environment and ecosystems. The main objects of study are shallow water regions, in particular, coastal areas, where marine environment is controlled by joint influence of (both natural and anthropogenic) mechanical and optical factors. The project focuses on interdisciplinary and fundamental problems, and is partly motivated by several urgencies of society. The studies concentrate on (1) dynamical processes (theory and modelling of nonlinear waves and turbulent processes), (2) forcing factors and integral reaction of marine enviroment (marine meteorology, coastal currents and water level, dynamics of bottom sediments), and (3) underwater optics (dynamics of optical properties of sea water, contact and remote sensing of optical parameters). The aim is to develop methods (a) for determining essential parameters of basic dynamical processes (water level, waves, surface and bottom currents, resuspension and transport of bottom sediments) in the coastal region on the basis of both direct measurements and numerical simulations as well as from the specific features of optical fields that are caused by those dynamical factors; and (b) for (quasi)operational estimates of basic water quality parameters (including identifying the factors causing the quality decrease, potentially dangerous or critical situations and pollution sources) on the basis of optical techniques (contact measurements, modelling of underwater light field, satellite information).

project group
no name institution position  
1.Helgi ArstTTU Marine Systems Institutev.teadur 
2.Ants ErmTTU Marine Systems Institutev.teadur 
3.Jaak HeinlooTTU Marine Systems Institutev.teadur 
4.Kairi KasemetsTTU Marine Systems Institutedokt.-nd, insener 
5.Jüri KaskTTU Marine Systems Instituteteadur 
6.Sirje KeevallikTTU Marine Systems Institutev.teadur 
7.Tiit KutserTTU Marine Systems Institutev.teadur 
8.Tarmo KõutsTTU Marine Systems Institutev.teadur 
9.Rainer RandmeriTTU Marine Systems Institutemagistr,insener 
10.Kalev RannatTTU Marine Systems Instituteteadur 
11.Anu ReinartTTU Marine Systems Instituteteadur 
12.Liis SipelgasTTU Marine Systems Institute insener 
13.Tarmo SoomereTTU Marine Systems Institutev.teadur