Analysis and prediction of submarine dune dynamics

ended

Submarine dunes pose a significant risk for offshore activities in coastal areas, especially for the growing development of European renewable marine energy. Their evolution is still poorly understood due to their complex non-linear behavior. DUNAMICS propose to fill this knowledge gap by putting forward an innovative methodology combining several fields of investigation. DUNAMICS pursues three correlated research objectives: understand the physical process that leads to subaqueous dunes equilibrium and control their geometry, study in situ deep water dunes in coastal waters of New Zealand, and develop an operational tool for prediction of submarine dune dynamics. To achieve these goals, an innovative methodology has been thought of, leaning on state-of-the-art numerical models, innovative instrumentation methods, and cutting-edge laboratory flume experiments. DUNAMICS is a collaborative research project supported by a highly skilled and complementary international team. My experience in bedform morphodynamics, added to Giovanni Coco’s outstanding knowledge in sediment patterns and numerical modelling, Heide Friedrich’s great experience in conducting flume experimentations, and Rolf Deigaard world reckoned expertise in sediment transport problems, give DUNAMICS strong basis to achieve its goals. Moreover, our complementarity will lead to a continuous knowledge sharing process between us that will also be highly profitable for the beneficiary institution. The world class brand new infrastructures of the University of Auckland (UoA) -outgoing phase- and of the Danish hydraulic institute (DHI) -returning phase- insure an exciting collaborative and scientific environment. There, I will be encouraged to deliver outstanding research, improve my scientific and teaching skills, and reach a level of scientific excellence allowing me to pursue my academic career.