Improving our understanding of coastal ocean waters

This research theme focuses on understanding physical processes in shallow ocean water driven by oceanic drivers and how this impacts development of coastal infrastructure.

Storm-Surge Modelling for Emergency Response Management

For this research, Griffith Centre for Coastal Management won a Queensland Government grant to develop a model to improve emergency management decision-making during extreme tropical cyclone storm tide events.

The project was funded as a partnership of the Queensland Government through the Department of Science, Innovation, IT and the Arts, Griffith University, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services, the Queensland Cyber Infrastructure Foundation, and DHI Water and Environment Pty Ltd, and was a collaboration with the Bureau of Meteorology.

As part of the research, a model was developed through a range of research measures.

Project output and findings

Site monitoring for Gold Coast Dive Attractions

The Gold Coast is one of Australia’s most popular holiday destinations. To remain competitive in an increasingly crowded marketplace, the destination needs new and innovative products developed. Responding to this need, Gold Coast Tourism commissioned a Gold Coast Dive Attraction Scoping and Operational Study. In collaboration with International Coastal Management Pty Ltd, Griffith Centre for Coastal Management was involved in monitoring two prospective sites: one at the Gold Coast Seaway and the other at Tugun. Our responsibilities included the provision of instrumentation for oceanographic data collection, analysis of data and preparation of reports.

EcoAdapt Research project: the benefits of ecosystem-based approaches for climate change adaptation

This research focuses on three questions: i) what constitutes and ecosystem-based approach to climate change adaptation, ii) in the Pacific islands context, under what circumstances are these approaches appropriate for climate change adaptation responses, and ii) what decision-making processes are required by stakeholders to evaluate adaptation options?
Centre researchers are involved in the development of regional ocean circulation models, coastal process and hazard models, field data collection, decision support systems and synthesis of the overall research findings of the multi-disciplinary teams working on the project.

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