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Universidade Nacional da Irlanda em Galway -- Ciência sem Fronteiras
PI name & contact details:
School:
Professor Michael Hartnett
Dept Civil Engineering
National University of Ireland, Galway
Galway
Ireland
College of Engineering and Informatics
Has project been agreed with head (or
nominee) of proposed registration school?
YES
Research Centre / group affiliation:
Research group / centre website:
Ryan Institute (Environment, Marine & Energy)
Modelling and Informatics
http://www.ryaninstitute.ie/
PI website / link to CV:
http://www.nuigalway.ie/civileng/Staff/mikehartnett.html
Brief summary of PI research / research group / centre activity (2 or 3 lines max):
Dr. Hartnett is the Research Director of the Marine Modelling Centre. Activities within the centre include: deep
ocean water circulation modelling; estuarine and coastal circulation modelling; urban flood modelling; water
quality modelling; biological modelling; heavy metal modelling; wave climate modelling; data assimilation
Title & brief description of PhD project (suitable for publication on web):
Improve our forecasts for sea surface – Using Data Assimilation and models
The efficient management of the coastal zone is dependent on high quality data and on accurate
models for the forecasting of measurements critical to the area. Computer modelling, in conjunction
with data, is the accepted approach of providing this information. Within a modelling framework Data
Assimilation has shown to dramatically improve model predictions. In this project it is proposed to
develop assimilation techniques to use high resolution radar (Codar) data to develop a highly
accurate operational coastal model of Galway Bay. In particular, the in-situ radar senses surface
currents on a gird of approx 300m throughout Galway Bay, every 30 minutes. Wave data at selected
locations (offshore from Mutton Island and Spiddle) is also sensed every 30 minutes. The data is
relayed back from these remote locations to NUIG using a combination of wireless (WiMax) and
broadband. The tidal basin at NUIG will be used to test the data assimilation techniques. The
surface, wind stress boundary, is probably the greatest unknown external forcing function of coastal
water bodies, this research aims to provide further insights to this process.
The project objectives are:
 Enhance existing 3D tidal models of coastal region to forecast tides, tidal currents, coastal
flooding etc
 Coastal monitoring of surface currents, met conditions, tidal dynamics
 Development of sophisticated data assimilation techniques to improve model forecasts
 Improve forecasts of existing wave model based on radar measurements
Research Work PackagesWP1 (Development of tidal model of Galway Bay)
Development of a coastal 3D model of Galway Bay using EFDC to incorporate baroclinic and
barotropic flows. Preliminary validation using Codar Data.
WP2 (Coastal monitoring of surface currents, met conditions, tidal dynamics)
WP3 (Noise and uncertainty assessment)
WP4 (Development of ensemble based assimilation techniques)
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Universidade Nacional da Irlanda em Galway -- Ciência sem Fronteiras
WP5 (Development of EFDC based assimilation techniques)
WP6 (Integration of uncertainties in the techniques developed in WP4 and WP5)
WP7 (Integration of EFDC and ensemble based assimilation techniques to improve models forecast)
As this is computationally intensive research, the developments will be mediated through the ICHEC
HPC system
Unique selling points of PhD project in NUI Galway:
The Ryan Institute has a number of unique selling points in relation to marine modelling:
We have a unique tidal basin and associated equipment for scale modelling
Ryan Institute operates a coastal radar system which allows us to undertake extensive model
validation and develop data assimilation techniques
We have developed a very good relationship with IBM Research Ireland and are being funded by
them.
We have very good experience in operational modelling and running code on high performance
computers.
We are currently a partner in 2 EU marine related projects and have extensive collaborations with
groups across Europe.
Name & contact details for project queries, if different from PI named above:
Please indicate the graduates of which disciplines that should apply:
Civil Engineering ; Applied Mathematics
Ciência sem Fronteiras / Science Without Borders Priority Area:
Please indicate the specific programme priority area under which the proposed PhD project fits- choose only
one (tick box):
Engineering and other technological areas
X
Pure and Natural Sciences (e.g. mathematics, physics, chemistry)/Physical Sciences (Mathematics,
Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Geosciences)
Health and Biomedical Sciences / Clinical, Pré-clinical and Health Sciences
Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), Computing
Aerospace
Pharmaceuticals
Sustainable Agricultural Production
Oil, Gas and Coal
Renewable Energy
Minerals, Minerals Technology
Biotechnology
Nanotechnology and New Materials
Technologies for Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Disasters
Bioprospecting and Biodiversity
Marine Sciences
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Universidade Nacional da Irlanda em Galway -- Ciência sem Fronteiras
Creative Industry
New technologies in constructive engineering
Please indicate which of the following applies to this project (referring to Science Without Borders
arrangements):
Suitable only as a Full PhD (Y/N): _ _Y___
Available to candidates seeking a Sandwich PhD arrangement (Y/N): ___N__
Suitable for either/Don’t know: _____