Spatial variability of wave energy resources around the Canary Islands

[EN]Spatial variability of wave energy resource around the coastal waters of the Canary Archipelago is assessed by using a long-term data set derived by means of hindcasting techniques. Results revea( the existence of large differences in the energetic content available in different zones of the archipelago, mainly during spring and autumn. Areas with a higher wave power leve( are the north edge of Lanzarote, western side of Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, north and northwest in La Palma and El Hierro, as well as the north coast of Tenerife. The available energy potential slightly decreases in the north side of Gran Canaria and La Gomera.

Evaluation of Wave energy transmission through a floating breakwater using the SPH method

[EN]Energy transmission through a box-shaped floating breakwater (FB) is examined, under simplified conditions, by using the smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) method, a mesh-free particle numerical approach. The efficiency of the structure is assessed in terms of the coefficient of transm ission as a function of the wave period and the location of the floating breakwater relative to the zone to be protected. Preliminary results conceming wave energy transmission reveals a clear improvement of the efficiency as wave period decreases andan important role ofthe bathymetry.

Evolución de la transmisión de la energía del oleaje a través de un rompeolas flotante empleando un método SPH

[ES] Debido a la necesidad de proponer estructuras de protección costera que sean ambientalmente viables y operacionalmente efectivas, se propone como estructura para proteger el muelle de la Estación de Guardacostas de Santa Marta, Colombia, un Rompeolas Flotante; empleando para su diseño y validación un modelo en numérico de partículas en 2D, conocido como Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics. Desarrollando todo el proceso de validación y análisis de los casos para obtener resultados confiables y que permitan proponer un Rompeolas Flotante con dimensiones concretas, que atenúe el efecto del oleaje incidente en el muelle.

Performance Optimization of a Floating Breakwater Model Using SPH Method, with a Practical Application

Máster en Oceanografía

Turbulence as a driver for vertical plankton distribution in the subsurface upper ocean

[EN] Vertical distributions of turbulent energy dissipation rates and fluorescence were measured simultaneously with a high-resolution micro-profiler in four different oceanographic regions, from temperate to polar and from coastal to open waters settings. High fluorescence values, forming a deep chlorophyll maximum (DCM), were often located in weakly stratified portions of the upper water column, just below layers with maximum levels of turbulent energy dissipation rate. In the vicinity of the DCM, a significant negative relationship between fluorescence and turbulent energy dissipation rate was found. We discuss the mechanisms that may explain the observed patterns of planktonic biomass distribution within the ocean mixed layer, including a vertically variable diffusion coefficient and the alteration of the cells sinking velocity by turbulent motion. These findings provide further insight into the processes controlling the vertical distribution of the pelagic community and position of the DCM.

A parallel future for Ocean research?

[EN] Today, science is difficult to pursue because funding is so tenuous. In such a financial climate, researchers need to consider parallel alternatives to ensure that scientific research can continue. Based on this thinking, we created BIOCEANSolutions, a company born of a research group. A great variety of environmental regulations and standards have emerged over recent years with the purpose of protecting natural ecosystems. These have enabled us to link our research to the market of environmental management. Marine activities can alter environmental conditions, resulting in changes in physiological states, species diversity, abundance, and biomass in the local biological communities. In this way, we can apply our knowledge, to plankton ecophysiology and biochemical oceanography. We measure enzyme activities as bio-indicators of energy metabolism and other physiological rates and biologic-oceanographic processes in marine organisms. This information provides insight into the health of marine communities, the stress levels of individual organisms, and potential anomalies that may be affecting them. In the process of verifying standards and complying with regulations, we can apply our analytic capability and knowledge. The main analyses that we offer are: (1) the activity of the electron transport system (ETS) or potential respiration (Φ), (2) the physiological measurement of respiration (oxygen consumption), (3) the activity of Isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH), (4) the respiratory CO2 production, and (5) the activity of Glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) and (6) the physiological measurement of ammonium excretion. In addition, our experience in a productive research group allows us to pursue and develop technical-experimental activities such as marine and freshwater aquaculture, oceanographic field sampling, as well as providing guidance, counseling, and academic services. In summary, this new company will permit us to create a symbiosis between public and private sectors that serve clients and will allow us to grow and expand as a research team.

Potential vorticity conserving flows and vortex-wave interaction : the role of vertical velocity and isopycnal diffusion on plankton heterogeneity

Programa de doctorado de oceanografía