Research Portal

Geoscience » Spill Preparedness

Advanced Coastal Mapping to Support Hydrodynamic Modelling

April 2016 – June 2018

Nova Scotia’s Atlantic coast exhibits a variety of shorelines that may be vulnerable to contamination in the event of an offshore oil spill. In turn, variable currents, changing water levels, shoals, and exposed seaside conditions make effective spill response difficult for tidal inlets.

In Situ Turbulence Replication and Measurement (InSTREAM)

October 2015 – January 2018

The In Situ Turbulence Replication and Measurement (InSTREAM) project was conceived to address some fundamental questions about the turbulence physics in tidal energy sites and laboratory tanks used to simulate these sites.

Advancing Tidal Energy Turbine Operations through High Fidelity Tug Propulsion and Control Simulation Software

November 2016 – March 2017

The project objective was to develop a numerical model of a tug boat and its propulsion system to accurately predict its dynamic behaviour in turbulent tidal flows.

On-line Interactive GIS Map Platform: An Enabling Initiative for the Emerging Tidal Energy Industry

April 2015 – April 2016

A proof-of-concept Geographic Information System (GIS) platform was developed aiming at building a decision-making tool that integrates complex spatial information of importance to the tidal energy industry while also being scalable, flexible and accessible.  The platform was built on open source

Observations of Marine Mammals in Petit Passage and Grand Passage, Nova Scotia and Adjacent Waters in the Eastern Bay of Fundy to Assess Species Composition, Distribution, Number and Seasonality.

June – December 2014

This research project implemented a common mobile tool, database, and alert system for recording and acting on marine life sightings, while engaging coastal communities in protection of the marine environment and using crowd-sourcing to collect data for scientific research.