Research Portal

Going with the Flow II: Using Drifters to Address Uncertainties in the Spatial Variation of Tidal Flows

October 2017 – June 2018

Drifters are one of the oldest, simplest and most reliable methods for measuring ocean currents. Drifters also provide a simple, low risk platform from which to gather acoustic information along flow streamlines or ‘drift tracks’.

Turbulence Dissipation Rates from Horizontal Velocity Profiles at Mid-Depth in Fast Tidal Flows

December 2017

This study characterizes the turbulence in a tidal channel in the Bay of Fundy that has been identified for development as a tidal power resource.

Going with the Flow: Advancement of Drifting Platforms for use in Tidal Energy Site Assessment & Environmental Monitoring

April 2015 – August 2017

This research project aimed to apply a simple and low cost philosophy to ocean observation by developing an inexpensive low-profile surface drifter for use in initial assessment of potential tidal energy development opportunities.  The project addressed limitations in the existing drifter design

Drones and Drifters – The Great Pumpkin Race

October 2016 – July 2017

This project tested and developed a new low-cost approach to collecting oceanographic measurements for use in tidal initial site assessments. The plan combines one of the oldest tools in oceanography, the drifter, with one of the newest, the drone.

Geoscience » Play Fairway Analyses Atlases 2010–Present

Sydney Basin Play Fairway Analysis Atlas (2017)

July 2017

The objectives of this Play Fairway Analysis are to build a detailed and comprehensive understanding of the petroleum systems of the Sydney Basin and provide a resource evaluation based on the petroleum systems assessment.  The study concludes there is an effective petroleum system charged by mai

High-Resolution Numerical Model Resource Assessment of Minas Passage, Bay of Fundy

January 2017

Two numerical models developed by the Acadia Tidal Energy Institute are described. The models simulate the tidal flow in the Bay of Fundy, and in particular the Minas Passage. The models have different grid resolution, one suitable for site assessment and one suitable for resource assessment.

Assessment of Hydrodynamic Impacts throughout the Bay of Fundy and Gulf of Maine due to Tidal Energy Extraction by Tidal Lagoons

January 2010 – December 2011

The researchers extended existing hydrodynamic models of tidal flows in the Bay of Fundy to simulate the presence and operation of a tidal lagoon project located in the Minas Basin.

Assessment of the Potential of Tidal Power from Minas Passage and Minas Basin

October 2009 – September 2011

This project estimated the power potential of the tides and tidal currents in the Minas Basin and Minas Channel regions of the Bay of Fundy.

Near Field Effects of Tidal Power Extraction on Extreme Events and Coastline Integrity in the Bay of Fundy

January 2010 – March 2011

Researchers quantified the near-field effects of power extraction on the resulting effects of extreme storm events and coastline integrity by implementing a spectral wave model to numerically simulate wave transformation for tidal current conditions with and without turbines.

Geoscience » Play Fairway Analyses Atlases 2010–Present

Play Fairway Analysis Atlas

January 2011

The original Play Fairway Analysis completed in 2011 identified rich hydrocarbon potential offshore Nova Scotia, with unrisked 120TCF of gas and 8Bbbls of oil in place. This potential has diverse characteristics and scales, which are described in detail in the Atlas.