Coastal Ocean Forecasting: science foundation and user benefits

The advancement of Coastal Ocean Forecasting Systems (COFS) requires the support of continuous scientific progress addressing: (a) the primary mechanisms driving coastal circulation; (b) methods to achieve fully integrated coastal systems (observations and models), that are dynamically embedded in larger scale systems; and (c) methods to adequately represent air-sea and biophysical interactions. Issues of downscaling, data assimilation, atmosphere-wave-ocean couplings and ecosystem dynamics in the coastal ocean are discussed. These science topics are fundamental for successful COFS, which are connected to evolving downstream applications, dictated by the socioeconomic needs of rapidly increasing coastal populations

Coastal Ocean Forecasting: science foundation and user benefits

The advancement of Coastal Ocean Forecasting Systems (COFS) requires the support of continuous scientific progress addressing: (a) the primary mechanisms driving coastal circulation; (b) methods to achieve fully integrated coastal systems (observations and models), that are dynamically embedded in larger scale systems; and (c) methods to adequately represent air-sea and biophysical interactions. Issues of downscaling, data assimilation, atmosphere-wave-ocean couplings and ecosystem dynamics in the coastal ocean are discussed. These science topics are fundamental for successful COFS, which are connected to evolving downstream applications, dictated by the socioeconomic needs of rapidly increasing coastal populations

Die geskiktheid van die natuur as hulpmiddel in 'n eksistensiele benadering tot psigoterapie

Thesis (MA)--University of Stellenbosch, 2002.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Research literature is increasingly referring to the therapeutic effect of experiences in nature on people. However, no research that evaluates the suitability of nature as an aid in an existential approach to psychotherapy could be found. This paper shows by means of a literature review that nature as an aid can make a significant contribution to this approach. The potential benefits of utilizing nature are integrated with the therapeutic goals of existential psychotherapy. The conclusion reached is that nature can be an important aid for leading a client to self-confrontation, increased selfawareness, acceptance of personal freedom and responsibility, and to find personal meaning in life. Proposals for future research are recommended.AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Navorsingsliteratuur bevat in 'n toenemende mate verwysings na die terapeutiese effek wat belewenisse in die natuur op mense het. Geen navorsing kon egter gevind word wat die geskiktheid van die natuur as 'n hulpmiddel in 'n eksistensiële benadering tot psigoterapie ondersoek nie. Hierdie studie toon deur middel van 'n literatuuroorsig aan dat die natuur wel as 'n hulpmiddel betekenisvolle bydraes kan lewer tot hierdie benadering, deur die potensiële bydrae van die natuur in verband te bring met die doelwitte van eksistensiële psigoterapie. Die gevolgtrekking word gemaak dat die natuur 'n belangrike hulpmiddel kan wees om die kliënt te lei na selfkonfrontasie, verhoogde selfbewussyn, aanvaarding van persoonlike vryheid en verantwoordelikheid, en die vind van persoonlike betekenis in die lewe. Aanbevelings vir verdere navorsing word ook gemaak

Whitecapping and wave field evolution in a coastal bay

Evolution of the wave field in a coastal bay is investigated, by comparison between field observations and numerical simulations using a spectral wave model (Simulating WAves Nearshore (SWAN)). The simulations were conducted for the passage of an extratropical storm, during which surface elevation spectra were bimodal owing to local wind-sea generation and swell propagation into the bay. SWAN was run in stationary and nonstationary mode for two whitecapping source term formulations. The first was developed by Komen et al. (1984) and is dependent on spectrally averaged wave steepness, and thus includes swell in the calculation of whitecapping dissipation and typically overestimates wind sea in the presence of swell. The second, proposed by van der Westhuysen et al. (2007), estimates whitecapping of wind sea locally in the wave spectrum and is not coupled to swell energy. This formulation reproduced the magnitude and shape of the observed wind-sea spectral peak much better than the previous formulation. Whitecapping dissipation rates have been estimated from observations, using the equilibrium range theory developed by Phillips (1985), and are well correlated with both wind speed and acoustic backscatter observations. These rates agree with SWAN estimates using the spectrally local expression, and provide additional physical validation for the whitecapping source term.Hydraulic EngineeringCivil Engineering and Geoscience

Coastal ocean forecasting: Science foundation and user benefits

The advancement of Coastal Ocean Forecasting Systems (COFS) requires the support of continuous scientific progress addressing: (a) the primary mechanisms driving coastal circulation; (b) methods to achieve fully integrated coastal systems (observations and models), that are dynamically embedded in larger scale systems; and (c) methods to adequately represent air-sea and biophysical interactions. Issues of downscaling, data assimilation, atmosphere-wave-ocean couplings and ecosystem dynamics in the coastal ocean are discussed. These science topics are fundamental for successful COFS, which are connected to evolving downstream applications, dictated by the socioeconomic needs of rapidly increasing coastal populations

Coastal Ocean Forecasting: system integration and evaluation

Recent advances in Coastal Ocean Forecasting Systems (COFS) are discussed. Emphasis is given in the integration of the observational and modeling components, each developed in the context of monitoring and forecasting in the coastal seas. These integrated systems must be linked to larger scale systems toward seamless data sets, nowcasts and forecasts (from the global ocean, through the continental shelf and to the nearshore regions). Emerging capabilities include: methods to optimize coastal/regional observational networks; and probabilistic approaches to address both science and applications related to COFS. International collaboration is essential to exchange best practices, achieve common frameworks and establish standards