The scientific and technical capabilities of the infrastructure deployed along the Ebro Delta in the NW Mediterranean Sea are underpinned by a sophisticated array of field campaign devices and a comprehensive numerical modeling suite. Our arsenal of scientific equipment comprises cutting-edge acoustic sensors, precision optical sensors, and supplementary Lagrangian buoys, jointly with conventional meteorological sensors and pressure meters. These tools allow us to investigate a multitude of hydrodynamic processes, ranging from intricate wave-current interactions to sediment dynamics, and from the complexities of mixing within stratified flows in the surf zone to those on the inner-shelf regions.

 

Of particular interest are the exchange flows within the Ebro Delta river mouth and the intricate water circulation patterns within semi-enclosed water bodies (Fangar and Alfacs bays in Ebro Delta). These phenomena serve as focal points for our research, shedding light on the dynamics of these vital ecosystems and their interaction with the surrounding environment.

 

Augmenting our observational capabilities, our infrastructure is complemented with a suite of numerical models. This includes both “off-line” and “on-line” nesting techniques, facilitating the seamless coupling of wave dynamics, current patterns, and sediment transport processes. Through this integration, we pursue a holistic understanding of the intricate dynamics shaping the coastal and marine environments of the Ebro Delta, thus enabling informed decision-making and sustainable management strategies for these critical ecosystems.

 

Based on the technical specifications and scope of the service, the following types of research can be supported and developed: