Coastal and shelf-sea modelling in the European context

Abstract

Within the context of Europe, numerical modelling of coastal and shelf seas exhibits a range of diversity and a level of maturity reflecting global developments in this field. Results from a detailed survey distributed to researchers across Europe, supplemented by a literature search, indicates the variety of models and modelling techniques that are presently used. An inventory of models is assembled. Each aspect of the hydrodynamics, the boundary conditions and included processes such as waves, biology and sediments, are investigated in turn. This study helps to identify areas where consensus, or lack of consensus, exist. Thus, possible future model developments that suggest future trends are indicated. Uniquely, the European context provides a forum that fosters collaborative projects including model inter-comparisons. A list of projects relevant to modelling is given. At present such projects help to define the performance of individual models. However, they may eventually lead to a convergence and rationalisation of numerical model schemes or the establishment of community models that address not just the physics but also the salinity, temperature, chemical and biological aspects of shelf seas. Present and future progress towards such goals is indicated. The desirability of rationalisation, as discussed in the literature, is assessed. Present and future modelling challenges are indicated.