Knowledge

Keyword: oceanography

paper

A blind comparative study of focused wave interactions with a fixed FPSO-like structure (CCP-WSI Blind Test Series 1)

E Ransley, S Yan, S Brown, T Mai, D Graham, Q Ma, PH Musiedlak, AP Engsig-Karup, Claes Eskilsson , Q Li, J Wang, Z Xie, V Sriram, T Stoesser, Y Zhuang, Q Li, D Wan, G Chen, H Chen, L QianZ Ma, C Mingham, D Causon, I Gatin, H Jasak, V Vukcevic, S Downie, P Higuera, E Buldakov, D Stagonas, Q Chen & J Zang, D Greaves

Results from Blind Test Series 1, part of the Collaborative Computational Project in Wave Structure Interaction (CCP-WSI), are presented. Participants, with a range of numerical methods, blindly simulate the interaction between a fixed structure and focused waves ranging in steepness and direction. Numerical results are compared against corresponding physical data. The predictive capability of each method is assessed based on pressure and run-up measurements. In general, all methods perform well in the cases considered, however, there is notable variation in the results (even between similar methods). Recommendations are made for appropriate considerations and analysis in future comparative studies.

International Journal of Offshore and Polar Engineering / 2019
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paper

A mixed Eulerian–Lagrangian spectral element method for nonlinear wave interaction with fixed structures

Allan P. Engsig-Karup, Carlos Monteserin Sanchez & Claes Eskilsson

We present a high-order nodal spectral element method for the two-dimensional simulation of nonlinear water waves. The model is based on the mixed Eulerian–Lagrangian (MEL) method. Wave interaction with fixed truncated structures is handled using unstructured meshes consisting of high-order iso-parametric quadrilateral/triangular elements to represent the body surfaces as well as the free surface elevation. A numerical eigenvalue analysis highlights that using a thin top layer of quadrilateral elements circumvents the general instability problem associated with the use of asymmetric mesh topology.We demonstrate how to obtain a robust MEL scheme for highly nonlinear waves using an efficient combination of (i) global L2 projection without quadrature errors, (ii) mild modal filtering and (iii) a combination of local and global re-meshing techniques. Numerical experiments for strongly nonlinear waves are presented. The experiments demonstrate that the spectral element model provides excellent accuracy in prediction of nonlinear and dispersive wave propagation. The model is also shown to accurately capture the interaction between solitary waves and fixed submerged and surface-piercing bodies. The wave motion and the wave-induced loads compare well to experimental and computational results from the literature.

Water Waves / 2019
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paper

A parallel high-order discontinuous Galerkin shallow water model

Claes Eskilsson, Yaakoub El-Khamra, David Rideout, Gabrielle Allen, Q. Jim Chen & Mayank Tyagi

The depth-integrated shallow water equations are frequently used for simulating geophysical flows, such as storm-surges, tsunamis and river flooding. In this paper a parallel shallow water solver using an unstructured high-order discontinuous Galerkin method is presented. The spatial discretization of the model is based on the Nektar++ spectral/hp library and the model is numerically shown to exhibit the expected exponential convergence. The parallelism of the model has been achieved within the Cactus Framework. The model has so far been executed successfully on up to 128 cores and it is shown that both weak and strong scaling are largely independent of the spatial order of the scheme. Results are also presented for the wave flume interaction with five upright cylinders.

Computational Science / 2009
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paper

An hp-adaptive discontinuous Galerkin method for shallow water flows

C. Eskilsson

An adaptive spectral/hp discontinuous Galerkin method for the two-dimensional shallow water equations is presented. The model uses an orthogonal modal basis of arbitrary polynomial order p defined on unstructured, possibly non-conforming, triangular elements for the spatial discretization. Based on a simple error indicator constructed by the solutions of approximation order p and p-1, we allow both for the mesh size, h, and polynomial approximation order to dynamically change during the simulation. For the h-type refinement, the parent element is subdivided into four similar sibling elements. The time-stepping is performed using a third-order Runge-Kutta scheme. The performance of the hp-adaptivity is illustrated for several test cases. It is found that for the case of smooth flows, p-adaptivity is more efficient than h-adaptivity with respect to degrees of freedom and computational time.

International Journal for Numerical Methods in Fluids / 2011
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paper

Early career ocean professionals declaration on Ocean Negative Carbon Emissions for our ocean and future

Shenghui Li

This paper highlights the urgent need to accelerate research and action on ocean carbon sinks through human intervention, known as Global Ocean Negative Carbon Emissions (Global-ONCE) Programme, as a vital strategy in global efforts to mitigate climate change. Achieving 'net zero' by 2050 cannot rely on emission reductions alone, emphasising the necessity of complementary approaches. Global-ONCE's mission extends beyond scientific exploration. It embodies a profound commitment to protecting and restoring blue carbon ecosystems, as well as implementing ocean-based solutions that are sustainable, equitable, and inclusive. Early Career Ocean Professionals (ECOPs) are at the heart of these efforts, and their innovative approaches, technical expertise, and passion make them indispensable leaders in advancing ONCE initiatives. ECOPs bridge the gap between science and society, playing a relevant role in integrating cutting-edge research, technological advancements, and community-driven action to address climate threats. By bringing together diverse perspectives and leveraging their interdisciplinary expertise, ECOPs ensure ONCE strategies are grounded in scientific rigour and practical feasibility. Through advocacy, education, and collaboration, ECOPs not only spearhead research and innovation but also inspire collective action to safeguard our oceans. This paper amplifies the critical role of ECOPs as agents of change and calls for a unified global commitment to harness the ocean's potential for a climate-resilient future.

The Innovation / 2025
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paper

Exploiting Axisymmetry to Optimize CFD Simulations—Heave Motion and Wave Radiation of a Spherical Buoy

Josh Davidson, Vincenzo Nava, Jacob Andersen & Morten Bech Kramer

Simulating the free decay motion and wave radiation from a heaving semi-submerged sphere poses significant computational challenges due to its three-dimensional complexity. By leveraging axisymmetry, we reduce the problem to a two-dimensional simulation, significantly decreasing computational demands while maintaining accuracy. In this paper, we exploit axisymmetry to perform a large ensemble of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFDs) simulations, aiming to evaluate and maximize both accuracy and efficiency, using the Reynolds Averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) solver interFOAM, in the opensource finite volume CFD software OpenFOAM. Validated against highly accurate experimental data, extensive parametric studies are conducted, previously limited by computational constraints, which facilitate the refinement of simulation setups. More than 50 iterations of the same heaving sphere simulation are performed, informing efficient trade-offs between computational cost and accuracy across various simulation parameters and mesh configurations. Ultimately, by employing axisymmetry, this research contributes to the development of more accurate and efficient numerical modeling in ocean engineering.

Symmetry / 2024
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book

International Collaboration in Ocean Science and Governance

Carolijn van Noort

This book introduces a novel model to explain how the co-design and co-delivery of ocean science knowledge and solutions is influenced by ocean stakeholders with asymmetric power and resources, policy incentives and ocean conflict, ocean narratives, different knowledge systems, security concerns, principles, formal and informal rules, and communication competencies. Using the International Collaboration in Ocean Science model as a basis, the book advances with three lines of inquiry: ontological security of ocean science participants, the Ocean Decade and human well-being, and strategic narratives about international collaboration in ocean science. Through these, Carolijn van Noort shows the enabling and constraining conditions of co-creating ocean knowledge and solutions. Theoretically novel, the book provides a compelling framework for scholars to study ocean science collaboration.

Palgrave Macmillan Ltd. / 2025
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paper

Nonlinear wave-body interaction using a mixed-Eulerian-Lagrangian spectral element model

Carlos Monteserin Sanchez, Allan P. Engsig-Karup & Claes Eskilsson

We present recent progress on the development of a new fully nonlinear potential flow (FNPF) model for estimation of nonlinear wave-body interactions based on a stabilized unstructured spectral element method (SEM). We introduce new proof-of-concepts for forced nonlinear wave-body interaction in two spatial dimensions to establish the methodology in the SEM setting utilizing dynamically adapted unstructured meshes. The numerical method behind the proposed methodology is described in some detail and numerical experiments on the forced motion of (i) surface piercing and (ii) submerged bodies are presented.

The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) / 2018
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paper

Temperature trends with reduced impact of ocean air temperature

Frank Lansner*, Jens Olaf Pepke Pedersen

Temperature data 1900–2010 from meteorological stations across the world have been analyzed and it has been found that all land areas generally have two different valid temperature trends. Coastal stations and hill stations facing ocean winds are normally more warm-trended than the valley stations that are sheltered from dominant oceans winds.

Thus, we found that in any area with variation in the topography, we can divide the stations into the more warm trended ocean air-affected stations, and the more cold-trended ocean air-sheltered stations. We find that the distinction between ocean air-affected and ocean air-sheltered stations can be used to identify the influence of the oceans on land surface. We can then use this knowledge as a tool to better study climate variability on the land surface without the moderating effects of the ocean.

We find a lack of warming in the ocean air sheltered temperature data – with less impact of ocean temperature trends – after 1950. The lack of warming in the ocean air sheltered temperature trends after 1950 should be considered when evaluating the climatic effects of changes in the Earth’s atmospheric trace amounts of greenhouse gasses as well as variations in solar conditions.

Energy & Environment / 2018
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paper

The Importance of Connected Ocean Monitoring Knowledge Systems and Communities

Kaiser, Brooks A.; Hoeberechts, Maia; Maxwell, Kimberley H.; Eerkes-Medrano,Laura; Hilmi, Nathalie; Safa, Alain; Horbel, Chris; Juniper, S. Kim; Roughan, Moninya; Lowen, Nicholas Theux; Short, Katherine; Paruru, Danny

Ocean monitoring will improve outcomes if ways of knowing and priorities from a range of interest groups are successfully integrated. Coastal Indigenous communities hold unique knowledge of the ocean gathered through many generations of inter-dependent living with marine ecosystems. Experiences and observations from living within that system have generated ongoing local and traditional ecological knowledge (LEK and TEK) and Indigenous knowledge (IK) upon which localized sustainable management strategies have been based. Consequently, a comprehensive approach to ocean monitoring should connect academic practices (“science”) and local community and Indigenous practices, encompassing “TEK, LEK, and IK.” This paper recommends research approaches and methods for connecting scientists, local communities, and IK holders and their respective knowledge systems, and priorities, to help improve marine ecosystem management. Case studies from Canada and New Zealand (NZ) highlight the emerging recognition of IK systems in natural resource management, policy and economic development. The in-depth case studies from Ocean Networks Canada (ONC) and the new Moana Project, NZ highlight real-world experiences connecting IK with scientific monitoring programs. Trial-tested recommendations for successful collaboration include practices for two-way knowledge sharing between scientists and communities, co-development of funding proposals, project plans and educational resources, mutually agreed installation of monitoring equipment, and ongoing sharing of data and research results. We recommend that future ocean monitoring research be conducted using cross-cultural and/or transdisciplinary approaches. Vast oceans and relatively limited monitoring data coupled with the urgency of a changing climate emphasize the need for all eyes possible providing new data and insights. Community members and ocean monitoring scientists in joint research teams are essential for increasing ocean information using diverse methods compared with previous scientific research. Research partnerships can also ensure impactful outcomes through improved understanding of community needs and priorities.

Frontiers in Marine Science, VOLUME 6 / 2019
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