Study of the wave climate, mapping of coastal sandy deposits and analysis of seismic/acoustic data for actions C2 and C3

Different activities were carried out under Action A1 from the beneficiary IAS-CNR to improve knowledge on envisaged areas of the SeaForest LIFE project. The studies were carried out to define wave climate and to update the seabed habitat maps. The seagrass meadow upper limit and coastal sandy deposits maps were updated through the interpretative analysis of available data, such as orthophotos, satellite images, seismic data, multibeam and backscatter.

The analysis of the statistical characteristics of the synthetic parameters of the wave motion was performed to define the wave climate regimes of the marine sectors overlooking the study areas. To perform wave event and hydrodynamics simulations, to complete the marine climate, and to perform the most representative hydrodynamics scenarios generated by wave events, the software suite Delft3D was used.

The seabed mapping was a preparatory activity foreseen by action A1 and an implementation activity for C2 and C3 Actions. The definition of the upper limits of the Posidonia oceanica meadows, the identification of the coastal sandy deposits suitable to host the recreational nautical free berth and the supply of the database for the mooring planning are the objectives of these activities.

The acquisition and analysis of seismic lines were carried out to define the thicknesses of the sandy bodies, the thickness of Posidonia oceanica mattes and the detection of solid substrates. The results of the seismic analysis were useful to support the assessment of carbon storage, to improve the characterization of habitat 1120 and to support the management and design of anchors and moorings. The characterization of the study areas to realize the maps of the coastal habitats at a low depth, and the creation of the database to support the development of the mooring plan (Action C2-C3), where possible.

 

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