From 2007 to 2011, a field measurement program, a numerical circulation model development program, and a laboratory program will provide a comprehensive understanding and predictive capability of the tidal motions and tidally driven internal wave climatology on the North West Shelf of Western Australia. This will encompass the generation, propagation and dissipation of internal waves and their effects on the marine environment. This precise understanding of the local ocean environment will link with issues of loading on structures, seabed stability and bottom erosion, and hence engineering design criteria for the design and operation of pipelines and offshore structures.
