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Research at the University of Southampton has redefined understanding of the potential rapidity of sea level rise above the present, and of the relationship between climate change and sea level. It has informed the "worst-case scenario" for climate change flood risk assessment in the UK as well as key adaptation policy documents throughout Europe, North America and Australasia. Impact generation occurs mainly though active public engagement, which ensures widespread international media attention, and through direct interaction with the Environment Agency (EA) and UK Climate Impact Programme (UKCIP) which have now joined the research group in a £3.3 million consortium project to better define the "worst case scenario".
Research conducted at Plymouth University on the coastal environment has informed climate strategy and transport planning in the UK. The research resulted in the United Kingdom Climate Impact Programme (UKCIP) re-analysing and correcting rates of coastal land movement to improve predictions of sea-level change, in its UK Climate Projections science report (Lowe et al. 2009). These data now help underpin government policy related to climate change impacts. A follow-on project, focusing on the impact of sea-level rise on the Dawlish-Teignmouth stretch of the London-Penzance Railway line, was used by Network Rail in the implementation of its climate change adaptation strategy. This stretch of railway is recognised as critical infrastructure as it is the only means of access to west Devon, Plymouth and Cornwall by train from the rest of the country. Devon County Council also used the work to inform its third Local Transport Plan (LPT3) and the future management of coastal infrastructure.
3DU researchers have used innovative techniques for reconstructing past sea levels to compile a comprehensive database of evidence on recent and current UK sea-level change, and have developed an improved model of vertical land movement which is consistent with the historical data on sea-level change. The model and database underpin the sea-level component of the UK Climate Projections 09 (UKCP09) climate modelling tool, and thereby inform a wide range of coastal planning and management activities around the UK. DU researchers have also applied these methodological advances in detailed work on coastal stability at existing and proposed sites for nuclear power stations and nuclear waste repositories in England and Sweden.
Impact: Economic benefits arising from new exploitations of North Sea oil and gas fields (2008 - June 2013), including oil production at the Bentley field by Xcite Energy Ltd and gas production at the Wissey field by Tullow Oil plc.
Significance and reach: The Bentley field produced 47,000 barrels of oil (value ~$4.7M) over the period 2011 — 2012, with an estimated ~900M barrels in place. [text removed for publication].
Underpinned by: Research into the identification of geological features through seismic and sequence stratigraphy, undertaken at the University of Edinburgh (1993 - June 2013).
A new hybrid analysis method, arising from research at the University of Cambridge Department of Engineering (DoEng), unites Statistical Energy Analysis (SEA) with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to enable full-spectrum vibro-acoustic analysis of large and complex structures with modest computing resources for the first time. The method also allows for uncertainties in the manufacturing process. This research breakthrough has been exploited by ESI Group (ESI), which is a company that provides virtual prototyping solutions, in commercial software licensed to more than 600 companies across a wide range of industrial sectors to improve product design and performance with regard to vibrations and noise. Typical applications include the prediction and reduction of interior noise in automotive and aerospace structures, and the assessment of launch- induced vibration levels in satellite structures.
This case study highlights the research at Plymouth University evidencing the problems of deep sea fishing in European waters. Working with policy makers, NEAFC, GOs, NGOs, and industry the researchers have contributed to solutions to deep-sea management problems across Europe. They have developed new techniques for habitat mapping which, coupled with human use data, has helped establish large offshore Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) that have minimized the effects of displacement on the industry while providing key refuges for ecosystem recovery and conservation.
Protecting London from the threat of flooding is of prime importance to the nation. Work in the Unit on regional sea-level rise and on the effect of storm surges was used in the Environment Agency's Thames Estuary 2100 (TE2100) plan to assess potential change in risk. The Unit's work estimated a very unlikely maximum rise in sea level of 2.7m by 2100, considerably lower than the previous worst-case scenario of 4.2m. It confirmed that 90 centimetres was the figure that should be used for developing the plan. TE2100 concluded that a second Thames Barrier (estimated cost £10-20 billion at today's prices) would not be needed not by 2030, but may be needed by 2070. Our results have been used to define procedures for the monitoring of regional sea and Thames water levels over the next few decades, and to review decision-making procedures to ensure that the risk of flooding in London is kept within acceptable levels, while avoiding unnecessary costs
By putting public engagement at the heart of our deep-sea research, we have delivered benefits to society of generating inspiration and curiosity about science, raising public awareness of our research insights and their context, and providing cultural enrichment by supporting lifelong learning. We have achieved these impacts through: interactions with print, online, and broadcast media that have brought our research to millions; series of talks and events that have inspired specific audiences of tens of thousands; and a network of interactive online resources that has enabled people worldwide to share in our exploration of deep-ocean environments and their biodiversity.
Having itself developed Dynamical Energy Analysis (DEA), a numerical simulation tool that significantly enhances the modelling of noise and vibration (NV) in large-scale engineering structures in the mid- to high-frequency range, The University of Nottingham (UoN) has advanced the method to a practical numerical tool used in a commercial environment. By working with industrial partners, the team has influenced numerical simulation products developed by consultants to the transport sector and obtained investment in the new technology from vehicle manufacturers.
The method provides time and cost savings by making it possible to undertake NV modelling over the entire frequency range, and further contributes to the industry's objectives to reduce traffic noise and enhance passenger comfort.
A Particularly Sensitive Sea Area (PSSA) is defined by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), as requiring special protection due to its vulnerability to damage from maritime activities and for ecological, socio-economic or scientific significance.
The Wadden Sea, in the North Sea, is a dynamic tidal ecosystem and a significant nursery area for commercial fisheries. It is adjacent to one of the world's busiest shipping lanes. It was designated a PSSA following a feasibility study conducted by Southampton Solent University (SSU). SSU later conducted an evaluation of its effectiveness and the report informed the Ministerial Council as the Sylt Declaration.