A digital framework for the hydrodynamic modelling of coral atolls

Abstract

Small island states such as the Maldives, with a large oceanic area face a lot of challenges. To address these challenges, novel methods are required to be adopted. However this adoption is hindered by the lack of data. In this work, several aspects of hydrodynamic modelling is carried out using largely easy to access, open source data to demonstrate hydrodynamic modelling in a multi atoll archipelago. Here, we present the first sub atoll scale, and multi atoll scale hydrodynamic model of the Maldives archipelago. To achieve this, we present a high resolution bathymetry dataset of the entire Maldives archipelago, where shallow lagoons of the entire Maldives archipelago is mapped in high resolution for the first time. The initial chapter of the thesis presents a high resolution bathymetric chart of the Maldives. The bathymetry dataset, validated at different locations of varying geography, is then used to demonstrate the capability of high resolution tidal modelling at the sub atoll scale. The results of this exercise presented in this chapter demonstrates ocean modelling capabilities in the Maldives hitherto unrealized. The next chapter, extends the modelling work using the bathymetric dataset presented in chapter 1 to model multi atoll scale modelling capabilities. Here, through a tidal model proxy we show that the implications of rapid coastal modification, carried out in an extremely large scale in the Maldives for industrial purposes, is comparable to long term changes brought about by projected sea level rise scenarios. Further, in chapter 3, we use of the bathymetric dataset developed in chapter 1, to carry out a high resolution tsunami modelling for various probable tsunami scenarios across the Indian ocean, to identify the tsunami amplitude at the island coast line. The outputs from these scenarios could be used for the development of safe island concepts and other planning uses.