Martin Austin

I am an observational oceanographer and specialise in the hydro- and morpho-dynamics of the inter-tidal and shallow sub-tidal regions of the coastal ocean. My present research at Bangor includes:

The turbulent flow dynamics around sub-sea cables that causes seabed scour and subsequent cable failure. This ESPRC-funded research works in collaboration with three industry partners from the Marine Renewable Energy sector. It aims to reduce costs within the industry, where cable failures in 2014-17 cost the sector £250M.
The dynamics of large-scale turbulent motions in tidally energetic regions. This EPSRC- and NRN-funded work seeks to quantify large-scale turbulent motions and assess the impacts on tidal energy extraction and infrastructure. Observational field experiments are being undertaken in the Menai Strait and around north Wales, and include industry collaborators from UK, Europe and the USA.
WASP - Waves Across Shore Platforms. EPSRC-funded grant investigating wave attenuation processes across rocky shore platforms at multiple sites across the UK and New Zealand to produce a new numerical modelling tool.
Nearshore inter- to sub-tidal sediment exchange caused by the interaction of wave-driven nearshore currents, tidal currents and cross-shelf currents. This is linked to the Crown Estates Anglesey Tidal Test Site, with particular interest in nearshore sub-sea cable pathways, and encompasses field measurements of the full water column velocity, turbulence and sediment profiles. Autonomous Coastal Observatory buoy units are being deployed to support this work in spring 2018.

Research Themes:
Wave Attenuation Processes
Coastal Processes
Rip Currents
Nearshore Morphodynamics