Physics of estuaries and coastal seas

本计划的目的是建立一个原创性、基础性和探索性的研究和培训计划，通过在亚北极河口、峡湾和沿海海域进行实地实验，研究地球物理流体力学的基本方面。我们的愿望是培养新一代的创造性，激情和自由的科学思想家，不仅因为他们将通过这个项目获得高水平的技术技能，而且因为他们将发展参与自由批判性思维的能力，从而为社会做出贡献。******更具体地说，该计划将解决与海洋湍流和水下波浪有关的基本问题。实地实验将在头两年在萨格奈峡湾乘坐海洋研究船科里奥利二号和小型研究船进行。我们将测量流动特性和湍流水平如何受到表征峡湾水深的水下技能的影响。数值模拟也将进行，以帮助理解一些基本的物理过程，不容易在现场测量。我们还将分析卫星图像，以便制作一幅揭示水下波浪和锋面等有趣现象存在的海面模式地图集。******在地球物理流体力学的基础知识方面，以及在了解圣劳伦斯河口和萨格奈峡湾的功能方面，本研究项目预计将产生重大影响。

The objective of this program is to set up an original, basic and exploratory research and training program to study fundamental aspects of geophysical fluid mechanics through field experiments carried out in subarctic estuaries, fjords and coastal seas. The wish is to raise a new generation of creative, passionate and free scientific thinkers that will contribute to society not only because of the high-level technical skills they will acquire through this program but also because of the ability they will develop in engaging free critical thinking. ******More specifically, this program will address fondamental questions related to ocean turbulence and underwater waves. Field experiments will be carried out during the first two years in the Saguenay Fjord aboard the oceanographic research vessel Coriolis II and small research boats. We will measure how the flow properties and turbulence levels are affected by the underwater sills that characterize the bathymetry of the fjord. Numerical simulations will also be carried out in order to help understand some fundamental physical processes that cannot easily be measured in the field. We will also analyse satellite images in order to produce an atlas of sea surface patterns that reveal the presence of intriguing phenomena such as underwater waves and fronts. ******The impact of this research project are expected to be substantial in terms of advancement of fundamental knowledge on geophysical fluid mechanics and, of more regional interest, in terms of understanding the functioning of the St. Lawrence Estuary and Saguenay Fjord.