It's time we started paying more attention to Earth's Oceans, as humankind has not been the ideal stewards of that which covers two-thirds of the surface of this pale blue dot. Today, we have more tools than ever before to monitor our global oceans, and that's a good thing. We have satellites, UAVs, special research ships, and some decent funding too, as well we should. Speaking of research there has been great progress.
In fact, there was an interesting article not long ago on the Physorg (dot) com Website titled "Surf's Up: New Research Provides Precise Way to Monitor Ocean Wave Behavior, Shore Impacts" which was posted on January 28, 2011. The article states;
"Video of ocean waves from two different cameras are being used in new technology to create a "stereo vision" analysis of the surf zone. (Image courtesy of Oregon State University)" and in the first paragraph says; "Engineers are now provided with a better way to understand and monitor this violent, ever-changing environment."
Okay so, this is just wonderful if you are indeed studying coastal zones, erosion, urban run-off re-distribution, pollution contamination, ocean dead zones, or where and how strong you should build a pier, breakwater, or barrier to structures on the shore line - yet, this technology has far more applications than I believe the scientists, researchers, and engineers are giving credit for. Now then, let's talk about a few applications;
1. Harbor Mouth Design
2. Ocean Wave Energy Infrastructure Location and Planning
3. Surfing Areas for Tourism and Recreation
4. Military Beach Head Landing Operations and Training
5. Boating Safety
6. Life Guard Placement
7. Best Fishing Locations
Any time you change a harbor mouth, modify the outflows from a large river to a delta region, or try to create a navigational water way to the sea - you risk altering the landscape in a way which is unhealthy to sea life, and might disrupt the ecological balance. No, I am not an environmentalist by any means, mostly I am anti-environmentalism, only because I've watched the damage of activists in this arena. Nevertheless, real environmental issue due exist.
If such waterways are not done properly, future dredging will cost bundles, and each time cause more challenges to the eco-system there. Likewise when planning for tourism, infrastructure, all of this matters. As a former surfer in my younger days watching and timing waves was paramount to my personal enjoyment, well now "There is an App for that" I am certain, or there will be sometime soon. So, please consider all this.
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