Flooded "Fischmarkt" in Hamburg after storm "Xaver" 2013 (Photo: Sabine Billerbeck)

System Analysis and Modelling

The division System Analysis and Modelling investigates the dynamics of coastal systems on various timescales and identifies key drivers of its variability, both natural and anthropogenic. This is achieved through the development and application of mechanistic and statistical models combined with analysis of observational data sets. The atmosphere, the coastal ocean, the sea floor, the intertidal areas and estuaries are all closely linked, and require a holistic understanding of its dynamics. The research unit addresses this challenge from physical, ecological and socio-economic perspectives.

A key focus of the research unit are climate induced variations of coastal systems on time scales of several decades and longer. We have successfully devoted significant efforts into the reconstruction of high resolution coastal climate information. Another focus of the research unit is the development of innovative tools in the field of pre-operational oceanographic modelling. In this field, we closely collaborate with operational service providers, both nationally and internationally.

The results of our research are actively channeled to societal actors providing methodological and scientific support for strategic informed decision-making processes in the public and private sectors. One central element and product of our activity is coastDat, a model database for assessing long-term changes in coastal systems, which is intensively used by the scientific community, and the public and private sectors.