The humber observatory: Concepts, instrumentation and software systems

The role of geomorphological research into sediment flux within modern dynamical systems and the consequent role of geomorphological research in the development of practical environmental management tools are seldom reconciled. Sediment fluxes can be estimated using instruments and numerical models, but problems arise when these results are to be interpreted to inform the environmental management debate. This paper presents one set of solutions in which we describe the work of the Humber Observatory and detail the concepts, instrumentation and software systems which have been developed to address such issues. The design and deployment of a new, automated meteorological station, new multiple sensor, radio-linked outstations and the collection of associated tidal and bathymetric data are described, together with discussion of the operational problems and data archiving and output issues. We also describe the numerical models based upon the dynamical equations which have been used to estimate water and sediment fluxes through the Humber Estuary, and we describe the design criteria for new semi-empirical models. Results from the various systems and models are presented as the basis for a regional research capability and in terms of operational delivery for environmental management.