A higher risk of storm surges, silted-up harbours and a lower ecological value - this is the current situation in the Ems-Dollart. The German-Dutch research project "Future-Ems" aims to help solve the environmental problems of the border region.
Environmental conditions in the area have deteriorated significantly in recent decades. For example, the suspended sediment load and tidal range have increased. "Future-Ems" aims to significantly expand knowledge about the Ems-Dollart and develop new tools for solving practical problems.
"Impact of climate change and human intervention on hydrodynamics and environmental conditions in the Ems-Dollart estuary: an integrated data-modelling approach" is the full title of the scientists' multidisciplinary research project. The Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Investigation/Research (NWO) are funding it for four years with 500,000 euros.
The starting signal was given in March: With a kick-off meeting at the Hanse-Wissenschaftskolleg in Delmenhorst. The project is being coordinated by Prof. Dr Emil Stanev from the Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht (HZG) and Dr Thomas Badewien from the Institute of Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM) at the University of Oldenburg. Scientists from various disciplines such as oceanography, mathematics, geology and biology are involved.
The Ems-Dollard estuary is of great ecological and economic importance for the neighbouring regions in the Netherlands and Germany. The aim of the "Future Ems" project is to develop a computer model that can simulate the behaviour of the Ems in detail. "The model is intended to form the basis for discussions between scientists and decision-makers - for example, on how suitable, favourable and environmentally friendly measures can be taken to improve the ecological value of the system while maintaining its important economic role for the region," explains Stanev.
"Firstly, we will collect new environmental data and supplement the existing data sets," says Badewien. To this end, the Oldenburg scientists are carrying out jointly coordinated measurement campaigns with the research vessel Otzum. The scientists are integrating existing data sets, improving and expanding a numerical model of the system. The new model is intended to help assess how climate change and human intervention affect the current dynamics or the oxygen and phytoplankton content of the Ems-Dollart system, among other things.
In addition to the University of Oldenburg and the Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht, Utrecht University, Delft University of Technology, Kiel University, the University of Twente, Senckenberg am Meer (Wilhelmshaven) and the Federal Institute of Hydrology (Koblenz) are also involved in the project.