UNIVERSITÀ ALMA MATER STUDIORUM DI BOLOGNA
UNIVERSITÀ ALMA MATER STUDIORUM DI BOLOGNA, DIFA
The Alma Mater Studiorum – University of Bologna, founded in 1088, is considered the oldest university in Western Europe. Today it remains one of the most important higher education institutions in Europe, with over 84,000 enrolled students, 33 departments, 11 schools, 9 research and training centers, 5 campuses, 207 degree programs, 52 international degree programs, and 48 doctoral programs.
The project involves the Interdisciplinary Oceanography Group of the Department of Physics and Astronomy (DIFA) at the University of Bologna. Their research focuses on developing numerical models for understanding and predicting ocean circulation—from short time scales to climate scales—addressing both the physical and biogeochemical components of the marine ecosystem.
The main research themes include:
- Ocean forecasting and data assimilation
- Numerical modeling of Mediterranean circulation, from the open ocean to coastal scales
- Numerical modeling of marine ecosystem dynamics
- Numerical modeling of pollutant transport and fate in the sea
- General development of relocatable numerical models
- Rapid marine environmental assessment
Role of UNIBO
- Numerical modeling studies to analyze stress induced by wave motion and currents on Posidonia oceanicameadows
- Analysis of the effects of wave motion, currents, and sediment transport on benthic habitats (bottom velocity, bottom stress, turbidity, and sedimentation rate)
- Evaluation of the effectiveness of oceanicatransplantations
- Analysis of historical data on oceanicarestoration efforts
- Development of a protocol for the use of numerical models to support marine ecosystem restoration activities
