Tidal range schemes can protect estuaries and coastal areas from the effects of sea level rise according to Lancaster researchers.
David Vandercruyssen, Simon Baker, David Howard and George Aggidis from the School of Engineering say that tidal range schemes are vital to protect habitats, housing and businesses from a rising sea level estimated to be over one metre within 80 years.
Postgraduate researcher David Vandercruyssen said: “High tides can be limited to existing levels simply by closing sluices and turbines and existing low tide levels can be maintained by pumping.”
Professor George Aggidis, Head of Energy Engineering, said: “Development of estuarine barrages has been hampered by misconceptions about their operation and fears of disturbance of the ecologically sensitive intertidal areas.
Read more at Lancaster University
Image: Tidal range schemes are vital to protect habitats, housing and businesses from a rising sea level. (Credit: Lancaster University)