Researchers from the UK’s National Oceanography Centre (NOC) in Liverpool have developed a new method for monitoring the River Mersey using satellite data. This approach allows port operators to manage complex navigation channels more efficiently and reduce the costs of dredging.
The project, funded by the UK Space Agency, was carried out in partnership with the Channel Coastal Observatory (CCO) and Peel Ports Group. The scientists demonstrated that changes in tidal zones can be accurately mapped from space, reducing the need for costly traditional surveys using research vessels or light aircraft.
By combining optical and radar satellite data with measurements from the Gladstone tide gauge and the latest data from the SWOT satellite, the NOC team created detailed maps of riverbed changes from 2018 to 2023. These maps provide a clearer picture of how the river is evolving, helping experts plan dredging operations more effectively and avoid unnecessary costs.
As Russell Bird, Deputy Harbour Master (Hydrography and Dredging) at Peel Ports Group, noted, “Understanding these areas helps us improve safety management for navigation and optimize our dredging strategies..
This project puts Liverpool at the forefront of using satellite technology to address coastal management challenges and could benefit other parts of the UK in the future.
