Australian report links climate change to wild waves

by Rich Bowden - Sep 10 2008, 22:01

The Australian Government has released research showing the country's coastline is being increasingly battered by large waves caused, in part, by climate change.

The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) study, which was conducted using data taken over the last 45 years, returned that extreme waves are most common along Australia's southern seaboard, though it also established a link between larger waves on northern coastlines and the length of the monsoon season.

"Extreme wave conditions are greatest south of the Australian continent, associated with the passage of extra-tropical storms along Australia's southern margin," outlined the report. "Variability of wave power in northern Australia is potentially related to variability in the length and strength of the monsoon season."

Researchers have suggested that Australia's sensitivity to a changing climate may be to blame.

Minister for Climate Change Penny Wong said at the release of the report that the research was vital for coastal managers in assessing the ecological impact of the higher waves as well as directing the knowledge towards those seeking to exploit wave energy as an alternative power source.

"There is excellent work underway in Australia to harness the power of waves to generate electricity as we move to a low pollution economy," said Senator Wong. "But large waves can also be destructive, leading to coastal inundation, erosion and the disturbance of marine habitats."

"Understanding wave behaviour in a changing climate is critical to how successfully we manage both the opportunities and the risks," she added. "This study will help increase our understanding of the potential impacts to the coastal zone, as well as providing valuable information for those seeking to generate electricity from wave energy."

The $800,000 AUD research project was jointly funded by the Department of Climate Change and the CSIRO.

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