CIMA Description

CIMA research activity is structured around four major Research Objectives (RO) with the aim to further improve the creation of synergies and conditions for merging of complementary skills. The functional objective of the Centre is to fulfill the role of binder between a series of specific initiatives financed from other sources, and at the same time to enhance the pluridisciplinarity of the unit.

The integrating strategic aim of CIMA is defined as Factors , Dynamics and Records of the Processes in Marine, Coastal and Watershed Systems. Under this integrating topic  4 research objectives (RO’s) are defined together with 14 associated tasks/lines.

1) - MARINE PROCESSES

Characterisation of marine processes in the SW Iberian Peninsula, Gulf of Cadiz, SW Africa, including Eastern Boundary Current System of the North Atlantic, Iberian coastal upwelling, estuarine exchange processes and coastal transition ecosystems, using in situ measurements, automatic monitoring buoys, remote sensing and modelling. Physical descriptors are integrated with the chemical and biologic processes with a special emphasis on microbial dynamics using a multi-and inter-disciplinary approach.

2) - LARGE SCALE GEOLOGICAL PROCESSES AND THEIR LOCAL RECORD

This thematic objective embraces geophysical geochemical and geological approach to the processesacting within the lithosphere, the climatic system and the marine sedimentary environment.

The methodology applied is based mostly on modelling and on the interpretation of sedimentary record proxies. The time-scale of the modelled/interpreted processes range is very broad, ranging from  seconds in case of tsunamis propagation models to millions of years in the case plate dynamics.

The climate ans sea-level change problems are analysed within the timescale of  Quaternary  and Holocene.

3) - MARINE MORPHOSEDIMENTARY PROCESSES

The research objective on marine morphosedimentary processes will mainly focus on the quantitative approach to the processes shaping the forms and/or position of continental shelf and coasts along the S. Iberian margin. These geological processes are controlled by natural phenomena and by human activities responsible for changes (at different time-scales) of the sea level and sediment supply from the continent. The multi-scale approach to that analysis will imply the bridging between geological, biological and physical processes. The timescales vary between hours and decades. The two main research lines are:

4) - IMPACTS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGES

The environmental changes of both natural and anthropogenic origin modify continuously aquatic habitats. These combined  physical and chemical factors may be seen as drivers of processes which by they turn are profoundly affecting the quality of human live. The measurement of the extent of different pressures, their indexation, their  effects  and remediation are pivotal for this objective.

Such approach to the observation, quantification and modelling of the phenomena of is supposed to enable our team of researchers to explore new areas in the interfaces between the traditional domains of science and produce new knowledge transferable to the public domain.

a) Training on MSc and Ph level

b) Expert Services

c) Design of digital applications