Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht, Centre for Materials and Coastal Research

The Centre for Coastal Research at the Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht (HZG) has about 150 employees, who are doing fundamental research on the sustainable use of coastal habitats.

Key research areas at the Centre for Coastal Research are the regional climate in Northern Germany as well as its adjacent seas, the North Sea and the Baltic Sea. In this region storms, especially wind velocities, swells and storm surges, play an important role and are of immediate economic and environmental importance.

Constant monitoring and evaluation are key factors for an effective management of the coastal areas. Currently, the Centre is developing the Coast Observatory COSYNA (Coastal Observation System for Northern and Arctic Seas). COSYNA will substantially improve the monitoring of algal blooms and sand movements in coastal waters. Furthermore, the COSYNA project will develop forecast models and scenarios, which will provide crucial information for the future management of coastal areas.

For further information, please visit our website: www.cosyna.de

• HZG website