Development of an IT tool for implementation of computer models of hydro-environmental systems

Natural water systems are complex flow domains where water quality is affected by the interactions of a wide range of hydrodynamic, geometrical, physicochemical and biological phenomena. Consequently, computer models developed to simulate hydro-environmental conditions in these systems have inherently elaborate architectures and usually lack flexibility. In particular, in systems such as rivers, estuaries and coastal zones, where crude, large scale averaging is not acceptable, the modelling is based on sophisticated computer programs whose utilization require expert level training. This often precludes the use of these models by operators in organisations such as environment agencies, local authorities and water companies. At present, therefore, the use of the most accurate and reliable hydro-environmental simulation tools are restricted to research centres. To overcome this difficulty the relatively new discipline of hydro-informatics has been developed in recent years. The idea is to utilize maximum capabilities of modem computing systems in conjunction with innovative programming algorithms, combined with the state-of-the art mathematical and numerical schemes to enhance the level of software intelligence so that operators with minimal training can generate useful simulations in a short time. This research project has been focussed on the development of an IT tool which can provide a user-friendly intelligent environment for accessing sophisticated hydro-environmental models. The system is designed to be operated via a network by multiple users. The application of this system to simulation of a number of realistic hydro-environmental phenomena has been carried out and the results are presented and discussed in this thesis.