Delta Life 7

30 DELTARES, MARCH 2017 Can satellite data provide extra support for operational models? Can we, for example, immediately visualise the effect of a flood? Deltares set up a EUMETCast receiving station on the roof last summer to answer these questions. It receives the data from EUMETSAT, the European Organisation for the development and management of weather satellites, quickly and efficiently. The same organisation supplies marine data about the height, temperature and colour of the surface of the sea via the European satellite Sentinel-3. DISH ON THE ROOF Safe deliveries of natural gas and clean drinking water depend on the maintenance of the network of underground pipes. To determine which pipes need replacing, infor­ mation is needed about the sub­ surface and the forces acting on the pipes. Deltares is working on a forecasting system that monitors the condition of mains networks. The unique feature is that we do not measure the pipes themselves, but the ground reaction that generates forces on the pipes. Before the forecasting system is used in real mains networks, it will first be tested in an 'outdoor laboratory'. The ground where the pipes have been installed contains peat, clay and sandy soil, and it models the conditions in the Netherlands. The gas and drinking water sectors will be able to use this new technology once these final tests have been completed. As a result, the subsurface infrastructure of the Netherlands will continue to supply the country with gas and water in the future. OUTDOOR LABORATORY FOR SUBSURFACE INFRASTRUCTURE IMAGE: WWW.IJKNET.NL/STOOP Teaming up with students, scientists, the public, govern­ ment authorities and industry to find innovative ways of exploiting the oceans. Deltares joined Our Oceans Challenge as a partner with that aim inmind. This online platformwas established to share and enrich ideas for the offshore industry. We are looking for ways to protect the oceans and, at the same time, to make responsible use of the space and resources they provide. The online innovation platform provides the offshore industry with sustainable solutions by gathering information and pro­ viding researchers with inspiration and support. Deltares is involved in identifying the challenges, assessing ideas posted on the platform and raising awareness of this initiative. www.ouroceanschallenge.org TEAMING UP IN OUR OCEANS CHALLENGE