In expanding coastal and oceanographic research and capacity at MGI, the Coastal Dynamics Modelling Laboratory (CDML) was established to disseminate information on coastal areas and, more importantly, how these change with time and under various conditions. The CDML is a repository for hydro-meteorological data, static and dynamic models that are important for understanding Jamaica’s inshore and offshore areas particularly along our ports, harbours, fishing banks, protected areas and beaches. Simulations range from simple snap-shots of current flow to animations of complex interactions between hydrodynamics, hazardous materials and ecosystems for forecasting the effects of contaminants such as crude oil, invasive species, algal blooms, thermo-dynamic plumes and chemical spills. The CDML is accessible primarily as a virtual lab, and is built and maintained by university researchers with support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency.
