Metocean studies for the North Caspian Sea

Wind over the water surface causes significant water level fluctuations (surges), in some locations up to more than 1.5 metre above the still water level. Large volumes of water are blown towards the shallow coast. The wave and current climate, being dependent on wind force, wind duration and water depth varies from place to place.
 
Witteveen+Bos Kazakhstan utilised advanced hydrodynamic models (DELFT3D, SWAN) to study wave-, current- and water level climate. WBK has well calibrated models for the entire Caspian Sea, which can be applied for structures at particular locations. Model run results were entered into statistical analysis to establish design conditions for berms, artificial islands and port facilities in Karaganski Bay and Aktau.

The annual mean water level in the Caspian Sea is subject to large fluctuations. In the last century the water level has been 1 metre higher and 2 metre lower than the present level. The above models have been used to study possible wave and surge climate during the lifetime of the oil production facilities in the North Caspian.