Coastal Oceanography Processes in a A SGD-Affected Area: Analytical Models and Do-It-Yourself Sensors
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Submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) plays a crucial role in coastal oceanographic processes, influencing nutrient dynamics, salinity gradients, and biogeochemical cycles. Understanding these physical processes is essential for developing appropriate strategies for numerical modeling coupling and designing tailored hydrodynamic field campaigns. This contribution explores the key coastal oceanographic processes associated with freshwater dispersion from SGD, emphasizing their varying spatial and temporal scales. The analysis is supported by recent oceanographic measurements conducted at an SGD-affected beach (Aiguadolç micro-tidal pocket beach, NW Mediterranean Sea), where groundwater discharge influences local hydrodynamics. Additionally, this research examines the integration of Low-Cost and Do-It-Yourself (LC+DIY) instrumentation to monitor critical oceanographic parameters such as water levels, waves, temperature, and salinity. Several examples of LC+DIY sensors and their applications across different regions demonstrate their suitability for extensive data collection, particularly in SGD-affected areas with specific monitoring needs. By combining theoretical and experimental approaches, this contribution aims to enhance our understanding of SGD-related coastal processes and encourage for the adoption of affordable sensor technologies in coastal oceanographic studies.