The vast nature of the Brazilian Equatorial Margin, in terms of magnitude of energetic forces (currents, tides, waves and winds), associated with the high local biological richness, both in terms of species and ecosystems – makes different sectors of society turn their attention to potential economic activities to be implemented in this area. From an environmental point of view, the presence of what are considered the largest areas of mangroves on the planet, as well as countless beaches, wetlands, sandy banks, recesses and estuaries, stands out. All this environmental particularity highlights the need to deepen and systematize not only knowledge about the environmental sensitivity of the region, but also about the characteristics that will influence the operations of the oil industry and contingency actions in the event of possible accidents. Thus, the Costa Norte project was created, which seeks to develop methodologies to understand coastal processes and defined the vulnerability of one of the largest mangrove areas on the planet. The project developed an integrated model for simulating sea hydrodynamics and oil dispersion in a web environment, capable of reproducing real conditions in the local environment.
Developed by UFRJ, UERJ, UFPA and PROOCEANO. Financed by Enauta through the Petroleum Law to encourage Research and Development (R&D).
Duration: started in 2016; completion scheduled for 2020.
Investment: R$14,058,159.59