The Environmental Hydraulics Institute was established in March 2007 as a joint center between the University of Cantabria and the Environmental Hydraulics Foundation (Spanish: Fundación Instituto de Hidráulica Ambiental de Cantabria), known as FIHAC.
Exploration of water cycle and associated systems, expanding the frontiers of the state of the art of science and related technologies.
The training of researchers and specialists of excellence in the field of Environmental Hydraulics.
Move to society and transform in social benefits the achievements in the study of the water cycle and associated systems through the establishment of solid ways of transferring knowledge, methodologies and tools to national and international companies and public administrations.
Develop models, patents and know how to increase the international competitiveness of our businesses and requirements for our public administrations.
Provide developing countries, knowledge and tools necessary to improve the standard of living of their inhabitants.
Currently, the Institute conducts its research in its new facilities within PCTCAN, Scientific and Technological Park of Cantabria', although it still keeps a link with several laboratories within the School of Civil Engineering (Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingenieros de Caminos, Canales y Puertos)
Physical Environment
Environmental flow mechanics studies
Geophysical variables analysis
Coastal zones oceanography
Surface water and groundwater hydrology
Sediments and substances transport
Coastal Engineering
Beaches regeneration
Dredgings and refills
Littoral protection works
Estuaries and marshes engineering
Sediment balance and coastal regression
Beaches monitoring
Port-coast interaction
Ports and maritime works
Swell protection works stability
Harbour agitation and resonance
Port infrastructures environmental management
Basic design of fishing ports and marines
Water quality and renewal in harbours
Real time marine climate forecast systems for port exploitation and building of maritime works
Maritime works physical modelling.
Water and coastal zones planning and management.
Coastal zones integrated management (GIZC)
Hydrological planning and Water Framework Directive (WFD)
Habitats and species management. Fluvial and coastal CIS (Community interest sites)
Sourcing and rehabilitation plans
Water resources demand management plans
Environmental risks
Climate change studies
River and coast discharges analysis
Fluvial and coastal inundation risks
Tsunamis and seaquakes
Marine environment accidental spill riks
Fluvial engineering
Moving seabed hydraulics
River substances and sediment transport
Fluvial rehabilitation environmental design
Fluvial morphodynamics and river-structure interaction
River physical models
Fluvial spaces integral monitoring
Aquatic systems monitoring and control
Monitoring and control networks associated with WFD
Species and habitats monitoring and control (Habitat Directive)
Remote-sensing studies applied to aquatic systems
Beach management systems based on video images
Buoys and coastal sensors exploitation
Field surveys to measure physical-chemical and biological parameters in rivers, estuaries and coasts
Offshore renewable energies
Availability studies of marine-origin energy resources
Design and optimization of energy extraction devices in the marine environment
Energy infrastructures impact analysis in a marine environment
Marine energy systems real time monitoring and control.
