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A research initiative from the University of Wollongong’s (UOW) Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences is set to enhance the monitoring of oceanic internal waves through the development of artificial intelligence (AI) tools that utilise satellite imagery. The project has received financial backing from the Australian Geospatial-Intelligence Organisation (AGO), part of the Department of Defence, and is being managed by the AGO Analytics Labs Program of FrontierSI, a leading entity in positioning, spatial infrastructure, and spatial analytics.
The project aims to harness the expertise of UOW researchers to advance AI technologies specifically designed for the detection and analysis of internal waves within the ocean. These waves, generated by the interaction between water layers of varying densities, propagate beneath the ocean’s surface, making their timely identification critical for the protection of underwater operations, offshore structures, and marine environments.
The research team, including notable figures such as Professor Son Lam Phung, Dr Hoang Thanh Le, Senior Professor Gursel Alici, Distinguished Professor Willy Susilo, Senior Professor Abdesselam Bouzerdoum, and Dr Fok Tivive, will focus on developing and refining advanced AI algorithms capable of locating and characterising oceanic internal waves. By analysing high-resolution satellite imagery, these algorithms will be able to accurately detect and map internal wave formations, automatically recognising key characteristics such as wave direction and intensity.
“This project aims to develop and evaluate advanced AI algorithms for locating and recognising oceanic internal waves from high-resolution satellite imagery,” Professor Phung said.
The technological foundation of this project lies in the latest advancements in image processing and deep learning. These tools are designed to improve the precision of internal wave detection, offering an automated solution for satellite image analysis and oceanographic monitoring. The deployment of such tools by the AGO is anticipated to significantly enhance the efficiency and accuracy of internal wave detection, providing rapid and reliable data for stakeholders involved in marine operations and environmental management.
Beyond the immediate technological innovations, the project also plays a crucial role in advancing Australia’s capabilities in AI and satellite image processing. It includes provisions for supporting and training several PhD candidates at UOW, helping to cultivate the next generation of experts in these fields. This aspect of the project not only contributes to the academic and professional development of emerging researchers but also aligns with the broader goal of building a sustainable and resilient technological infrastructure within Australia.
The project is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 9, which emphasises the importance of sustainable industrialisation, innovation, and resilient infrastructure. By focusing on the development of cutting-edge AI tools for ocean monitoring, the project contributes to these global objectives, reinforcing the commitment of the University of Wollongong to impactful and socially responsible research.
This initiative represents a significant step forward in the application of AI to environmental monitoring, with the potential to revolutionise the way oceanic internal waves are detected and analysed. The combination of advanced technology, expert research, and a focus on sustainable development underscores the importance of this project in both the academic and practical realms. As AI continues to evolve, such projects are likely to play a pivotal role in enhancing our understanding and management of the natural world, providing valuable tools for safeguarding marine environments and supporting critical infrastructure.
