Dr Peter Robins
Lecturer in Physical Oceanography
Office location: Room 115, Marine Centre Wales, Menai Bridge
Email: p.robins@bangor.ac.uk
Author profiles: Google Scholar | Researchgate
I am a Research Lecturer in Physical Oceanography at the School of Ocean Sciences. I was awarded my Degree in Physical Oceanography and Mathematics at Bangor University in 2003 and my Ph.D in 2008, where I investigated internal tides in the Gareloch: a Scottish fjord. My postdoctoral career included a Research Fellowship in Bangor’s Centre for Applied Marine Sciences, with specific interests in physical modelling studies for Marine Renewable Energy, Coastal and estuarine processes including morphodynamics and water quality, and Biophysical larval transport.
I develop computer models to simulate ocean processes, whether this is realistic representations of the past or future, or hypothetical scenarios such as a proposed coastal alteration like flood mitigation measures. I have study estuaries at fine scales to understand their sensitivity to complex interactions of rivers, tides and sea-level rise, and how these interactions control coastal water quality and flooding. I develop methods to characterise the bio-physical dispersal of larvae to help understand population dynamics and aid fishery and shellfishery management. I am interested in characterising variabilities in tidal energy available for our exploitation as a renewable electricity source – and quantifying the likely environmental implications that this may have.
Qualifications
- Modelling internal tides PhD
- Physical Oceanography and Maths MSc
Teaching and Supervision
I supervise 5 PhD/MPhil students:
Jonathan Demmer – simulating variability of North Wales mussel populations.
Mike Case – impact of underwater noise propagation on fish.
Juan Gomiz Pascual – coupled catchment / estuarine modelling.
Bernd Stephan – optimizing multiple tidal lagoon power plants.
Nic Chopin – variability in the Irish Mussel shellfishery.
I contribute to modules: OSX1000/2000/2004/3000/3018/4008/4010
PhD Opportunities
Publications
2019
- Wave-tide interaction modulates nearshore wave heightLewis, MJ, Palmer, T, Hashemi, R, Robins, P, Saulter, A, Brown, J, Lewis, H & Neill, S 2019, 'Wave-tide interaction modulates nearshore wave height' Ocean Dynamics. DOI: 10.1007/s10236-018-01245-z
2018
- The Influence of Intra-Array Wake Dynamics on Depth-Averaged Kinetic Tidal Turbine Energy Extraction SimulationsPiano, M, Robins, P, Davies, A & Neill, S 2018, 'The Influence of Intra-Array Wake Dynamics on Depth-Averaged Kinetic Tidal Turbine Energy Extraction Simulations' Energies, vol. 11, no. 10, 2852. DOI: 10.3390/en11102852
- Characterising the tidal stream power resource around France using a high-resolution harmonic databaseGuillou, N, Neill, S & Robins, P 2018, 'Characterising the tidal stream power resource around France using a high-resolution harmonic database' Renewable Energy, vol. 123, pp. 706-718.
- Improving estuary models by reducing uncertainties associated with river flowsRobins, P, Lewis, M, Freer, J, Cooper, D, Skinner, C & Coulthard, T 2018, 'Improving estuary models by reducing uncertainties associated with river flows' Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecss.2018.02.015
- Tidal stream resource characterisation in progressive versus standing wave systemsWard, S, Robins, P, Lewis, M, Iglesias, G, Hashemi, MR & Neill, S 2018, 'Tidal stream resource characterisation in progressive versus standing wave systems' Applied Energy, vol. 220, pp. 274-285. DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2018.03.059
- Tidal range energy resource and optimization – past perspectives and future challengesNeill, S, Angeloudis, A, Robins, P, Walkington, I, Ward, S, Masters, I, Lewis, M, Piano, M, Avdis, A, Piggott, M, Aggidis, G, Evans, P, Adcock, T, Zidonis, A, Ahmadian, R & Falconer, R 2018, 'Tidal range energy resource and optimization – past perspectives and future challenges' Renewable Energy, vol. 127, pp. 763-778. DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2018.05.007
- Regional-scale patterns in harbour porpoise occupancy of tidal stream environmentsWaggitt, J, Dunn, H, Evans, PGH, Hiddink, J, Holmes, LJ, Keen, E, Murcott, BD, Piano, M, Robins, P, Scott, BE, Bond, J & Veneruso, G 2018, 'Regional-scale patterns in harbour porpoise occupancy of tidal stream environments' ICES Journal of Marine Science, pp. 701-710. DOI: 10.1093/icesjms/fsx164
2017
- Characteristics of the velocity profile at tidal-stream energy sitesLewis, M, Neill, S, Robins, P, Hashemi, MR & Ward, S 2017, 'Characteristics of the velocity profile at tidal-stream energy sites' Renewable Energy, vol. 114, no. Part A, pp. 258-272. DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2017.03.096
- Tidal stream resource assessment uncertainty due to flow asymmetry and turbine yaw misalignmentPiano, M, Neill, S, Lewis, M, Robins, P, Hashemi, R, Davies, A, Ward, S & Roberts, M 2017, 'Tidal stream resource assessment uncertainty due to flow asymmetry and turbine yaw misalignment' Renewable Energy, pp. 1363-1375. DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2017.05.023
- Residual flow, bedforms and sediment transport in a tidal channel modelled with variable bed roughnessDavies, A & Robins, P 2017, 'Residual flow, bedforms and sediment transport in a tidal channel modelled with variable bed roughness' Geomorphology, vol. 295, 10.1016/j.geomorph.2017.08.029, pp. 855-872.
- Influence of storm surge on tidal range energyLewis, M, Angeloudis, A, Robins, P, Evans, PS & Neill, S 2017, 'Influence of storm surge on tidal range energy' Energy, vol. 122, pp. 25-36. DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2017.01.068
- Predicting the dispersal of wild Pacific oysters Crassostrea gigas (Thunberg, 1793) from an existing frontier population—a numerical studyRobins, P, King, J, Jenkins, S & Tita, A 2017, 'Predicting the dispersal of wild Pacific oysters Crassostrea gigas (Thunberg, 1793) from an existing frontier population—a numerical study' Aquatic Invasions, vol. 12, no. 2, pp. 117-131. DOI: 10.3391/ai.2017.12.2.01
2016
- Research priorities for assessing potential impacts of emerging marine renewable energy technologies: Insights from developments in Wales (UK)Roche, RC, Walker-Springett, K, Robins, PE, Jones, J, Veneruso, G, Whitton, TA, Piano, M, Ward, SL, Duce, CE, Waggitt, JJ, Walker-Springett, G, Neill, S, Lewis, M & King, J 2016, 'Research priorities for assessing potential impacts of emerging marine renewable energy technologies: Insights from developments in Wales (UK)' Renewable Energy, vol. 99, no. December, pp. 1327-1341. DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2016.08.035
2015
- Impact of climate change on UK estuaries: A review of past trends and potential projectionsRobins, PE, Skov, MW, Lewis, MJ, Gimenez, L, Davies, AG, Malham, SK, Neill, SP, McDonald, JE, Whitton, TA, Jackson, SE & Jago, CF 2015, 'Impact of climate change on UK estuaries: A review of past trends and potential projections' Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, vol. 169, pp. 119-135. DOI: 10.1016/j.ecss.2015.12.016
- Connectivity and Dispersal Patterns of Protected Biogenic Reefs: Implications for the Conservation of Modiolus modiolus (L.) in the Irish SeaGormley, K, Mackenzie, C, Robins, PE, Coscia, I, Cassidy, A, James, J, Hull, A, Piertney, S, Sanderson, W & Porter, J 2015, 'Connectivity and Dispersal Patterns of Protected Biogenic Reefs: Implications for the Conservation of Modiolus modiolus (L.) in the Irish Sea' PLoS ONE, vol. 10, no. 12, pp. e0143337. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0143337
- Characterizing the tidal energy resource of the West Anglesey Demonstration Zone (UK), using TELEMAC-2D and field observationsPiano, M, Ward, SL, Robins, PE, Neill, SP, Lewis, MJ, Davies, AG, Powell, BI, Owen, AW & Hashemi, RM 2015, 'Characterizing the tidal energy resource of the West Anglesey Demonstration Zone (UK), using TELEMAC-2D and field observations' Paper presented at 22nd Telemac & Mascaret User Conference, STFC Laboratory, Daresbury, Warrington, UK, 3/01/01, .
- Characterising the spatial and temporal variability of the tidal-stream energy resource over the northwest European shelf seasRobins, PE, Neill, SP, Lewis, MJ & Ward, SL 2015, 'Characterising the spatial and temporal variability of the tidal-stream energy resource over the northwest European shelf seas' Applied Energy, vol. 147, pp. 510-522. DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2015.03.045
- Resource assessment for future generations of tidal-stream energy arraysLewis, M, Neill, SP, Robins, PE & Hashemi, MR 2015, 'Resource assessment for future generations of tidal-stream energy arrays' Energy, vol. 83, pp. 403-415. DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2015.02.038
- Effect of waves on the tidal energy resource at a planned tidal stream arrayHashemi, MR, Neill, SP, Robins, PE, Davies, AG & Lewis, MJ 2015, 'Effect of waves on the tidal energy resource at a planned tidal stream array' Renewable Energy, vol. 75, pp. 626-639. DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2014.10.029
2014
- Future variability of solute transport in a macrotidal estuaryRobins, PE, Lewis, MJ, Simpson, JH, Howlett, ER & Malham, SK 2014, 'Future variability of solute transport in a macrotidal estuary' Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, vol. 151, pp. 88-99. DOI: 10.1016/j.ecss.2014.09.019
- Impact of tidal-stream arrays in relation to the natural variability of sedimentary processesRobins, PE, Neill, SP & Lewis, MJ 2014, 'Impact of tidal-stream arrays in relation to the natural variability of sedimentary processes' Renewable Energy, vol. 72, pp. 311-321. DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2014.07.037
- Interactive visual analytics of hydrodynamic flux for the coastal zoneGeorge, RL, Robins, PE, Davies, AG, Ritsos, PD & Roberts, JC 2014, 'Interactive visual analytics of hydrodynamic flux for the coastal zone' Environmental Earth Sciences, vol. 71, no. 10, pp. 3733-3766. DOI: 10.1007/s12665-014-3283-9
- The potential impact of climate change on the infectious diseases of commercially important shellfish populations in the Irish Sea—a reviewRobins, PE, Malham, S, Rowley, AF, Cross, ME, Culloty, SC, Lynch, SA, Mackenzie, CL, Morgan, E, O'Riordan, RM, Robbins, PE, Smith, AL, Thrupp, TJ, Vogan, CL, Wootton, EC & Malham, SK 2014, 'The potential impact of climate change on the infectious diseases of commercially important shellfish populations in the Irish Sea—a review' ICES Journal of Marine Science, vol. 71, no. 4, pp. 741-759. DOI: 10.1093/icesjms/fst234
2013
- Identification of genetically and oceanographically distinct blooms of jellyfishLee, PL, Dawson, MN, Neill, SP, Robins, PE, Houghton, JD, Doyle, TK & Hays, GC 2013, 'Identification of genetically and oceanographically distinct blooms of jellyfish' Journal of the Royal Society Interface, vol. 10, no. 80, pp. 20120920. DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2012.0920
- Physical and biological controls on larval dispersal and connectivity in a highly energetic shelf seaRobins, PE, Neill, SP, Gimenez, L, Jenkins, SR & Malham, SK 2013, 'Physical and biological controls on larval dispersal and connectivity in a highly energetic shelf sea' Limnology and Oceanography, vol. 58, no. 2, pp. 505-524. DOI: 10.4319/lo.2013.58.2.0505
2012
- Modelled larval dispersal and measured gene flow: seascape genetics of the common cockle Cerastoderma edule in the southern Irish SeaCoscia, I, Robins, PE, Porter, JS, Malham, SK & Ironside, JE 2012, 'Modelled larval dispersal and measured gene flow: seascape genetics of the common cockle Cerastoderma edule in the southern Irish Sea' Conservation Genetics. DOI: 10.1007/s10592-012-0404-4
- A numerical study of marine larval dispersal in the presence of an axial convergent frontRobins, P, Neill, S & Gimenez Noya, J 2012, 'A numerical study of marine larval dispersal in the presence of an axial convergent front' Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, vol. 100, pp. 172-185. DOI: 10.1016/j.ecss.2012.02.001
- Biogeochemical functioning of grazed estuarine tidal marshes along a salinity gradientDausse, A, Garbutt, A, Norman, L, Papadimitriou, S, Jones, LM, Robins, PE & Thomas, DN 2012, 'Biogeochemical functioning of grazed estuarine tidal marshes along a salinity gradient' Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, vol. 100, pp. 83-92. DOI: 10.1016/j.ecss.2011.12.037
2010
- Morphological controls in sandy estuaries: the influence of tidal flats and bathymetry on sediment transport.Robins, PE & Davies, AG 2010, 'Morphological controls in sandy estuaries: the influence of tidal flats and bathymetry on sediment transport.' Ocean Dynamics, vol. 60, no. 3, pp. 503-517. DOI: 10.1007/s10236-010-0268-4
2009
- Morphodynamic processes in shallow estuaries: influence of tidal flats and channels on sand transport.Robins, PE & Davies, AG 2009, 'Morphodynamic processes in shallow estuaries: influence of tidal flats and channels on sand transport.' Paper presented at Proceedings of the 6th IAHR Symposium on River, Coastal and Estuarine Morphodynamics (RCEM 2009), Santa Fe, Argentina, 21-25 September 2009, 3/01/01, pp. 161-167.
- The internal tide of the Gareloch, a Scottish FjordRobins, P & Elliott, A 2009, 'The internal tide of the Gareloch, a Scottish Fjord' Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, vol. 81, no. 1, pp. 130-142. DOI: 10.1016/j.ecss.2008.10.022
Projects
- Combination flood risk from surge, tidal and rainfall
- Meetings to develop a RCUK proposal
- Ostrea Edulis Restoration
- Development of morphodynamic models of Welsh estuaries
Other Grants and Projects
2017-18 NERC ERIIP (NE/R009007/1): Combination Hazard of Extreme rainfall, storm Surge & high Tide on estuarine infrastructure (CHEST). (T Coulthard, P Robins, M Lewis) £39K.
2017-20 INTERREG Atlantic Area Programme: COCKLES (Boosting Co-operation and integration of Capacities for applying Knowledge and mutual Learning in Restoring Cockle Shellfisheries and its related Ecosystem-Services in the Atlantic Area). (S Malham, P Robins, et al) £347K. Led by CETMAR in Spain.
2017-21 INTERREG: ECOSTRUCTURE (S Jenkins, A Davies, S Neill, P Robins, et al) ~£610k. Led by Aberystwyth.
2017 Sêr Cymru NRN Research Development Fund: Grant proposal development award. (P Robins, M Lewis, S Neill) £5k.
2017-20 INTERREG Ireland-Wales Programme: Bluefish (Building Resilience into Blue Growth in the Irish and Celtic Seas Fisheries and Aquaculture). (S Malham, P Robins, L LeVay, M Kaiser, et al.) £1.4m (Part of 6.6m euros multipartner).
2017-18 INTERREG Ireland -Wales Programme: Irish Sea Portal Pilot (ISPP). (S Malham, P Robins, L LeVay, et al.) £620k (part of 1.4 m euros with BIM in Ireland).
2017 FSA Desk based study: Active Management of Shellfisheries. (S Malham, L LeVayP Robins, et al.) £28k.
2016 Sêr Cymru NRN Research Development Fund: Grant proposal development award. (M Lewis, P Robins, S Neill) £5k.
2016 Sêr Cymru NRN Research Development Fund: Tidal Lagoon Workshop. (S Neill, M Lewis, P Robins) £10k.
2015-18 KESS II ESF PhD studentship. Simulating variability of North Wales mussel populations (S Neill, P Robins, S Malham) £54k.
2015-18 NERC EMHH (NE/M010996/1): New approaches for the quantitative detection of human pathogenic viruses within the freshwater-marine continuum (D Jones, S Malham, J McDonnald, P Robins, et al.) £465k.
2015-17 NATIONAL PRIORITY RESEARCH PROGRAM (NPRP 7-1302 -1-242): Ecological processes underlying ecosystem function in arid mangroves. (L LeVay, et al) £235k.
2012-15 HPCWales-Fujitsu PhD studenship: Development of an integrated catchment-to-coast modelling system. (R Hashemi, et al) £70k.
2008-13 CCW: Morphodynamic modelling of Welsh estuaries. (A Davies, P Robins) ~£100k.