Underwater turbines alter local marine hydrodynamics and benthic ecosystems
the verdict
SUPPORTED
the evidence backs this
confidence 84/100
Retrieved hydrodynamic and engineering studies consistently demonstrate that underwater turbines modify local flow velocities, create wakes, and generate turbulence that alters local marine hydrodynamics.
Evidence for · 10
Validation of Tidal Stream Turbine Wake Predictions and Analysis of Wake Recovery Mechanism
2019 · cited by 27
Paper [0] demonstrates that tidal stream turbines generate distinct wake turbulence and velocity deficits, altering local hydrodynamics.
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More for · 9
Review of tidal turbine wake modelling methods
2020 · cited by 21
Paper [1] reviews wake modelling methods, highlighting the necessity of understanding how tidal turbine arrays alter local flow fields.
Hydrodynamics and Wake Flow Analysis of a Floating Twin-Rotor Horizontal Axis Tidal Current Turbine in Roll Motion
2023 · cited by 9
Paper [2] uses CFD methods to show that turbine roll motion modifies vorticity and velocity fields in the wake.
Experimental Study of the Wave Effects on a Ducted Twin Vertical Axis Tidal Turbine Wake Development
2025 · cited by 6
Paper [3] illustrates that turbine operation and wave interactions create modified wake structures and turbulence intensity downstream.
Performance and wake characteristics of a tidal turbine under yaw
2018 · cited by 4
Paper [4] quantifies how turbine operation creates skewed wakes and alters downstream flow behavior.
Horizontal-axis tidal turbine design based on 3D hydrodynamics
2022 · cited by 1
Paper [6] discusses hydrodynamic models confirming that turbines transfer mechanical loads and alter local water movement.
Univariate analysis of scaling effects on the hydrodynamics of tidal current turbines
2026 · cited by 0
Paper [8] analyzes how blade loading, tip vortices, and flow separation from tidal turbines impact near-wake characteristics and hydrodynamics.
Experimental study of surface wave effects on a horizontal axis tidal turbine: loads and wake dynamics investigation
2026 · cited by 0
Paper [9] shows that tidal turbines induce structural loading variations and complex wake dynamics.
Representation of Tidal Turbine Support Structures in a Regional-Scale 3D Hydrodynamic Model and Their Effects on Wake Prediction
2026 · cited by 0
Paper [10] proves that turbine support structures and rotors generate momentum deficits affecting wake persistence and near-bed flow processes.
Turbulence and Wake Effects in Tidal Stream Turbine Arrays
2018 · cited by 0
Paper [11] investigates velocity deficits and turbulence intensity in turbine arrays, confirming significant modifications to local flow fields.