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Numerical algorithms are formulated for the prediction of seiche modes (eigen frequencies and mode shapes) in elongated natural basins. Confirmation is provided by an analytical solution for a basin with a linear variation in surface width and a parabolic variation in cross-section. Spatial variations in geometry are shown to have a significant influence on modal frequencies and especially modal shapes. In particular, local modal amplitudes are significantly enhanced by extensive regions of shallower water. Applications are given to the Caspian Sea and the Adriatic Sea.

This paper describes the eleven years (1992–2002) of wave simulation in the Caspian Sea to achieve the wave climate atlas of this basin. The latest version of a 3rd generation wave hindcast model was used to predict wind wave characteristics during this period. The 10 meters wind field of the European Center for Medium Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) and the bathymetric map of the basin were employed as the input data of the model. In situ and satellite wind and wave data sets were used to evaluate the accuracy of the input wind field and the simulated wave field. Extreme Value Analysis (EVA) was the next stage in which the wave characteristics were calculated for different return periods and finally a user-friendly engineering and management tool was developed and verified to extract the required wind & wave characteristics in the basin.

Kazakhstan has shown an increase in its offshore oil and gas (O&G) prospection and operation activities in the Caspian Sea since 1998, so far with a limited number of operators, but which is about to increase significantly. This is of concern, considering that the environmental and industrial safety regulatory framework is still inadequate for the prevention of pollution from a large number of operators in a very sensitive aquatic ecosystem. This paper reports on the results of a study undertaken for the European Commission Tacis programme aimed at enhancing the environmental and industrial safety regulatory framework in order to align it with EU and international best practice. Based on a comprehensive analysis of applicable international standards and regulations, as well as those of Kazakhstan, ten issues are identified which require urgent attention. These issues are discussed and recommendations made on how to address them in order to improve the regulatory system.

The Central Asian and Caspian (CAC) region’s energy wealth and unique geographic location offers multiple advantages for promising economic growth and development. Besides, even though the CAC region’s energy mix is historically dominated by fossil fuels, renewables are also considered as an option where problems related to energy security, overreliance of a single resource/supplier, climate change, and environmental challenges are on the rise. In that regard, cooperation and integration within the region, particularly on energy, could be a core solution as intraregional relations remain relatively weak. Cooperation, in that sense, would offer an increased level of supply security, promoting investments and enabling the transfer of know-how. Nevertheless, many cooperation initiatives on energy were challenged due to political issues as well as economic limitations. Still, cooperating particularly on renewables could bring a new prospect for regional energy cooperation so that it is possible to establish proper regional models based on the best practices. Thus, by relying on a SWOT analysis, this chapter strongly recommends the region’s states to focus on relative gains and advantages that energy cooperation and interdependence bring, the rather than highlighting the historical issues of conflicts and disagreements. The study concludes that more energy cooperation in the CAC region will improve the energy security level in the region.