Oceanographic & Coastal Processes
Research Focus AeaResearch Focus Area Overview
The coastal ocean, from the estuarine shoreline to the edge of the continental rise, is perhaps the most important and yet vulnerable areas of the world’s oceans. The chemical, physical, and biological processes that affect these coastal seas are intertwined and complex. Our researchers use interdisciplinary approaches, modeling and empirical, to obtain a quantitative understanding of these processes.
Research Labs
Marine Geochemistry & Coastal Dynamics
Lab
Oceanography & Marine Hydrokinetic Energy Ocean Lab
Coastal Engineering & Adaptation
Lab
Coastal Marine Processes & Geomorphology Lab
Ecology & Biogeochemistry
in Marine & Coastal
Systems Lab
Coasts & Oceans Observing
Lab
News
People and Sediment: Environmental Change in Bangladesh
Written by Lauren Colonair.Scientific research using interdisciplinary methods is a fast-growing approach that integrates natural and social science into the pursuit of knowledge. A great example of this method is the work of Dr. Kimberly G....
Coming Soon: CSI Virtual Tour!
Written by Lauren Colonair. Over the past few months, the Public Engagement and Outreach team at the Coastal Studies Institute has been working to bring the experiences of CSI to the virtual realm. Before the era of social distancing, CSI provided many programs and...
Unprecedented Times: A Fresh Start During COVID-19
Written by Lauren Colonair.My journey with the UNC Institute for the Environment Outer Banks Field Site (OBXFS) program started three years ago, in a first-year environmental class. I cannot recall which class, or even which semester I was in when I heard the...
Land Conversion and Shoreline Erosion Battle for the Largest Contribution of Mangrove Loss
Dr. David Lagomasino, an ECU Department of Coastal Studies Assistant Professor and Assistant Scientist at CSI, has co-authored a recently published paper, “Global declines in human driven mangrove loss”, in the scientific journal Global Change Biology. Lagomasino,...
Tom Murphy, Education Champion and CSI Advocate
The faculty and staff of the Coastal Studies Institute (CSI) were saddened by the recent announcement of the loss of a local icon and long-time supporter of CSI, Rev. A. Tom Murphy Jr. Tom’s dedication to our community was evident in his 15-year ministry at Roanoke...
ECU Faculty Uses Hurricane Case Studies to Understand Environmental Migration
Residents of North Carolina’s Outer Banks usually observe a mass exodus of visitors from the beach prior to a hurricane. Once the storm has passed, residents immediately clean up and repair their homes and businesses, getting ready for the next set of hopeful tourists...
CSI Biologist Awarded Funding for Fisheries and Climate Change Work
With climate change at the forefront of environmental issues, one of the notable changes has been the rising temperature in our ocean waters which has resulted in the displacement of many marine species. Some species have been able to adapt, while others may be left...
Climate Impacts Coastal Wastewater Management and Town Planning
The anonymous statement “At the beach, life is different.” is an adage that often brings to mind many idealistic lifestyle visions of surf, sun, sand, and fun. However, the saying also holds true for wastewater treatment in many coastal communities. On the Outer...
Coastal Studies Institute and Jennette’s Pier Chosen as Test Site for Department of Energy Waves to Water Competition
The U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy recently announced that the Coastal Studies Institute, in partnership with Jennette’s pier, was chosen for the final testing stage of their American Made Challenges Waves to Water...
Study Shows Coral Reefs Provide Protection for Most Vulnerable People
Island nations are increasingly facing threats from large storm events such as hurricanes and cyclones. Often these small island developing nations include communities with a large number of poor and vulnerable people who are more susceptible to the impacts and damage...
Based at the Coastal Studies Institute (CSI), the North Carolina Renewable Ocean Energy Program (NCROEP) advances inter-disciplinary marine energy solutions across UNC System partner colleges of engineering at NC State University, UNC Charlotte, and NC A&T University. Click on the links below for more information.
ECU's Integrated Coastal Programs (ECU ICP) is a leader in coastal and marine research, education, and engagement. ECU ICP includes the Coastal Studies Institute, ECU's Department of Coastal Studies, and ECU Diving and Water Safety.
The ECU Outer Banks campus is home to the Coastal Studies Institute.
