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
Nature Vs. Nurture
It is a fascinating proposition that systems in nature can be utilized to stem the tide (pardon the pun) against nature itself. Such is the case when it comes to adapting to and mitigating the impact of sea level rise, storms, flooding, and erosion. Marsh wetlands,...
Semester Experience at the Coast: An Educational Adventure
It’s February and the blue-green water of the ocean is sparkling, rising, curling into foaming waves, crashing on the shore where a group is receiving instructions on performing a two-dimensional beach profile and they’re collecting data and learning to use the poles...
Powering the Blue Economy Partnership
CSI & Jennette's Pier Partner with NREL and DOE on Waves to Water Renewable Energy CompetitionWater, water, everywhere, nor any drop to drink. Such is the familiar refrain uttered by poet Coleridge’s Ancient Mariner, whose thirst cannot be quenched by the expanse...
As Hurricane Season Approaches Collaboration & Understanding Are Key
Hurricanes, severe weather, and flooding are becoming ever-increasing threats in coastal areas around the United States. On the Outer Banks and in eastern North Carolina, residents are experiencing these threats first-hand as...
Coastal Gardening and Landscaping Provides Great Escape and Habitat Protection
This is an excerpt from this custom blog post. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Curabitur tincidunt mollis ante non volutpat.
Earth Fair OBX VIII Goes Virtual
While there has been little to celebrate in these first months of 2020, there is one fantastic milestone just around the corner. This upcoming Wednesday, April 22, will mark the 50th anniversary of Earth Day! Earth Day was...
NASA Funds ECU Scientist to Study Coastal Seascapes from Space
Coastal seascapes (seagrasses, mangroves, coral reefs, tidal flats) are of high economic and ecological value all over the world and also offer extensive protection from extreme weather events. Coastal seascapes are often labeled “Blue Carbon” environments, meaning...
ICP Coastal Fellows Initiative Provides Opportunities for ECU Faculty
Interdisciplinary sciences are playing an ever-increasing role in coastal research. Blending natural and social sciences provides a more holistic approach when addressing research questions. ECU and CSI scientists are making interdisciplinary connections on both the...
Ghost Forests of the Everglades Reveal Impacts from Irma
ECU Department of Coastal Studies assistant scientist David Lagomasino and Coastal Studies Institute research technician Anya Leach recently visited the Florida Keys and Everglades National Park to examine the extent of mangrove mortality after Hurricane Irma. The two...
ECU Art Students Find “Connection”
Due to a change in their international travel plans for spring break, students from the ECU School of Art and Design (SoAD) recently found themselves on the ECU Outer Banks Campus. Though one usually thinks of science-related content when they visit CSI, these...