The UNC Coastal Studies Institute's newest program, Coastal Engineering, will investigate coastal processes that potentially have a significant effect on residents of Northeastern North Carolina.  The barrier islands that make up the Outer Banks are both dynamic and complex systems which can be greatly affected by storm events and erosion.  As our natural environment continues to change, new challenges arise for existing and future infrastructure along the economically important and developing coastline. 

This program will investigate the effect of sea level rise on NC coastlines through applied research.  The sustainability of the infrastructure and the long term effects of sea level rise on construction will be a major component of the engineering studies.

It will be closely integrated with the existing ecology, environment and maritime components of the Institute.  Applied research on these important issues will help policy and decision makers gain a clear understanding of what is happening to our dynamic coastal environment, and support thier decision basis with meaningful engineering and science.