The Coastal Processes and Engineering program 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.  Scientific studies will be conducted to gain a better understanding of the dynamic and often fragile nature of our coastal environments. It studies both human-induced and natural changes to coastal systems by investigating the complex interactions between land and ocean processes.

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. 

2010 Chilean Earthquake and Tsunami

UNC Coastal Studies Institute’s Coastal Engineering Program Head, Dr. Billy Edge, lead a team that observed the impacts of the Chilean 8.8 magnitue earthquake and subsequent tsunami on its seaports.  In addition, the team studied effect on inland travel of the tsunami and the location of sediment deposits and scour plus the resulting structural and non-structural damage at the major ports.
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2009 November Nor'easter and Immersive Media
Shortly after a powerful Nor'easter hit the North Carolina Coast in mid November, the Coastal Engineering department of UNC CSI worked with RENCI and Duck Rescue to gather images of some of the areas of the outer banks that were affected by the high winds and waves.  A special camera, the immersive media camera system, was used to capture 360-degree high definition images. 
The data collected will provide an opportunity to get a complete view of the beach, berms and dunes. 
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Ocean Observing

The Coastal Studies Institute (CSI) is involved in several partnerships in the field of ocean observing.  These partnerships allow CSI to extend their reach outside Northeastern North Carolina and into the national ocean observing community.

UNC-CSI scientists use both field based observing instruments and remote sensing technologies as tools to help address issues and pressing topics of the region. While these technologies have application at a local and regional scale, they also have the ability to address national and international topics of concern. UNC-CSI is developing innovative technological capabilities in an effort to establish an integrated, systems-based approach that can be applied to national issues such as community growth, public health, coastal management and carbon cycling.
>>North Carolina Coastal Ocean Observing System

 Ocean and Estuarine Observation
The UNC Coastal Studies Institute (UNC-CSI) is currently using a variety of tools to monitor ocean and estuarine conditions. Field equipment can provide real time measurements on conditions such as currents, water temperature, salinity, turbidity and a variety of water quality parameters. The information generated by these tools can be used to create data sets and interactive maps that can be used by scientists, fishermen, boaters and ocean enthusiasts.
>>Wave and Circulation Model Project
>>Nearshore Processes and Beach Hazard Study