Oceanographic & Coastal Processes

Research Focus Aea
Research 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

2024 CSI Open House to be Held April 20

2024 CSI Open House to be Held April 20

Celebrate Earth Day early with us at the ECU Outer Banks Campus during our 2024 Open House! Spend April 2oth learning about coastal and marine science research and education programs at ECU and the Coastal Studies Institute.East Carolina University’s Integrated...

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CSI Family Programs Return In 2024!

CSI Family Programs Return In 2024!

Family fun with CSI starts back up this month with our Maritime Mysteries program. If you enjoy shipwrecks and mysteries, this is the program for you. Maritime Mysteries is an educational opportunity for families with children aged 7 and older. Instructors will lead...

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Science on the Sound Series Continues on Feb. 15

Science on the Sound Series Continues on Feb. 15

Join us for the February 2024 installment of the "Science on the Sound" Lecture Series at the Coastal Studies Institute on the ECU Outer Banks Campus. This monthly, in-person lecture series brings perspectives from all over the state and highlights coastal topics in...

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Visit the ECU OBX Campus in 2024!

Visit the ECU OBX Campus in 2024!

The Coastal Studies Institute is excited to host a myriad of programs and events for all ages this year. We hope you'll make a visit to the ECU Outer Banks Campus a part of your plans in 2024!Tours Guided tours of our Research & Education building occur from 1-2...

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Led by East Carolina University (ECU), The Coastal Studies Institute is a multi-institutional research and educational partnership of the UNC System including North Carolina State University, UNC-Chapel Hill, UNC Wilmington, and Elizabeth City State University.

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CSI BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

JENNETTE'S PIER WAVE ENERGY TEST CENTER

SMALL-SCALE WAVE TANK

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.

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The faculty and staff at the Coastal Studies Institute come from a variety of backgrounds and disciplines, as well as departments and organizations including ECU Department of Biology, ECU Department of Coastal Studies, NC Sea Grant, the North Carolina Renewable Energy Program, and the UNC Institute for the Environment.

MEET THE TEAM

Tour the ECU Outer Banks Campus and learn about the research, education, and engagement projects of CSI and ECU Integrated Coastal Programs through our 360 virtual tour.

VIRTUAL TOUR

The ECU Outer Banks campus is home to the Coastal Studies Institute.
Located on Roanoke Island along the banks of the second largest estuary
in the United States, this coastal campus spans 213 acres of marshes, scrub wetlands, forested wetlands, and estuarine ecosystems.

FACILITIES

SUSTAINABLE CAMPUS