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
Next Science on the Sound Lecture Set for March 30
Dr. Sean Charles measures a mangrove trunk during a recent field campaign in the Everglades.The March 2023 installment of the "Science on the Sound" Lecture Series will be held at 6 pm on March 30 at the Coastal Studies Institute on the ECU Outer Banks Campus. This...
Celebrating 10 Years on the Croatan Sound
Ten years ago this winter, the staff and faculty of the Coastal Studies Institute got a brand-new view. Long before the property was known as the ECU Outer Banks Campus, the 230-acre coastal site was slotted to have multiple single-family homes and a surrounding...
Monitoring our Shifting Shorelines to Improve Coastal Resiliency
As changing climates continue to increase coastal hazards such as sea level rise, large storm events, flooding, and erosion, it is ever more important for communities such as those found along the Outer Banks to heighten their resiliency. But what exactly does that...
Ocean Observing Array Coming Soon to NC
Waters off the coast of Cape Hatteras will soon become the new home of the Ocean Observatories Initiative’s Coastal Pioneer Array, a relocatable ocean observing system designed to be deployed for extended periods of time to collect ocean data. Earlier this week...
CoastLines Winter 2023 Available Now
We are proud to announce the Winter 2023 issue of the ECU Integrated Coastal Programs Newsletter, CoastLines. Stay up to date on the research, education, and outreach programs of ECU ICP and the Coastal Studies Institute.In This Issue Corbett’s CornerSpecial Feature...
First 2023 “Science on the Sound” Happening Jan. 19
The January 2023 installment of the "Science on the Sound" Lecture Series will be held at 6pm on January 19 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...
CSI to Offer Two Public Learning Opportunities During Week of Dec. 5
The Coastal Studies Institute is pleased to offer the public two different, free-of-charge opportunities to learn about coastal research next week. One program will highlight the Capstone research project findings of the 2022 Outer Banks Field Site, while the other...
Digging beneath the impacts of Beach Nourishment with CSI’s Marine Geochemistry and Coastal Dynamics Lab
Written and photographed by Emmy Trivette, OBXFS student and CSI photojournalism intern.Residents of the Outer Banks are not strangers to the idea of pumping sand from offshore dredge sites onto local beaches, a process known as beach nourishment. While these...
November 17 Science on the Sound Event to Feature Dr. Mike Muglia
The Coastal Studies Institute will host the next Science on the Sound lecture on November 17, 2022. This monthly, in-person, lecture series brings perspectives from all over the state and highlights coastal topics in northeastern North Carolina.Dr. Mike Muglia, a...
Did you hear that? ECU Acoustics and Vibrations Lab makes waves on the Outer Banks.
Can an observer on the coast hear a vessel approaching even when it cannot be seen? One might assume the answer is yes, especially as the vessel approaches, but an ongoing study, funded by the Office of Naval Research (ONR), conducted by Dr. Teresa Ryan and the...
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.
