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Wave engineering machine on campus
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Coastal Engineering

Research

The Department of Physics and Physical Oceanography offers Coastal Engineering research studies for students to get involved in.

COASTAL SEDIMENTS & HYDRODYNAMICS

Research Group Leader: Dr. Ryan Mieras

Learn More About Coastal Sediments & Hydrodynamics

WEI COASTAL LAB

The Wei Coastal Lab studies a wide range of coastal processes using computer-based tools. Our recent research includes the forecast of wind waves, storm surges, and tidal water levels using deep learning models and the development of machine learning models to predict nearshore processes.

Research Group Leader: Dr. Zhangping Wei

Explore The WEI COASTAL LAB

Coastal Hazards Lab

The Coastal Hazards Lab studies a wide range of processes in nearshore coastal regions. This includes nearshore hydrodynamics (e.g., waves and currents) and the erosion/accretion of beaches, sand dunes and barrier islands.

Research Group Leader: Dr. Joe Long

Explore the Coastal Hazards Lab

Teacher explaining how the Wave Flume machine works

Studying Swash Zones

To better understand how sand is transported in the swash zone (where breaking ocean waves rush on and off beaches), the U.S. Coastal Research Program, via the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, is funding a four-year, $1 million groundbreaking research project led by Dr. Ryan Mieras, UNCW assistant professor of coastal engineering.

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Contact Us

Department of Physics and Physical Oceanography

Phone: (910) 962-3462
Fax: (910) 962-7014

DeLoach Hall 210
601 S. College Road
Wilmington, NC 28403