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Physical Oceanography

Research

Physical Oceanography is the study of the dynamical flows and evolving properties of ocean water. At UNCW, we use satellite observations and measurements within the water column combined with numerical models to better understand the processes that drive ocean variability from local to global scales.

Physical Oceanography Research

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Come aboard our research vessel in the Arctic, as UNCW researchers study the effects of melting ice ion the ecosystem.

Discover Our Research Projects

Wrightsville beach inlet Complex Adaptive Systems The Complex Adaptive Systems Lab (CASL) at UNCW uses tools developed in the study of nonlinear dynamical systems to investigate ocean and coastal systems that are heavily impacted by human actions. Research Group Leader: Dr Dylan McNamara Visit the Project Website
Fish on a boat Ocean Salinity & Global Freshwater Cycles Climate change is impacting the upper ocean, not just by raising the temperature, but by changing the salinity. Changing ocean salinity is indicative of a shifting of the global movement of fresh water and patterns of rainfall and evaporation. Learn More
Aerial view of Masonboro Island Coastal & Estuarine Hydrodynamics Coastal and Estuarine systems are society’s gateway to the ocean. At UNCW, we are interested in the physical processes operating in coastal and estuarine regions, including the Great Lakes, their impact on ecosystems, and how they might adjust in a changing climate. Explore Dr. Grimes' Lab

More Information

Coastal & Estuarine Hydrodynamics 

Contact Us

Debra Harrison

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

harrisond@uncw.edu

UNCW Department of Physics and Physical Oceanography
601 South College Road
Wilmington, NC 28403-5606

Additional contact: Cheryl Humphrey
DeLoach Hall 210

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