Coastal engineering is the study of near-shore processes and the application of engineering principles to development in coastal environment. The research in the field is multidisciplinary and has overlapping interests with oceanography, marine geology, and several branches of engineering.
Coastal scientists are involved in research on processes in natural bodies of water such as surface waves, sediment transport, dynamics of stratified flows, physical-biological interactions, as well as engineering management and public policy. Coastal engineers are typically involved in the design and construction of coastal structures, ports and harbors, beach nourishment, and ocean energy.
Research
Studies include ocean surface waves and their interactions with coastal sediments and structures, dynamics of stratified flows in ocean and estuarine environment, and more.