The Coastal Geology program emphasizes research on the geomorphology, sedimentology, and stratigraphy of nearshore systems (estuaries, tidal marshes, beaches and barrier islands, and the inner shelf). This work is often carried out in conjunction with biologists, physical oceanographers, and ocean engineers and addresses societal needs (e.g. environmental pollution, harbor dredging), as well as basic research (e.g., evolution of coastal systems, salt marsh sedimentation). Much of this work is conducted regionally (ME, NH, and MA), but with a view of global systems. Also, common to most of our studies is an effort to understand and predict the impact of climate change and sea level rise on coastal systems.

Recent Focus Areas Include

• Fine- and Coarse-grained Sedimentary Processes in Estuaries, Harbors and Tidal Inlets
• Sedimentology, Stratigraphy and Holocene Evolution of Salt Marshes
• Coastal Processes and Beach Erosion
• Inner Shelf Sedimentology and Stratigraphy
• Bottom Habitat Characterization and Mapping
• Environmental Monitoring