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| North Carolina has experienced
the economic
devastation and human suffering resulting from six hurricanes and
numerous
tropical depressions since 1996. These storms have resulted in severe
coastal
and inland flooding, erosion of hundreds of miles of shoreline, and
major
damage and destruction of thousands of homes, businesses, and
infrastructure
systems. This emphatically underscores the great relevance to North
Carolina
that research scientists throughout the world are presenting compelling
evidence that our global climate is warming, sea level is rising, and
increased
hurricane activity is predicted. Combined with the explosive
development
of our coastal zone, hundreds of thousands of people and billions of
dollars
of property continue to be at an ever-increasing risk in coastal North
Carolina. It is imperative that we develop a better understanding of
our
coastal geology and associated resources, coastal storm dynamics, and
high-risk
coastal environments.
To
respond
to this critical issue, East Carolina University (ECU), the N.C.
Geologic
Survey (NCGS), and U.S. Geologic Survey (USGS) commenced in FY 2001 a
cooperative
geophysical and geological research program of the NC coastal region.
These
geologic investigation will develop a data base that is essential for
resolving
critical questions associated with utilizing and managing our extremely
dynamic, but poorly understood coastal system and provide a sound
scientific
basis for policy and regulatory decisions. Among the issues being
addressed
are: shoreline erosion, storm dynamics and coastal system response,
sand
resources for beach renourishment, quality of crucial water resources,
record of climate and sea level change, and habitat evolution within
the
barrier islands and estuaries. |
Satellite image of eastern North Carolina |
 Objectives
and Project Location |
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A. Geologic Framework Studies |
B. Modern Studies |
1. Remote Sensing Surveys |
1. Modern
Coastal Processes Geochemical
Characterization of Sediment Foraminifera
Habitats |
2. Re-evaluation of Exiting C 14 Data |
2.
Barrier Islands Estuarine
Shoreline Erosion Aerial
Photo Analysis and Ecosystem Evolution Core
Banks Ecosystems and Dynamics |
Provisional information:
ECU Geology Department hosts this website but is not responsible
for the validity of data, information, or links posted within this site.
| Contacts | Bibliography | Links | Publications |
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East Carolina University Geology Department Graham Building Greenville, NC Geology Department Web Page |
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