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Research Areas

Ocean

Wind Wave Climate

Ocean wind-generated waves are an integral component of Earth’s system. In addition to causing coastal erosion, flooding, and damage to structures, waves impact coastal water circulation, ecosystem health, and marine atmospheric boundary layer, and provide a renewable source of clean energy. We study wind-wave climate variability and change over multiple time scales. Our approach is based on statistical analyses of measurements, model outputs, and reanalysis datasets. We are also interested in understanding the impacts of wind-wave climate change on coastal communities and infrastructure.

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Coastal Dynamics

Dynamic processes in the nearshore region are generated by a number of different drivers such as tides, storm surge, and surface waves. Using theories, measurements, and numerical modeling, our group studies the influence of different driving forces and their interactions on nearshore processes. We specifically study wave-current interactions, water circulation, and coastal erosion.

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Flood Hazards

We study flood hazards induced by extreme events such as hurricanes, heavy rainfall, and dam or levee failure. We aim to better understand evolving hazards associated with flooding, motivated by the rapid growth of population and assets in low–lying areas, global warming, and sea level rise. Through hydrodynamic and wave numerical modeling, we specifically study storm surge and wave hazards under present and future climate conditions.

Wetland Creation

Flood Mitigation

Flood mitigation using natural and nature–based features (NNBF) is an active area of research in our group. Due to their ecosystem services and benefits, NNBF such as wetlands has gained significant attention among the public and decision makers. We have developed a suite of computational models to quantify the influence of vegetation on the mean flow, wave energy, and turbulence. We apply these models to real–life case studies to investigate the role of wetlands as natural buffers against inundation, storm surge, and waves.

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