Program for the Study of Developed Shorelines
Science. Policy. Education. Outreach. Coastal.
Recent Coastal News
Hurricane Florence and the Vulnerability of Cape Lookout National Seashore
“…the coastal vulnerability assessment show that over two-thirds of the infrastructure evaluated at Cape Lookout have high vulnerability to coastal hazards, and have a combined replacement value of over $40 million.” Read the update here.
Hurricane Florence Update: Wednesday, Sept. 12
“This could spread Florence’s extremely high storm surge over multiple tidal cycles resulting in significant coastal erosion, substantial loss of sand dunes, barrier island overwash, and major infrastructure damage…” Read the current update here.
Hurricane Florence: PSDS Storm Surge Analysis
“…the track of Hurricane Florence, combined with its expected size and strength at landfall and the unique coastal geomorphology of the region, is likely to result in a record storm surge along portions of the warning area.” Read the full statement here.
Sand Pumping May Induce Rip Currents
“Unnaturally altered beaches could pose an elevated risk of injury to the very tourists that sand replenishment was meant to attract.” Read more here.
Sand Nourishment Effects on Beach Integrity and Safety Issues
Learn more about the impacts of sand nourishment on beaches in the attached article from the Journal of Coastal Research.
Western Carolina University Geology Students Take On Yellowstone National Park
As part of PSDS’s natural hazard vulnerability work with the NPS, four WCU geology students/recent alums, Courtney Hartman, Holly Hurding-Jones, Eliza Hurst, and Richard Pedigo, mapped landslides in Yellowstone National Park this summer.
Recent PSDS Imagery
Folly Beach SC Nourishment
Black Sea Aerial Photos
Hurricane Sandy Imagery
SC Coast Aerial Images
Program for the Study of Developed Shorelines
Old Student Union
Western Carolina University
Cullowhee, NC 28734
