UAA has an active research program in the areas of coastal processes, coastal monitoring, geomorphic change, and instrumentation in Arctic and sub-Arctic areas. Our goal is to develop a fundamental understanding of coastal processes in order to be able to predict trends and quantify threats to coastal communities, infrastructure, and ecosystems. We are particularly focused on the impacts of climate change on these processes. In pursuing this goal, we integrate various approaches including: (1) numerical and analytical modeling of circulation (flow velocity and water elevation), sediment transport, and geomorphic change, (2) field measurement of relevant parameters (e.g., water level, velocity, and sediment concentration/character), (3) laboratory studies using flumes, and (4) surveying of bathymetry/topography. Current projects include:

• Process-based and predictive coastal erosion modeling for the North Slope of Alaska,
• Impact of the Sag Delta causeway on flow, sediment transport, and geomorphology of the Sag Delta,
• Impact of climate change on storm surge, erosion, water quality, and geomorphic change in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta
• Monitoring of coastal change on the Kenai Peninsula and at Point Woronzof, Anchorage, and
• Development of instrumentation systems for monitoring coastal meteorology, and hydrodynamics throughout Alaska (Harbornet).

Contact Professors Tom Ravens and Orson Smith for more details.