The objective is to determine the inter-relationship between the geologic framework and hazard potential of representative shoreline segments. The research consists of field and analytical components.
Methodology includes the collection and integration of shoreface and shoreline data.
Segments with different geologic frameworks and histories will be compared for the southern and northern North Carolina coast. Vibracore, seismic, and sidescan data will be collected for critical areas. By integrating data, fundamental questions regarding the role of the geologic framework in determining shoreline response to storms and long-term erosion can be answered. Also, analyses of the 1996 hurricane impacted shorelines will help define the relationship between the geology and erosion and better predict future change. Each shoreline segment has a different susceptibility to storm damage and risk factors.