The University of Windsor

Coastal Research Group

About Us

Our Focus

The Coastal Research Group at the University of Windsor is focused on sediment transport and nearshore morphodynamics with a focus on beach-dune interaction, and barrier island response to sea level rise. We also conduct research on the physical and social dimensions of the rip current hazard, with field sites along the Great Lakes and in the Maritimes of Canada as well as Costa Rica. Our research involves a combination of fieldwork, remotely sensed data, geophysics and machine learning.

Research Opportunities

Join our research group! We are always looking to recruit talented undergraduate and graduate students interested in coastal and marine research. Send an email to learn more about research opportunities.

uwincoastalresearch@gmail.com
Science

Our Team

Chris Houser

Chris Houser

Dean of Science

Professor, School of the Environment

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Alex Smith

Alex Smith

Post-doctoral Fellow

PhD, University of Ulster

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Summer Locknick

Summer Locknick

Masters of Earth Science - Rip Currents 2020

Brianna Lunardi

Brianna Lunardi

Masters of Earth Science - Alongshore Coupling of the Ecogeomorphology of a Beach Dune System 2021

Valerie Morin

Valerie Morin

Brent Vlodarchyk

Brent Vlodarchyk

Masters of Earth Science - Predicting Landslides 2020

Phillipe Wernette

Phillipe Wernette

Postdoctoral Fellow 2017-2020, Now: USGS

Publications

Alongshore variation in beach-dune morphology

Alongshore analysis of variations in dune height and shoreline retreat on barrier islands along the Coast of Texas and the Eastern Seaboard of the United States, showing that some islands are geologically controlled and that the rate of shoreline retreat is related to the alongshore variability of the foredune.

Rip Current Hazard

Results of an online survey of beach users in the United States and around the world to assess their understanding of the rip current hazard and knowledge of the Break the Grip of the Rip education campaign. Results suggest that a large number of beach users are at risk of needing rescue or drowning.

Foredune blowouts

Study of blowouts along Padre Island, Texas using a combination of remotely sensed imagery and geophysical surveys to describe the history of blowout evolution along this section of coast. Results suggest that the initial disturbance was caused by cattle ranching on the island but maintained through driving on the beach, which lowers the dune toe elevation.

Post-storm recovery of beaches and dunes

First study to quantify the rate of nearshore, beach and dune recovery following a hurricane (Ivan) that caused extensive washover and erosion. Results suggest that recovery can take up to 10 years and that the dune is vulnerable to scarping and further erosion as it recovers depending on the relative timing of storm events.

Barrier Island evolution

Geophysical survey of Santa Rosa Island in northwest Florida showing how island transgression has influenced modern island response and recovery to storm events.

High Impact Learning Experiences

Survey of students who participated in a Texas A&M University study abroad to Costa Rica showing how student engagement and grades were positively influenced by the experience.

Driving on the Beach

LiDAR based assessment of the impacts of driving on the beach at Padre Island, Texas and Assateague Island, Maryland. Results suggest that driving can lower the dune toe elevation to make the foredune susceptible to scarping, washover and blowouts (Padre Island) and force a landward set-back of the dune line after each storm event (Assateague Island).

Anisotropy of barrier islands

Demonstration of a new analytical technique to identify spatially-dependent topographic features on Santa Rosa Island in northwest Florida.
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