Education

Research Description

Dr. Overton is interested in coastal processes, beach and dune erosion, coastal hazard identification and response strategies to improve the resilience of coastal environments. Modeling and analysis of both short term and long term impacts due to storms and sea level rise.

Publications

Formation of a barrier island breach and its contributions to lagoonal circulation

Gharagozlou, A., Dietrich, J. C., Massey, T. C., Anderson, D. L., Gorski, J. F., & Overton, M. F. (2021), ESTUARINE COASTAL AND SHELF SCIENCE, 262. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecss.2021.107593

Land cover changes on a barrier island: Yearly changes, storm effects, and recovery periods

Velasquez-Montoya, L., Sciaudone, E. J., Harrison, R. B., & Overton, M. (2021), APPLIED GEOGRAPHY, 135. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apgeog.2021.102557

Vulnerability Indicators for Coastal Roadways Based on Barrier Island Morphology and Shoreline Change Predictions

Velasquez-Montoya, L., Sciaudone, E. J., Smyre, E., & Overton, M. F. (2021), NATURAL HAZARDS REVIEW, 22(2). https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)NH.1527-6996.0000441

Natural and anthropogenic-induced changes in a tidal inlet: Morphological evolution of Oregon Inlet

Velasquez-Montoya, L., Overton, M. F., & Sciaudone, E. J. (2020), GEOMORPHOLOGY, 350. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geomorph.2019.106871

Storm-driven erosion and inundation of barrier islands from dune-to region-scales

Gharagozlou, A., Dietrich, J. C., Karanci, A., Luettich, R. A., & Overton, M. F. (2020), COASTAL ENGINEERING, 158. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.coastaleng.2020.103674

Beach Management Practices and Occupation Dynamics: An Agent-Based Modeling Study for the Coastal Town of Nags Head, NC, USA

Karanci, A., Velasquez-Montoya, L., Paniagua-Arroyave, J. F., Adams, P. N., & Overton, M. F. (2018), BEACH MANAGEMENT TOOLS - CONCEPTS, METHODOLOGIES AND CASE STUDIES, Vol. 24, pp. 373–395. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-58304-4_19

Observation and modeling of the evolution of an ephemeral storm-induced inlet: Pea Island Breach, North Carolina, USA

Velasquez Montoya, L., Sciaudone, E. J., Mitasova, H., & Overton, M. F. (2018), Continental Shelf Research, 156, 55–69. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.csr.2018.02.002

Spatial and temporal variability in dune field: Pea Island, North Carolina

Sciaudone, E. J., Velasquez-Montoya, L., Smyre, E. A., & Overton, M. F. (2016), Shore & Beach, Coastal Observations, 84(2), 49–58.

Guest Editorial: Coastal Dunes Essential to a Resilient Coast

Overton, M. (2014), Shore & Beach, 82(4).

SUMMARY VISUALIZATIONS FOR COASTAL SPATIAL-TEMPORAL DYNAMICS

Thakur, S., Tateosian, L., Mitasova, H., Hardin, E., & Overton, M. (2013), INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR UNCERTAINTY QUANTIFICATION, 3(3), 241–253. https://doi.org/10.1615/int.j.uncertaintyquantification.2012003969

View all publications via NC State Libraries

Grants

Shoreline Monitoring at Oregon Inlet Terminal Groin

NC Department of Transportation(8/16/19 - 8/15/22)

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Shoreline Monitoring at Oregon Inlet Terminal Groin

Sponsor: NC Department of Transportation

Start Date: 8/16/19

End Date: 8/15/22

Abstract

In August 2012, a new terminal groin permit associated with the new Basnight Bridge was signed. As with the original (1989) Oregon Inlet Terminal Groin permit, the new permit requires NC DOT to monitor the adjacent beach in order to determine whether or not there is adverse impact of the presence of the terminal groin, including a determination of whether sediment loss is greater than that predicted by the historical rates. In addition, NC DOT has proposed coastal and biological monitoring in support of the NC 12 Transportation Management Plan (NC 12 TMP) alternative (as discussed in the B-2500 ROD) and a review of the historical rate used for a basis comparison. The monitoring associated with the NC 12 TMP is needed in order to determine the location and extent of future phases of the B-2500 project. This study will gather and analyze the data that is needed to satisfy the requirements of both 1) the new terminal groin permit and 2) the coastal monitoring program component of the NC 12 TMP. The present proposal includes the following program elements: 1) data collection by NC DOT, 2) monitoring of the existing Oregon Inlet terminal groin, 3) mapping and modeling of coastal habitat changes, 4) TMP coastal monitoring, including development of vulnerability indicators related to the island morphology, and 5) integration of physical and biological monitoring data from NC DOT with the morphological indicators. An annual report will be developed detailing the program tasks and annual results, including a comparison with baseline conditions.

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Shoreline Monitoring at Oregon Inlet Terminal Groin

NC Department of Transportation(8/16/17 - 8/15/19)

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Shoreline Monitoring at Oregon Inlet Terminal Groin

Sponsor: NC Department of Transportation

Start Date: 8/16/17

End Date: 8/15/19

Abstract

In August 2012, a new terminal groin permit associated with the new (currently under construction) Bonner Bridge was signed. As with the original (1989) Oregon Inlet Terminal Groin permit, the new permit requires NC DOT to monitor the adjacent beach in order to determine whether or not there is adverse impact of the presence of the terminal groin, including a determination of whether sediment loss is greater than that predicted by the historical rates. In addition, NC DOT has proposed coastal and biological monitoring in support of the NC 12 Transportation Management Plan (NC 12 TMP) alternative (as discussed in the B-2500 ROD) and a review of the historical rate used for a basis comparison. The monitoring associated with the NC 12 TMP is needed in order to determine the location and extent of future phases of the B-2500 project. This study will gather and analyze the data that is needed to satisfy the requirements of both 1) the new terminal groin permit and 2) the coastal monitoring program component of the NC 12 TMP. The present proposal includes the following program elements: 1) data collection by NC DOT, 2) monitoring of the existing Oregon Inlet terminal groin, 3) mapping and modeling of coastal habitat changes, 4) TMP coastal monitoring, including development of vulnerability indicators related to the island morphology, and 5) integration of physical and biological monitoring data from NC DOT with the morphological indicators. An annual report will be developed detailing the program tasks and annual results, including a comparison with baseline conditions.

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Development of Dune Design Criteria for Overtopping Considering Constructed Beach Berm

Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit - Piedmont-South Atlantic Coast(7/01/16 - 1/31/18)

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Development of Dune Design Criteria for Overtopping Considering Constructed Beach Berm

Sponsor: Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit - Piedmont-South Atlantic Coast

Start Date: 7/01/16

End Date: 1/31/18

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to develop dune construction guidelines for overtopping, for projects where a constructed beach berm affects the maximum runup elevation. Many local communities planning a beach and dune nourishment program find that the distance between established infrastructure (e.g., roads, buildings, etc.) and the active shoreline limits the horizontal extent of a project. In these cases, it is critical to design the dune such that it can resist overtopping and mitigate damage to that infrastructure. Most current methods to assess runup elevation (e.g., Holman 1986, Stockdon et al. 2006) are dependent on the beach slope and wave height, but do not incorporate the effects of a constructed berm width. This likely over-predicts the runup elevation which would lead to an overdesigned (and more expensive) dune; such a dune might not even be feasible to construct in an area where the distance of the infrastructure to the shoreline is small. In those situations where space is limited, a “starter dune” which will resist overtopping while it is allowed to grow naturally can be designed. It is hypothesized based on previous work (de Waal and van der Meer 1992) that an equivalent beach slope can be developed incorporating the effects of the berm and used in empirical formulations to assess runup. This project will test this hypothesis using measured wave, high water mark (runup limit), and nearshore profile slope data collected prior to and after beach and dune nourishment in the Town of Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. XBeach modeling will also be performed and calibrated with field data to assess runup and overtopping with different berm width and elevation scenarios. Project partners include the Town of Kitty Hawk, the consulting firm that designed and is managing the beach and dune nourishment project for the town, CB&I, the USACE Field Research Facility, and North Carolina State University Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering. Primary deliverables include dune construction guidelines for overtopping, for projects where a constructed beach berm affects the maximum runup elevation. These guidelines will be communicated in three ways: 1) a workshop to be conducted with town representatives, 2) a presentation at the ASBPA National Coastal Conference in Fall 2017 and 3) a peer-reviewed publication communicating results to the larger research community.

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Shoreline Monitoring at Oregon Inlet Terminal Groin

NC Department of Transportation(8/16/15 - 8/15/17)

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Shoreline Monitoring at Oregon Inlet Terminal Groin

Sponsor: NC Department of Transportation

Start Date: 8/16/15

End Date: 8/15/17

Abstract

The purpose of this ongoing project (1989 to present) is to monitor and evaluate the shoreline response north and south of the Oregon Inlet due to the construction of the terminal groin built to protect Bonner Bridge at the north end of Pea Island. Phase one of the study was to establish the 'historical erosion rates' for the study area since the change in dredging operations in the inlet in 1984 and before the March 1989 storm. Phase two of the study (ongoing since 1989), was to implement the monitoring program as per the permit requirement to determine position of the shoreline from aerial photography at a two month interval and to evaluate the response of the shoreline in the context of the historical erosion rates. The monitoring agreement specified the triggers and actions if the observed erosion exceeded the historic values over spatial and temporal scales of concern. This monitoring effort continues in support of the new permit for the Oregon Inlet Terminal Groin which was issued in August 2012. As part of the construction of the new Bonner Bridge, Phase three of the project has been established and is underway to monitor an expanded project area and set of metrics in order to inform decision making with respect the NC 12 corridor. This scope has been added to the ongoing terminal groin monitoring project in anticipation of future design and planning need for the NC12 transportation corridor.

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Interactions between Waves, Storm Surge and Beach Morphology during Storm Events

NCSU Sea Grant Program(2/01/16 - 6/30/18)

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Interactions between Waves, Storm Surge and Beach Morphology during Storm Events

Sponsor: NCSU Sea Grant Program

Start Date: 2/01/16

End Date: 6/30/18

Abstract

Our goal is to improve simulations of coastal flooding in regions where the beach morphology is highly dynamic during a storm event. The feedback between waves, surge and morphology must be better linked, specifically through the extension and coupling of state-of-the-art numerical models. Although most morphology models are limited in their geographic extents, we will extend and apply a process-driven model to represent erosion and breaching at larger scales. And, although most wave, surge and morphology models are coupled with one-way communication, we will develop an automated system to map information in both ways. This research will produce modeling technologies that will benefit coastal communities within North Carolina, and we will share these technologies and findings with stakeholders. Simulations of wave propagation and flooding (and specifically the simulations from our models) are used in North Carolina and elsewhere for building design, the establishment of flood insurance rates, and real-time decision support during storm events. These predictions will be strengthened via the proposed tight coupling with a beach morphology model. The resulting modeling system will better represent the nearshore response to storm impacts.

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Shoreline Monitoring at Oregon Inlet Terminal Groin

NC Department of Transportation(8/16/14 - 8/15/15)

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Shoreline Monitoring at Oregon Inlet Terminal Groin

Sponsor: NC Department of Transportation

Start Date: 8/16/14

End Date: 8/15/15

Abstract

The purpose of this ongoing project (1989 to present) is to monitor and evaluate the shoreline response north and south of the Oregon Inlet due to the construction of the terminal groin built to protect Bonner Bridge at the north end of Pea Island. Phase one of the study was to establish the 'historical erosion rates' for the study area since the change in dredging operations in the inlet in 1984 and before the March 1989 storm. Phase two of the study (1989 through 2012), was to implement the monitoring program as per the permit requirement to determining position of the shoreline from aerial photography at a two month interval and to evaluate the response of the shoreline in the context of the historical erosion rates. The monitoring agreement specified the triggers and actions if the observed erosion exceeded the historic values over spatial and temporal scales of concern. This monitoring effort continues in support of the permit for the Oregon Inlet Terminal Groin. With the negotiation of the permit for the construction of the new Bonner Bridge, monitoring requirements for an expanded project area and for additional metrics have been defined. This scope has been added to the ongoing terminal groin monitoring project in anticipation of future design and planning need for the NC12 transportation corridor.

Close

Shoreline Monitoring at Oregon Inlet Terminal Groin

NC Department of Transportation(8/16/13 - 8/15/14)

×

Shoreline Monitoring at Oregon Inlet Terminal Groin

Sponsor: NC Department of Transportation

Start Date: 8/16/13

End Date: 8/15/14

Abstract

The purpose of this ongoing project (1989 to present) is to monitor and evaluate the shoreline response north and south of the Oregon Inlet due to the construction of the terminal groin built to protect Bonner Bridge at the north end of Pea Island. Phase one of the study was to establish the 'historical erosion rates' for the study area since the change in dredging operations in the inlet in 1984 and before the March 1989 storm. Phase two of the study (1989 through 2012), was to implement the monitoring program as per the permit requirement to determining position of the shoreline from aerial photography at a two month interval and to evaluate the response of the shoreline in the context of the historical erosion rates. The monitoring agreement specified the triggers and actions if the observed erosion exceeded the historic values over spatial and temporal scales of concern. This monitoring effort continues in support of the permit for the Oregon Inlet Terminal Groin. With the negotiation of the permit for the construction of the new Bonner Bridge, monitoring requirements for an expanded project area and for additional metrics have been defined. This scope has been added to the ongoing terminal groin monitoring project in anticipation of future design and planning need for the NC12 transportation corridor.

Close

Shoreline Monitoring at Oregon Inlet Terminal Groin

NC Department of Transportation(8/16/12 - 8/15/13)

×

Shoreline Monitoring at Oregon Inlet Terminal Groin

Sponsor: NC Department of Transportation

Start Date: 8/16/12

End Date: 8/15/13

Abstract

The purpose of this ongoing project (1989 to present) is to monitor and evaluate the shoreline response north and south of the Oregon Inlet due to the construction of the terminal groin built to protect Bonner Bridge at the north end of Pea Island. Phase one of the study was to establish the 'historical erosion rates' for the study area since the change in dredging operations in the inlet in 1984 and before the March 1989 storm. Phase two of the study (1989 through 2012), was to implement the monitoring program as per the permit requirement to determining position of the shoreline from aerial photography at a two month interval and to evaluate the response of the shoreline in the context of the historical erosion rates. The monitoring agreement specified the triggers and actions if the observed erosion exceeded the historic values over spatial and temporal scales of concern. This monitoring effort continues in support of the permit for the Oregon Inlet Terminal Groin. With the negotiation of the permit for the construction of the new Bonner Bridge, monitoring requirements for an expanded project area and for additional metrics have been defined. This scope has been added to the ongoing terminal groin monitoring project in anticipation of future design and planning need for the NC12 transportation corridor.

Close

Shoreline Monitoring at Oregon Inlet Terminal Groin

NC Department of Transportation(8/16/11 - 8/15/12)

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Shoreline Monitoring at Oregon Inlet Terminal Groin

Sponsor: NC Department of Transportation

Start Date: 8/16/11

End Date: 8/15/12

Abstract

The purpose of this ongoing project (1989 to present) is to monitor and evaluate the response of a six mile stretch of shoreline just south of the terminal groin constructed to protect the bridge at the north end of Pea Island. The purpose of phase one was to establish the 'historical erosion rates' for the study area since the change in dredging operations in the inlet in 1984 and before the March 1989 storm. The continuing phases of the project consist of determining position of the shoreline from air photography every two months and evaluating the response of the shoreline in the context of the historical erosion rates.

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Visualization of Terrain Evolution: from Animations to Space-Time Cube

Renaissance Computing Institute (RENCI)(1/01/11 - 12/31/11)

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Visualization of Terrain Evolution: from Animations to Space-Time Cube

Sponsor: Renaissance Computing Institute (RENCI)

Start Date: 1/01/11

End Date: 12/31/11

Abstract

LiDAR surveys of coastal regions over the past 15 years have generated time series of elevation data at unprecedented resolutions. For the first time, this type of data is available as a regional, multi-year time series, providing an opportunity for transition from traditional, static representation of topography to terrain abstraction as a 3D dynamic layer.To analyze dynamics of terrain in a continuous space-time domain we propose to model it using voxel models representing elevation dynamics, space-time gradients, and fastest change trajectories. The space-time cube approach is new for representation and analysis of terrain evolution. Effective visualization for this type of data has yet to be developed. Our preliminary experiments indicate the potential but need more work to be fully effective. Advanced visualization has the potential to improve our understanding and communication of complex patterns of terrain evolution at the level that will not only guide future research but also provide critical information for decision-making and on coastal impacts of climate change.

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