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DUNEX Hazards at Pea Island

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By Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center August 17, 2021

DANGER! INSTRUMENTS IN THE WATER AT PEA ISLAND!

USGS DUNEX Operations on the Outer Banks

a photograph of multiple long steel poles on the beach going into the water with a pier in the background and a bright blue sky

DUring Nearshore Event eXperiment (DUNEX) is a multi-agency, academic, and non-governmental organization (NGO) collaborative community experiment designed to study nearshore coastal processes during storm events. 

DUNEX Home Page

DUNEX Research and Experiments

USGS participation in DUNEX will contribute new measurements and models that will increase our understanding of storm impacts to coastal environments, including hazards to humans and infrastructure and changes in landscape and natural habitats.

Metal poles and equipment will be installed on the beach and in the surf zone out to 600 yards from the shore at Pea Island, just south of New (Pea Island) Inlet, from September (after Labor Day) to mid-November. Installations may not be visible at all tides and conditions.  

These are EXTREMELY HAZARDOUS!!  

Please DO NOT SWIM, SURF, FISH, or BOAT between the signs on the beach (red zone below) and be cautious of currents that may cause you to drift into the hazardous area. 

The poles are 3” diameter and 15’ long, with about 5 feet extending above the seabed. They are used to support the instruments that continuously measure wave heights, water levels, and currents using acoustics. 

a cartoon of stick figures getting hurt in the water on poles sticking out of the seafloor bottom
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
The cross-shore array will pose a hazard to swimmers, boaters, fisherman, and surfers in the nearshore and should be avoided. (Credit: Jin-Si Over, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center. Public domain.)
A 3D rendering of the beach with cartoons
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
The Pea Island cross-shore array will pose a hazard to swimmers, boaters, fisherman, and surfers in the nearshore and the area should be avoided about 50 m to either side of the array and up to a kilometer offshore (Credit: Jin-Si Over, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center. Public domain.)

Below are other science projects associated with DUNEX Hazards at Pea Island.

link
Two boats and multiple people on a calm ocean with a clear blue sky

USGS DUNEX Operations on the Outer Banks

DUring Nearshore Event eXperiment (DUNEX) is a multi-agency, academic, and non-governmental organization (NGO) collaborative community experiment designed to study nearshore coastal processes during storm events. The experiment began in 2019 and is scheduled for completion in the fall of 2021. USGS participation in DUNEX will contribute new measurements and models that will increase our...
By
Natural Hazards Mission Area, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center
link

USGS DUNEX Operations on the Outer Banks

DUring Nearshore Event eXperiment (DUNEX) is a multi-agency, academic, and non-governmental organization (NGO) collaborative community experiment designed to study nearshore coastal processes during storm events. The experiment began in 2019 and is scheduled for completion in the fall of 2021. USGS participation in DUNEX will contribute new measurements and models that will increase our...
Learn More
link
An amphibious vessel call a LARC (Lighter Amphibious Resupply Cargo) at the USACE Field Research Facility

DUNEX Nearshore Geology 

As part of the DUring Nearshore Event eXperiment (DUNEX) we are mapping the geology and morphology of the nearshore coastal environment before and after weather events to assess the impact storms have on coastal erosion.
By
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center
link

DUNEX Nearshore Geology 

As part of the DUring Nearshore Event eXperiment (DUNEX) we are mapping the geology and morphology of the nearshore coastal environment before and after weather events to assess the impact storms have on coastal erosion.
Learn More
link
A basic map of Pea Island with cartographic symbols and labels

DUNEX Aerial Imagery of the Outer Banks

The During Nearshore Event Experiment (DUNEX) project is a large collaborative scientific study focusing on understanding the consequences of coastal storms on the morphology of coastal ecosystems. By flying large sections of the coast and collecting still images using structure from motion (SfM) techniques, we hope to contribute high resolution (20cm) elevation maps for time series comparisons...
By
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center, Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Recovery Activities
link

DUNEX Aerial Imagery of the Outer Banks

The During Nearshore Event Experiment (DUNEX) project is a large collaborative scientific study focusing on understanding the consequences of coastal storms on the morphology of coastal ecosystems. By flying large sections of the coast and collecting still images using structure from motion (SfM) techniques, we hope to contribute high resolution (20cm) elevation maps for time series comparisons...
Learn More
link
schematic of a ocean modeling system that shows different parts

DUNEX Modeling Waves, Water Levels, Sediment Transport, and Shoreline Change

Large, collaborative field experiments such as DUNEX leverage observations of the coastal ocean made by multiple academic, agency, and NGO teams, providing the opportunity to grasp a broader picture of the forces responsible for coastal change. Despite deployment of many instruments, it’s impossible to measure everything, everywhere, at all times. Numerical models that represent the physical...
By
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center
link

DUNEX Modeling Waves, Water Levels, Sediment Transport, and Shoreline Change

Large, collaborative field experiments such as DUNEX leverage observations of the coastal ocean made by multiple academic, agency, and NGO teams, providing the opportunity to grasp a broader picture of the forces responsible for coastal change. Despite deployment of many instruments, it’s impossible to measure everything, everywhere, at all times. Numerical models that represent the physical...
Learn More
link
lots of colorful bags and equipment on the beach as two men look on

DUNEX Pea Island Experiment

The DUring Nearshore Event eXperiment (DUNEX) is an aggregation of multiple scientific organizations collaborating to increase understanding of nearshore processes. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has chosen Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge as a study location to investigate and characterize the magnitude and timing of changes to coastal morphology (i.e., dunes, shorelines), bathymetry, and...
By
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center
link

DUNEX Pea Island Experiment

The DUring Nearshore Event eXperiment (DUNEX) is an aggregation of multiple scientific organizations collaborating to increase understanding of nearshore processes. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has chosen Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge as a study location to investigate and characterize the magnitude and timing of changes to coastal morphology (i.e., dunes, shorelines), bathymetry, and...
Learn More

DANGER! INSTRUMENTS IN THE WATER AT PEA ISLAND!

USGS DUNEX Operations on the Outer Banks

a photograph of multiple long steel poles on the beach going into the water with a pier in the background and a bright blue sky

DUring Nearshore Event eXperiment (DUNEX) is a multi-agency, academic, and non-governmental organization (NGO) collaborative community experiment designed to study nearshore coastal processes during storm events. 

DUNEX Home Page

DUNEX Research and Experiments

USGS participation in DUNEX will contribute new measurements and models that will increase our understanding of storm impacts to coastal environments, including hazards to humans and infrastructure and changes in landscape and natural habitats.

Metal poles and equipment will be installed on the beach and in the surf zone out to 600 yards from the shore at Pea Island, just south of New (Pea Island) Inlet, from September (after Labor Day) to mid-November. Installations may not be visible at all tides and conditions.  

These are EXTREMELY HAZARDOUS!!  

Please DO NOT SWIM, SURF, FISH, or BOAT between the signs on the beach (red zone below) and be cautious of currents that may cause you to drift into the hazardous area. 

The poles are 3” diameter and 15’ long, with about 5 feet extending above the seabed. They are used to support the instruments that continuously measure wave heights, water levels, and currents using acoustics. 

a cartoon of stick figures getting hurt in the water on poles sticking out of the seafloor bottom
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
The cross-shore array will pose a hazard to swimmers, boaters, fisherman, and surfers in the nearshore and should be avoided. (Credit: Jin-Si Over, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center. Public domain.)
A 3D rendering of the beach with cartoons
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
The Pea Island cross-shore array will pose a hazard to swimmers, boaters, fisherman, and surfers in the nearshore and the area should be avoided about 50 m to either side of the array and up to a kilometer offshore (Credit: Jin-Si Over, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center. Public domain.)

Below are other science projects associated with DUNEX Hazards at Pea Island.

link
Two boats and multiple people on a calm ocean with a clear blue sky

USGS DUNEX Operations on the Outer Banks

DUring Nearshore Event eXperiment (DUNEX) is a multi-agency, academic, and non-governmental organization (NGO) collaborative community experiment designed to study nearshore coastal processes during storm events. The experiment began in 2019 and is scheduled for completion in the fall of 2021. USGS participation in DUNEX will contribute new measurements and models that will increase our...
By
Natural Hazards Mission Area, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center
link

USGS DUNEX Operations on the Outer Banks

DUring Nearshore Event eXperiment (DUNEX) is a multi-agency, academic, and non-governmental organization (NGO) collaborative community experiment designed to study nearshore coastal processes during storm events. The experiment began in 2019 and is scheduled for completion in the fall of 2021. USGS participation in DUNEX will contribute new measurements and models that will increase our...
Learn More
link
An amphibious vessel call a LARC (Lighter Amphibious Resupply Cargo) at the USACE Field Research Facility

DUNEX Nearshore Geology 

As part of the DUring Nearshore Event eXperiment (DUNEX) we are mapping the geology and morphology of the nearshore coastal environment before and after weather events to assess the impact storms have on coastal erosion.
By
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center
link

DUNEX Nearshore Geology 

As part of the DUring Nearshore Event eXperiment (DUNEX) we are mapping the geology and morphology of the nearshore coastal environment before and after weather events to assess the impact storms have on coastal erosion.
Learn More
link
A basic map of Pea Island with cartographic symbols and labels

DUNEX Aerial Imagery of the Outer Banks

The During Nearshore Event Experiment (DUNEX) project is a large collaborative scientific study focusing on understanding the consequences of coastal storms on the morphology of coastal ecosystems. By flying large sections of the coast and collecting still images using structure from motion (SfM) techniques, we hope to contribute high resolution (20cm) elevation maps for time series comparisons...
By
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center, Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Recovery Activities
link

DUNEX Aerial Imagery of the Outer Banks

The During Nearshore Event Experiment (DUNEX) project is a large collaborative scientific study focusing on understanding the consequences of coastal storms on the morphology of coastal ecosystems. By flying large sections of the coast and collecting still images using structure from motion (SfM) techniques, we hope to contribute high resolution (20cm) elevation maps for time series comparisons...
Learn More
link
schematic of a ocean modeling system that shows different parts

DUNEX Modeling Waves, Water Levels, Sediment Transport, and Shoreline Change

Large, collaborative field experiments such as DUNEX leverage observations of the coastal ocean made by multiple academic, agency, and NGO teams, providing the opportunity to grasp a broader picture of the forces responsible for coastal change. Despite deployment of many instruments, it’s impossible to measure everything, everywhere, at all times. Numerical models that represent the physical...
By
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center
link

DUNEX Modeling Waves, Water Levels, Sediment Transport, and Shoreline Change

Large, collaborative field experiments such as DUNEX leverage observations of the coastal ocean made by multiple academic, agency, and NGO teams, providing the opportunity to grasp a broader picture of the forces responsible for coastal change. Despite deployment of many instruments, it’s impossible to measure everything, everywhere, at all times. Numerical models that represent the physical...
Learn More
link
lots of colorful bags and equipment on the beach as two men look on

DUNEX Pea Island Experiment

The DUring Nearshore Event eXperiment (DUNEX) is an aggregation of multiple scientific organizations collaborating to increase understanding of nearshore processes. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has chosen Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge as a study location to investigate and characterize the magnitude and timing of changes to coastal morphology (i.e., dunes, shorelines), bathymetry, and...
By
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center
link

DUNEX Pea Island Experiment

The DUring Nearshore Event eXperiment (DUNEX) is an aggregation of multiple scientific organizations collaborating to increase understanding of nearshore processes. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has chosen Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge as a study location to investigate and characterize the magnitude and timing of changes to coastal morphology (i.e., dunes, shorelines), bathymetry, and...
Learn More
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