Coastal Ocean Processes (CoOP) Description The coastal ocean has a number of unique physical and meteorological processes that promote high biological productivity, active sedimentary processes, dynamic chemical transformations and intense air-sea interactions. In addition to being an area of great scientific interest, the coastal ocean is a region of the global hydrosphere that has special societal importance. Key societal issues include coastal navigation, coastal hazards such as flooding and erosion, the utilization of renewable resources (e.g. fisheries) and nonrenewable resources (e.g. minerals, sand, and petroleum), while minimizing environmental damage. As more of the world’s population shifts towards coastal areas, human impacts on the coastal ocean in terms of pollution, waste disposal and recreation continue to increase. Sensible management decisions require greater fundamental comprehension of how the coastal ocean system functions. Research projects conducted under the auspices of CoOP are funded by the National Science Foundation, the Office of Naval Research and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Target Dates and Deadlines Deadline: July 24, 2002
Program Contact(s) |
Division of Ocean Sciences,
NSF |