{"id":3378,"date":"2026-01-19T14:20:19","date_gmt":"2026-01-19T13:20:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/portale2.unime.it\/coastalengineering\/?page_id=3378"},"modified":"2026-01-26T17:32:08","modified_gmt":"2026-01-26T16:32:08","slug":"research","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/portale2.unime.it\/coastalengineering\/en\/research\/","title":{"rendered":"RESEARCH"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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RESEARCH


<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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Research Focus<\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Our research focuses on:<\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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The research activities of the Coastal Engineering <\/i>at the University of Messina focus on the study of hydrodynamic and morphodynamic processes in marine environments, with particular emphasis on the interactions among waves, currents, sediments, and pollutants.
The research combines experimental, numerical, and field-based approaches, with applications aimed at the sustainable management of coastal zones and the mitigation of anthropogenic impacts.<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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MAIN RESEARCH TOPICS<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\tWe investigate the transport and beaching of plastic debris in coastal environments by relating wave and current dynamics to the physical properties of the objects (density, shape, and buoyancy). Our contribution lies in quantifying the mechanisms of mobilization and accumulation and in providing indicators useful for predicting areas at risk. The activity integrates laboratory experimental campaigns, numerical modeling, and field investigations, including video analysis techniques and monitoring instruments.\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\tWe investigate the dynamics and dispersion of hydrocarbons in the marine environment, focusing on surface transport processes, diffusion, and interactions with wave motion and coastal features. Our contribution lies in developing predictive tools to support operational response by estimating spill trajectories, arrival times, and impact scenarios. This approach combines hydrodynamic and transport numerical modeling with data-driven techniques and neural networks to enhance both the speed and accuracy of predictions.\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\tWe study the processes of sediment erosion, transport, and deposition that govern the morphological evolution of beaches and seabeds, including the effects of extreme events. Our contribution focuses on interpreting and parameterizing the physical mechanisms controlling profile changes and sediment budgets, providing insights for coastal defense and management strategies. The research integrates laboratory experiments, numerical simulations, and field observations\/monitoring.\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\tWe develop wave forecasting models for engineering and management applications, ranging from maritime infrastructure planning to coastal risk assessment. Our contribution is the construction of reliable and easily updatable forecast chains, with products calibrated for specific areas of interest. The approach integrates numerical models of wave generation and propagation, calibration and validation using measurements and buoy data, and statistical and machine learning models.\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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OUR LABORATORY\n <\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Department of Engineering (UniMe), Block A \u2013 Ground Floor \u2013 Rooms 3 and 4.<\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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The Hydraulic and Hydraulic Structures Laboratory (LICI) is the experimental facility supporting the group\u2019s activities in coastal and river hydro-morphodynamics, encompassing research, teaching, and community services.<\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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The main activities conducted through physical model experiments focus on the interaction between waves and port or coastal defense structures, the assessment of hydraulic and shoreline erosion risk, beach nourishment and management of underwater quarries, pollutant dispersion, and plastic transport, among others. Research carried out in the laboratory results in scientific outputs such as publications in national and international conference proceedings, peer-reviewed journals, and internal reports. Laboratory studies also support numerous experimental theses, including both undergraduate and doctoral dissertations. Finally, the laboratory\u2019s consultancy and territorial service activities translate research findings into technical reports that inform and support design projects in collaboration with research stakeholders.\u200b<\/span><\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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