Cooperative Agreement for Affiliated Partner with the Gulf Coast Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU)

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is offering a funding opportunity to a CESU partner for research in determining the effects that variations of spatial geotechnical sediment properties have on geomorphic response during storm impacts. This effort will advance capabilities to predict impacts of storms along the Nation's coastline. Hurricanes Ian and Fiona, which caused major damage ($50–65 billion) during the 2022 hurricane season, demonstrated increased stakeholder needs for data and tools to prepare for severe events. Risk models in coastal environments are needed to address multi-hazard threat sources including coastal flooding and erosion. In order to increase the security of the Nation, "We want a resilient national infrastructure that can withstand natural disasters, resist and thwart foreign threats, and prevent or mitigate any events that might harm the American people or disrupt the American economy", [National Security Strategy of the United States of America, Nov. 2025, page 3; 2025-National-Security-Strategy.pdf]. Predictions of these impacts require the concurrent simulation of ocean currents, water levels, wave groups, and coastal geomorphological evolution. It has been shown that coastal geotechnical variability can have a profound effect on the geomorphic response during extreme storm events, either enhancing or hindering the onset of barrier island breaching that can increase inland flooding. Geotechnical factors such as sediment porosity, grain size, and critical erosion stress can alter the beach response during conditions ranging from calm, moderate, to high intensity impacts. The USGS seeks a partner for research to advance a coupled ocean-wave-sediment modeling system for predictions of geomorphic change due to variation in geotechnical sediment properties. Results will produce coastal science that supports storm and emergency preparedness for management of existing or proposed engineering, infrastructure, and coastal protection systems. This project aligns with EO 14154 - Unleashing American Energy (January 20, 2025) and SO 3418 - Unleashing American Energy (February 3, 2025). Generation of domestic energy resources, including, but not limited to, on Federal lands requires knowledge of coastal processes, ocean currents, waves, and ocean sea floor characterization. Security of the nation's critical energy resources is required to prevent impacts from severe storms, necessitating the need to better understand how storms can impede the development of energy resources. This project also aligns with EO 14156 - Declaring a National Energy Emergency (January 20, 2025) and SO 3417 - Addressing the National Energy Emergency (February 3, 2025) The country requires reliable, diversified, and affordable supply of energy to drive the Nation's manufacturing, transportation, agriculture, and defense industries, and to sustain the basics of modern life and military preparedness. This necessitates the integrity and expansion of the Nation's energy infrastructure-from coast to coast, and identify potential threats to the acquisition and distribution of critical resources near the coast. Finally, this project is funded through the Congressional Authority Disaster Supplemental from Hurricane Ian (Public Law 117-328) to improve data and tools to assist stakeholders in preparing for severe events.

This financial assistance opportunity is being issued under a Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Units (CESU) Program. CESUs are partnerships that provide research, technical assistance, and education. Eligible recipients must be a participating partner of the Gulf Coast Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) Program.