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Open research questions in Coastal and Marine Dynamics

50 unresolved questions extracted from the limitations and future-work sections of 674 Coastal and Marine Dynamics papers in our library. Each links back to the study that raised it.

What the literature leaves open

  • There is a need to investigate the spatial variability of wave climate around Androth island. The existing research gap in understanding the extreme wave climate around Androth island needs to be addressed.

    Wave height variability and extreme wave height estimation at remote islands of Lakshadweep for planning of infrastructure, Arabian Sea · 2026 · DOI

  • The study aims to fill the gap in localized risk assessment by calculating the Exposure Index (EI) at the village and town levels. The study identifies a need for a systematic scientific basis for assessing coastal exposure and managing disaster risk.

    Assessment of coastal exposure of climate-driven oceanic hazards along the East Coast of India using geospatial techniques · 2026 · DOI

  • The complexity of ocean gravity waves due to their nonlinear nature. The limitations of existing phase-averaged models. The need for a systematic approach to validate and compare wave models.

    A laboratory experiment and procedure for deterministic validation of numerical wave models · 2026 · DOI

  • The complexity of estuarine hydrodynamics and morphodynamics. The need for controlled and rapid morphological development in estuarine research. The challenge of scaling up laboratory experiments to real-world systems.

    Experimental dataset on estuarine hydrodynamics and morphodynamics for various planforms, perturbations and timescales · 2026 · DOI

  • concerns illumination. The workflow is robust to discrete cloud shadows, as evidenced by the masking workflow, but it struggles with systemic low-light conditions. This includes images taken during early morning low solar elevation (“dark images”) or significant topographic shading, such as that caused by west- facing cliffs at Chesil Beach. In the latter case, the morning acquisition time (10:00–11:00 local time) causes cliffs to cast shadows over the back-beach, reducing spectral reflectance to levels where information is unrecoverable, unlike the partial transparency of cloud shadows. Finally, incorporating the standard deviation of a moving window served to reduce computational overhead by acting as a pre-filter. By limiting detailed classification to regions of high variance near the shoreline, the model achieved a significant reduction in runtime. The full dataset was processed in 7 hours, compared to 13 hours for the CoastSat model, without requiring additional data storage or high- performance computing infrastructure.

    Coast-O-Matic: an automated shoreline detection method using PlanetScope satellite imagery · 2026 · DOI

  • The paper identifies several technical challenges, including the need for high-resolution data and the complexity of simulating shoreline morphodynamics. The paper also notes the challenge of balancing construction expenses with minimal ecological disturbance while maintaining high morphological performance. The paper highlights the challenge of evaluating the effectiveness of different engineering and nourishment scenarios for enhancing coastal stability.

    Coupled coastal modelling system and particle tracking model for shoreline morphodynamics and management at the Kitchener Drain Outlet, Northern Nile Delta, Egypt · 2026 · DOI

  • The model was limited to a simulation-only approach, without field validation. The model was sensitive to the choice of parameters, with a ± 10% range of the calibrated values used to quantify uncertainties. The model did not account for other factors that may impact shoreline morphodynamics, such as biological processes or human activities.

    Coupled coastal modelling system and particle tracking model for shoreline morphodynamics and management at the Kitchener Drain Outlet, Northern Nile Delta, Egypt · 2026 · DOI

  • The physical mechanisms governing wave energy dissipation and overtopping are not fully understood. There is a need to investigate the effectiveness of stepped embankment configurations.

    Analysis of wave overtopping and dissipation mechanisms on stepped coastal embankments · 2026 · DOI

  • There is a need for accurate prediction of the geometry of ripples in seafloor microtopography. Prior work has not fully investigated the dynamic changes in micro-geomorphology of sandy seafloor under wave action.

    A study on the dynamic changes in micro-geomorphology of sandy seafloor under the influence of wave action · 2026 · DOI

  • ￿ The current study provides a holistic estimation of the CMZ extent using a bathtub approach applied to high-resolution DEMs. The composite inundation levels are derived solely from extreme water levels and relative sea-level rise based on tide- gauge data at each location. However, this approach neither accounts for compound flooding processes (that occur in marine–fluvial transition zones, such as river mouths/deltas) nor natural defences. The sea level rise has been calculated using the GLOSS data available up to 2014 and the subsidence and upliftment factors are not considered in the current study. ￿ The actual limitation of CMZ mapping lies within the sensitivity of the data and the techniques used in the current study. The data gaps in the tidal observations might miss some events. The hourly tide data acquired from the survey of India tide gauges may slightly underestimate the actual amplitude, and minor events may be missed. However, the water levels observed during historical events from published data/literature included in the current study might supplement to fill gaps. ￿ The high-resolution topographic data used from ALTM is very accurate and detailed. This data is available up to 2 km from the coast, and a few deltas extend beyond. Beyond these ALTM areas, Carto-DTM and Copernicus DEM were being used to generate the CMZ. The ALTM data is highly accurate (vertical accuracy 35cm and less than a meter in horizontal accuracy) when compared to Carto-DTM (relative vertical accuracy 1.43m and Horizontal accuracy of 5m). The relative vertical accuracy of the Copernicus DEM is 1.3 m, and horizontal accuracy is less than 6m. ARTICLE IN PRESS ARTICLE IN PRESS ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT The accuracy of the extents of the CMZ derived in the study is limited to the sensitivities of the data used. ￿ Temporal correction on coastal subsidence, uplift and anthropogenic elevation change that might affect exposure is not considered in the current study. ￿ The entire village/town administrative boundary has been considered to represent the population exposure, which includes the settlement area and uninhabited area as well. These boundaries are associated with the population data pertaining to the Census of India 2011.

    Assessment of coastal exposure of climate-driven oceanic hazards along the East Coast of India using geospatial techniques · 2026 · DOI

  • Investigating the applicability of the benchmarking procedure to other types of wave models. Extending the experimental dataset to include more complex wave conditions. Developing more advanced numerical models to improve the accuracy of wave predictions.

    A laboratory experiment and procedure for deterministic validation of numerical wave models · 2026 · DOI

  • Further studies can investigate the impacts of climate change on the beach's evolution. Research can focus on developing sustainable coastal development strategies. The study's findings can be applied to other beaches along the Moroccan Atlantic coast.

    Geospatial analysis of the multidecadal and seasonal evolution of Sidi Rbat beach, Morocco, using GIS, topographic surveys, and digital elevation models · 2026 · DOI

  • The need to understand the multidecadal and seasonal evolution of Sidi Rbat beach. The lack of comprehensive analysis of the complex interactions between hydrodynamic, fluvial, aeolian, and anthropogenic factors shaping the beach.

    Geospatial analysis of the multidecadal and seasonal evolution of Sidi Rbat beach, Morocco, using GIS, topographic surveys, and digital elevation models · 2026 · DOI

  • Future research can focus on experimental validation of the numerical model. Future research can investigate the application of the porous pile cone breakwater design in different coastal environments.

    IMPLEMENTATION OF POROUS PILE CONE BREAKWATER FOR PROTECTING SHORELINE AND PRESERVING MARINE BIODIVERSITY · 2026 · DOI

  • Future studies can build on the FDEM approach to simulate more complex geological structures. The study's findings can be used to inform coastal management and erosion mitigation strategies. Further research is needed to fully understand the effects of thermal forcing on coastal cliff stability.

    Numerical modelling of static and dynamic factors controlling the progressive retreat of rocky coastal cliffs · 2026 · DOI

  • The study identifies a gap in understanding the combined role of predisposing lithostructural features and meteo-climatic preparatory factors on cliff stability. Prior work has focused on predictive erosion models and geomorphological evolutionary patterns, but has not fully addressed the complex interactions between these factors.

    Numerical modelling of static and dynamic factors controlling the progressive retreat of rocky coastal cliffs · 2026 · DOI

  • There is a lack of knowledge on the long-term record of storm events in saltmarshes. There is a need to understand the importance of storm events for marsh resilience.

    Stratigraphic Records of Coastal Storms in UK Saltmarshes · 2026 · DOI

  • The study suggests that future research should focus on developing more complex models that account for the interactions between hazard processes, exposure patterns, and modelling choices. The analysis highlights the need for empirical evidence to support the findings and to inform decision-making and policy development.

    Threshold-Induced Bifurcation and Chaos in a One-Dimensional Coastal Risk Adaptation Map · 2026 · DOI

  • The study identifies a gap in existing research on coastal disaster risk, which often treats hazard processes, exposure patterns, and modelling choices separately. The analysis highlights the need for a more integrated approach to understanding coastal disaster risk dynamics.

    Threshold-Induced Bifurcation and Chaos in a One-Dimensional Coastal Risk Adaptation Map · 2026 · DOI

  • Future research should examine the morphodynamic changes on other estuarine beaches. Future research should investigate the impact of human activities on estuarine beaches. Future research should develop more complex models of wave-climate parameters and their impact on estuarine beaches.

    Wave-Climate–Driven Seasonal Morphodynamic Changes on an Estuarine Beach (Río de la Plata, Argentina) · 2026 · DOI

  • There is a lack of understanding of the morphodynamic changes on estuarine beaches. The study aims to fill this gap by examining the morphodynamic changes on a beach within the Río de la Plata estuary.

    Wave-Climate–Driven Seasonal Morphodynamic Changes on an Estuarine Beach (Río de la Plata, Argentina) · 2026 · DOI

  • The experiments are limited to laboratory scale and may not fully represent natural estuarine systems. The dataset may not be comprehensive enough to capture all the complexities of estuarine hydrodynamics and morphodynamics.

    Experimental dataset on estuarine hydrodynamics and morphodynamics for various planforms, perturbations and timescales · 2026 · DOI

  • There is a lack of understanding of the impacts of anthropogenic modifications on tidal circulation in shallow microtidal estuaries. There is a need for the development of nature-based solutions to restore tidal circulation in altered estuaries.

    Influences of Common Anthropogenic Modifications on Tidal Circulation in a Shallow Microtidal Estuary: Applications of Basin-scale Nature-based Solutions · 2026 · DOI

  • There is a need for sustainable, cost-effective alternatives for coastal and offshore infrastructure protection. Conventional breakwater designs have limitations, and there is a gap in the literature on the hydrodynamic performance of floating breakwaters with perforated vertical skirt plates.

    Hydrodynamic modelling and analysis of floating breakwater with perforated vertical skirt plates · 2026 · DOI

  • Future research should focus on developing and implementing an integrated coastal management strategy. The study's findings can inform further research on coastal erosion mitigation and adaptation.

    COASTAL EROSION DYNAMICS AND COMMUNITY RESILIENCE IN BAYELSA, NIGERIA: A COMPREHENSIVE TIME SERIES ANALYSIS USING REMOTE SENSING AND GEOSPATIAL TECHNOLOGIES · 2026 · DOI

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50 open questions have been extracted from the limitations and future-work passages of 674 Coastal and Marine Dynamics papers in our library. Each one below links back to the study that raised it, so you can read the original claim in context.

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