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Coastal Hazards Lab
Coastal hazards pose a big problem that need big solutions. Our goal at The Coastal Hazards Lab at ARII is to establish a collaborative technology hub for coastal hazards research, real-world solution development, and knowledge sharing.
The Atlantic Resiliency Innovation Institute partners with municipalities and organizations across Massachusetts and beyond to turn coastal data into action. Leveraging our nearshore sensor networks and local expertise, we provide the tools, analysis, and guidance needed to better understand risk, protect infrastructure, and build resilient futures. Let's talk about what we can do for your community!
Great coastal research only matters if it leaves the lab. At ARII, we bridge the gap between scientific discovery and on-the-ground impact — giving innovators, startups, and agencies a test bed to move ideas from concept to the water faster. We're building the infrastructure, tools, partnerships and the workforce to make sure the next generation of coastal solutions actually reaches the communities that need them.
Coastal hazards are growing more frequent, more costly, and more complex. The Coastal Hazards Lab deploys real-time sensor networks, builds operational digital twins, and applies advanced AI and machine learning to understand how waves, currents, and sediment interact with the coastlines communities depend on. Our federally supported research produces the kind of rigorous, data-driven insight that turns uncertainty into understanding.
Coastal conditions change by the minute — and understanding them in real time is essential.
Our live data platform connects directly to ARII’s sensor network, delivering up-to-date readings on wave activity, wind, and ocean behavior across the region. This isn’t just data for observation — it’s the foundation for how we model risk, test solutions, and build more resilient coastal communities.
Explore current conditions, track changes as they happen, and see the same data powering our research and innovation work.
Why Coastal Hazards
There are 258 coastal counties in the United States where nearly 100 million people live and work, approximately 30% of the US population. These communities generate $7.01 trillion, 34% of the national GDP. Over the past decade, coastal hazards have challenged these communities through more than $500 billion in damages every year that threaten industries ranging from tourism to advanced manufacturing and increase the cost of living through increased tax burdens and higher insurance premiums.
What are we working on in the lab?
We are building an operational numerical model to accurately track and forecast waves, currents, sediment movement and more, so that we can safely test solutions in the digital domain before sticking them in the water.
From real-time water quality and wave buoys to AI camera systems, we are digitizing how we monitor our coast
Click here to view CHL Coastal Sensor Network
CHL is working toward a full coastal test bed with lab space, boat resources, and full data governance solutions to accelerate the time from innovation to testing for startups and researchers
Through CUMULUS, our sensor data is analytics ready and we apply advanced algorithms to identify the unique causes of coastal hazards
We are thrilled to work with our federal partners to identify standardized metrics for coastal hazard risk
The ocean is complex. AI can help. CHL utilizes modern AI practices including ML, DL, and LLMs to find deeper insight into data for risk management
CHL hosts a Bristlemouth Development kits that is open for outside researchers to test their underwater sensors
Bringing Solutions to The Real World
For decades, federal, state, and academic institutions have carried out cutting edge coastal research. Unfortunately, much of it end up in scientific papers that never has the opportunity to make a meaningful impact to real communities. The Coastal Hazard Lab at ARII seeks to change that. Our focus is on bringing researchers together, enabling innovative ideas to enter the water, and to identify real opportunities to create more resilient communities.