Wave climate analysis often requires the transformation of wind energy for wave generation across fetch and depth limited coastal reaches within Chesapeake Bay. Further detail is derived by the use of hydrodynamic models such as RCPWAVE (U.S. Corps of Engineers) that transform waves across the nearshore region and to the shore. Sediment transport patterns and the distribution of wave energy alongshore result from this analysis.

The determination of shoreline change and shore morphology through time is accomplished through a rigorous analysis of historical aerial imagery and historical maps and charts, which are either ortho or geo-rectified and digitized. Coupling the physical change in the shore zone with the geological underpinnings and the hydrodynamic forces acting upon it are critical components in evaluating shoreline management strategies. Shoreline managment scenarios vary depending on the site and the client and may include initiating beach nourishment, shoreline hardening, breakwater installation, marsh fringe establishment, doing nothing or any combination of the above.