Skip to main content
Coastal and Marine Sciences Institute
UC Davis Logo
UC Davis Logo
Site Logo
Coastal and Marine Sciences Institute
Main navigation (extended config)
  • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Conference Space
    • Directory
      • Leadership
      • Staff
      • Faculty
      • Emeriti Faculty
      • Researchers
      • Postdoctoral Researchers
      • Graduate Students
    • Employment Opportunities
  • Research
    • Climate Change
    • Coastal Oceanography
    • Conservation and Restoration
    • Ecology and Evolution
    • Ocean Health
    • Physiology
  • Academics
    • Undergraduate Studies
      • Marine & Coastal Science Major
      • Oceanography Minor
      • Summer Classes at BML
        • BML Summer Session FAQ
        • Summer Session 1
        • Summer Session 2
        • Application and Admission Information
        • BML Student Scholarships
      • Fall Quarter Marine Ecology
    • Graduate Studies
      • Graduate Studies in Marine Science 
      • Bilinski Fellowships at BML
  • Engagement
  • News & Events
    • News and Stories
    • Tideline Newsletter
    • Events Calendar
  • Bodega Marine Laboratory
    • About BML
      • Visiting
      • FAQ
      • BML and BMR Directory
      • Resident Faculty
      • Volunteer Opportunities
    • Horseshoe Cove Webcam
    • Facilities
      • Aquatic Resources Group
        • ARG Services
        • Shellfish Hatchery Services
      • Housing and Conference Facilities
        • Housing Information for Students and Visiting Researchers
        • Conference and Group Meeting Facilities
        • Accommodations
        • Rates - Housing and Conferences
        • NIS Laboratory
        • North Wing Wet Lab
        • South Wing Wet Lab
      • Information Technology
        • For Conferences and Meeting Groups
        • Service Level Agreement
      • Library
        • About the Library
        • Library Orientation For New BML Faculty, Staff and Students
        • Library Services for BML Faculty, Staff & Students
        • QUICKLINKS - Commonly Used Library Resources
        • Cadet Hand Library Periodical Holdings
      • Physical Plant Services
      • Specialized Research Facilities
        • Climate Change Research Facility
        • Fluorescence Imaging Facility
        • Invasive Species and Pathogen Facility
        • Shellfish Hatchery Services
      • Marine Operations
        • Small Boat Operation
        • Guidelines for Small Boats
        • Small Boats Calendar
      • Recharge Rates
    • Bodega Marine Reserve
    • Boating Safety Program
    • Diving Safety Program
    • Resources for Visiting Researchers
  • Resources
    • Branding and Media Resources
    • Archived Programs
    • Past Events
    • Resources for Students at BML
  • Giving

Coastal Oceanography

Breadcrumb
  1. Coastal and Marine Sciences Institute
  2. Research
  3. Coastal Oceanography
oceanography, Photo Credit: Gabriel Ng

Coastal Oceanography

Coastal oceanography sits at the critical interface of our world’s landmasses and the open sea. Our researchers investigate the fundamental physical and biological processes that govern these high-productivity zones, from global upwelling systems to complex estuarine dynamics. By integrating physical forcing with biological responses — such as larval dispersal, nutrient cycling, and nearshore hydrodynamics — we seek to understand the mechanisms that sustain marine life across diverse latitudes. Through a combination of advanced ocean observing technology and international collaboration, we work to predict how shifting ocean conditions will impact ecosystems and human communities on a global scale.
Triptych of coastal photos: grassy shore with waves; weather mast on dunes; waves crashing on rocks

Coastal Oceanography Focused Programs:

Coastal Upwelling

Estuaries and Land Runoff

Larval Dispersal and Biological Oceanography

Nearshore Oceanography and Hydrodynamics

Ocean Observing Systems

Physical Oceanography

Return to Research Topics

What Is Coastal Upwelling?

Waves, Photo Credit: Jackie Sones

Upwelling brings cold, nutrient-rich water from the deep up to the surface to jumpstart life and create a feast for marine life.

Read What is Coastal Upwelling and Why is it Important?

Featured Story

A person standing on the coast, gesturing out at the ocean as waves ripple across the sand in the background

Spotlight On: Dr. John Largier

John Largier is a Professor at the Bodega Marine Laboratory and an environmental oceanographer who is interest

UC Davis footer logo
  • Questions or comments?
  • Last update: April 28, 2026

Copyright © The Regents of the University of California, Davis campus. All rights reserved.

This site is officially grown in SiteFarm.