Bio
Dr. Babak Tehranirad is a coastal scientist and engineer with more than a decade of experience addressing shoreline change, coastal hazards, and climate adaptation. Dr. Tehranirad combines deep academic grounding with hands-on project leadership across the United States, including the West Coast, the East Coast, Alaska, and the Pacific Islands. He specializes in hydrodynamic and sediment transport modeling, flood hazard mapping, and nature-based shoreline design. His work supports sustainable, stakeholder-driven planning for municipalities, state agencies, and Tribes, with emphasis on sediment management and resilience strategies that align ecological, technical, and community needs.
Relevant Experience
Coastal Resilience
Waterfront Adaptation Planning, Santa Barbara, California — Led nature-based adaptation modeling and design for a 30-year planning horizon. Integrated Delft3D hydrodynamic and sediment transport models with harbor modifications and beach dynamics. Supported community engagement and developed phased sea level rises (SLR) adaptation strategies.
Living Shoreline Sediment Response Study, Carpinteria, California — Modeled sediment behavior from localized nourishments under SLR and wave forcing. Supported dune design for a living shoreline using high-resolution Delft3D simulations tailored to beach-dune interaction zones.
Shoreline Stormwater Resilience Planning, San Diego, California — Assessed climate vulnerabilities to stormwater infrastructure along the city’s low-lying shoreline. Developed hybrid sediment management and public access solutions under projected flood hazard zones.
Shoreline Vulnerability Feasibility Study, India Basin, California — Modeled wave runup, flooding exposure, and sediment transport to evaluate nature-based enhancements for a mixed-use urban waterfront. Informed access improvements and habitat restoration within a disadvantaged community.
Harbor Infrastructure Risk Assessment, Pillar Point, California — Used wave transformation and flooding analysis to quantify exposure risks to harbor assets under extreme tides and storms. Recommended revetment modifications and sediment replenishment.
Bluff Retreat and Adaptation Analysis, Port Gamble, Washington — Led integration of historical shoreline data, nearshore hydrodynamics, and erosion modeling to inform future bluff stabilization and managed retreat scenarios.
Puget Sound CoSMoS, Puget Sound Region, Washington — Built a regional coastal storm and SLR hazard modeling system for multiple jurisdictions. Incorporated extreme wave scenarios and probabilistic flood elevations.
Bluff Retreat Analysis, Washington and Hawaii — Modeled shoreline retreat and erosion under SLR and storm events. Integrated historical aerial imagery and geomorphic process models to support prioritization of adaptation interventions.
Shoreline Change Screening, California — Contributed to long-term shoreline monitoring and geomorphic trend analysis to support SLR vulnerability assessments and managed retreat planning.
Coastal Hazard Study, Port Gamble S’Klallam Reservation, Washington — Worked closely with Tribal staff to assess erosion, wave runup, and adaptation options for bluff-fronted properties. Embedded cultural values and stewardship principles into design recommendations.
Sediment Transport Modeling
Living Shoreline Sediment Response Study, Carpinteria, California — Modeled sediment behavior from localized nourishments under SLR and wave forcing. Supported dune design for a living shoreline using high-resolution Delft3D simulations tailored to beach-dune interaction zones.
Shoreline Vulnerability Feasibility Study, India Basin, California — Modeled wave runup, flooding exposure, and sediment transport to evaluate nature-based enhancements for a mixed-use urban waterfront. Informed access improvements and habitat restoration within a disadvantaged community.
Localized Sediment Release Study, Goleta and Carpinteria, California — Simulated sediment transport from access-point nourishments to predict deposition and retention along unarmored beaches. Supported restoration infrastructure design with U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and BEACON.
Bay Farm Island Resilience and Sediment Evaluation, Alaska — Assessed sediment compatibility and shoreline behavior to support strategic nourishment along a culturally and ecologically sensitive site.
Goleta Slough Sediment and Flood Scenario Review, California — Contributed sediment transport modeling and marsh-sediment interaction assessments to support long-term SLR adaptation for critical infrastructure.
K-Marsh Wave Energy and Sediment Impact Study, California — Used wave modeling to estimate hydrodynamic energy inputs and resulting sediment behavior within a back bay restoration site.
Tsunami Morphodynamic Adjustment Simulations, U.S. East Coast — Performed advanced morphodynamic modeling of coastal inundation to assess changes in hazard levels during tsunami flow. Investigated tsunami-induced erosion, sediment flux, and bathymetric feedback.
Shoreline Change Screening, California — Contributed to long-term shoreline monitoring and geomorphic trend analysis to support SLR vulnerability assessments and managed retreat planning.
Hydrodynamics
Coastal Flood Forecasting System, San Francisco Bay, California — Developed and operationalized a compound flood forecast tool incorporating tides, remote residuals, and fluvial input. The tool was used in public outreach and coastal planning.
Puget Sound CoSMoS, Puget Sound Region, Washington — Built a regional coastal storm and SLR hazard modeling system for multiple jurisdictions. Incorporated extreme wave scenarios and probabilistic flood elevations.
CoSMoS Outreach and Scenario Applications, California — Contributed to public and municipal engagement across the California coast using Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)-compliant flood projections and storm scenario maps.
FUNWAVE-TVD and NHWAVE Coastal Model Development, Newark, Delaware — Contributed to the development, testing, and benchmarking of coastal wave and tsunami propagation models in FORTRAN. Published user manuals and validated model output for FEMA and National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Program (NTHMP) use.
Coastal Science
Localized Sediment Release Study, Goleta and Carpinteria, California — Simulated sediment transport from access-point nourishments to predict deposition and retention along unarmored beaches. Supported restoration infrastructure design with U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and BEACON.
CoSMoS Outreach and Scenario Applications, California — Contributed to public and municipal engagement across the California coast using Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)-compliant flood projections and storm scenario maps.
Tsunami Inundation Mapping Series, U.S. East Coast — Produced tsunami hazard maps and emergency planning documents for over a dozen coastal municipalities using FUNWAVE and NHWAVE. Developed official NTHMP scenario reports.
Submarine Slope Failure Tsunami Risk, Bahamas and U.S. East Coast — Modeled deep-sea landslide-triggered tsunami generation and propagation with global bathymetry data. Contributed to hazard assessment reports and peer-reviewed publications.
Franks Tract Wetland Restoration Modeling, Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta, California — Provided numerical modeling support to evaluate tidal reconnection scenarios and long-term restoration feasibility. Assessed sediment transport, water exchange, and habitat evolution for adaptive wetland design.
Tsunami Morphodynamic Adjustment Simulations, U.S. East Coast — Performed advanced morphodynamic modeling of coastal inundation to assess changes in hazard levels during tsunami flow. Investigated tsunami-induced erosion, sediment flux, and bathymetric feedback.
Wetlands
Goleta Slough Sediment and Flood Scenario Review, California — Contributed sediment transport modeling and marsh-sediment interaction assessments to support long-term SLR adaptation for critical infrastructure.
K-Marsh Wave Energy and Sediment Impact Study, California — Used wave modeling to estimate hydrodynamic energy inputs and resulting sediment behavior within a back bay restoration site.
Franks Tract Wetland Restoration Modeling, Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta, California — Provided numerical modeling support to evaluate tidal reconnection scenarios and long-term restoration feasibility. Assessed sediment transport, water exchange, and habitat evolution for adaptive wetland design.
Back Bay Marsh and Wave Energy Study, California — Modeled wave transformation and energy input across intertidal marsh zones to evaluate sediment deposition and long-term geomorphic response.
Modeling
FUNWAVE-TVD and NHWAVE Coastal Model Development, Newark, Delaware — Contributed to the development, testing, and benchmarking of coastal wave and tsunami propagation models in FORTRAN. Published user manuals and validated model output for FEMA and National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Program (NTHMP) use.
Tsunami Morphodynamic Adjustment Simulations, U.S. East Coast — Performed advanced morphodynamic modeling of coastal inundation to assess changes in hazard levels during tsunami flow. Investigated tsunami-induced erosion, sediment flux, and bathymetric feedback.
Coastal Engineering
Waterfront Adaptation Planning, Santa Barbara, California — Led nature-based adaptation modeling and design for a 30-year planning horizon. Integrated Delft3D hydrodynamic and sediment transport models with harbor modifications and beach dynamics. Supported community engagement and developed phased sea level rises (SLR) adaptation strategies.
Living Shoreline Sediment Response Study, Carpinteria, California — Modeled sediment behavior from localized nourishments under SLR and wave forcing. Supported dune design for a living shoreline using high-resolution Delft3D simulations tailored to beach-dune interaction zones.
Shoreline Stormwater Resilience Planning, San Diego, California — Assessed climate vulnerabilities to stormwater infrastructure along the city’s low-lying shoreline. Developed hybrid sediment management and public access solutions under projected flood hazard zones.
Shoreline Vulnerability Feasibility Study, India Basin, California — Modeled wave runup, flooding exposure, and sediment transport to evaluate nature-based enhancements for a mixed-use urban waterfront. Informed access improvements and habitat restoration within a disadvantaged community.
Harbor Infrastructure Risk Assessment, Pillar Point, California — Used wave transformation and flooding analysis to quantify exposure risks to harbor assets under extreme tides and storms. Recommended revetment modifications and sediment replenishment.
Bluff Retreat and Adaptation Analysis, Port Gamble, Washington — Led integration of historical shoreline data, nearshore hydrodynamics, and erosion modeling to inform future bluff stabilization and managed retreat scenarios.
Underwater Outfall Design Support, California Coast — Simulated hydrodynamic impacts and mixing zones for multiple offshore outfall structures. Supported permitting efforts by assessing nearfield dilution, wave-current interactions, and shoreline stability.
Vista Grande Canal Flood Study, Daly City, California — Produced flood maps and scenario analyses for a coastal stormwater bypass tunnel. Assessed compound coastal and rainfall-based flood risks to low-lying neighborhoods.
Ocean Beach Coastal Erosion and Hazard Study, San Francisco, California — Developed wave runup and sediment transport models to support emergency dune restoration and infrastructure defense design.
Bay Farm Island Coastal Review, Alaska — Assessed site-specific sediment compatibility and shoreline erosion under climate change conditions. Supported a Native regional organization’s planning for future nourishment and protection options.
Coastal Geomorphology
Waterfront Adaptation Planning, Santa Barbara, California — Led nature-based adaptation modeling and design for a 30-year planning horizon. Integrated Delft3D hydrodynamic and sediment transport models with harbor modifications and beach dynamics. Supported community engagement and developed phased sea level rises (SLR) adaptation strategies.
Living Shoreline Sediment Response Study, Carpinteria, California — Modeled sediment behavior from localized nourishments under SLR and wave forcing. Supported dune design for a living shoreline using high-resolution Delft3D simulations tailored to beach-dune interaction zones.
Shoreline Vulnerability Feasibility Study, India Basin, California — Modeled wave runup, flooding exposure, and sediment transport to evaluate nature-based enhancements for a mixed-use urban waterfront. Informed access improvements and habitat restoration within a disadvantaged community.
Bluff Retreat and Adaptation Analysis, Port Gamble, Washington — Led integration of historical shoreline data, nearshore hydrodynamics, and erosion modeling to inform future bluff stabilization and managed retreat scenarios.
Localized Sediment Release Study, Goleta and Carpinteria, California — Simulated sediment transport from access-point nourishments to predict deposition and retention along unarmored beaches. Supported restoration infrastructure design with U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and BEACON.
Tsunami Inundation Mapping Series, U.S. East Coast — Produced tsunami hazard maps and emergency planning documents for over a dozen coastal municipalities using FUNWAVE and NHWAVE. Developed official NTHMP scenario reports.
Submarine Slope Failure Tsunami Risk, Bahamas and U.S. East Coast — Modeled deep-sea landslide-triggered tsunami generation and propagation with global bathymetry data. Contributed to hazard assessment reports and peer-reviewed publications.
Franks Tract Wetland Restoration Modeling, Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta, California — Provided numerical modeling support to evaluate tidal reconnection scenarios and long-term restoration feasibility. Assessed sediment transport, water exchange, and habitat evolution for adaptive wetland design.
Back Bay Marsh and Wave Energy Study, California — Modeled wave transformation and energy input across intertidal marsh zones to evaluate sediment deposition and long-term geomorphic response.
Ocean Beach Coastal Erosion and Hazard Study, San Francisco, California — Developed wave runup and sediment transport models to support emergency dune restoration and infrastructure defense design.
Bluff Retreat Analysis, Washington and Hawaii — Modeled shoreline retreat and erosion under SLR and storm events. Integrated historical aerial imagery and geomorphic process models to support prioritization of adaptation interventions.
Shoreline Change Screening, California — Contributed to long-term shoreline monitoring and geomorphic trend analysis to support SLR vulnerability assessments and managed retreat planning.
Environment, Social and Governance
Coastal Hazard Study, Port Gamble S’Klallam Reservation, Washington — Worked closely with Tribal staff to assess erosion, wave runup, and adaptation options for bluff-fronted properties. Embedded cultural values and stewardship principles into design recommendations.
Bay Farm Island Coastal Review, Alaska — Assessed site-specific sediment compatibility and shoreline erosion under climate change conditions. Supported a Native regional organization’s planning for future nourishment and protection options.
Climate Change
Shoreline Stormwater Resilience Planning, San Diego, California — Assessed climate vulnerabilities to stormwater infrastructure along the city’s low-lying shoreline. Developed hybrid sediment management and public access solutions under projected flood hazard zones.
CoSMoS Outreach and Scenario Applications, California — Contributed to public and municipal engagement across the California coast using Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)-compliant flood projections and storm scenario maps.
Vista Grande Canal Flood Study, Daly City, California — Produced flood maps and scenario analyses for a coastal stormwater bypass tunnel. Assessed compound coastal and rainfall-based flood risks to low-lying neighborhoods.
Stormwater Management
Shoreline Stormwater Resilience Planning, San Diego, California — Assessed climate vulnerabilities to stormwater infrastructure along the city’s low-lying shoreline. Developed hybrid sediment management and public access solutions under projected flood hazard zones.
Vista Grande Canal Flood Study, Daly City, California — Produced flood maps and scenario analyses for a coastal stormwater bypass tunnel. Assessed compound coastal and rainfall-based flood risks to low-lying neighborhoods.
Environmental Engineering
Underwater Outfall Design Support, California Coast — Simulated hydrodynamic impacts and mixing zones for multiple offshore outfall structures. Supported permitting efforts by assessing nearfield dilution, wave-current interactions, and shoreline stability.
Ocean Modeling
Puget Sound CoSMoS, Puget Sound Region, Washington — Built a regional coastal storm and SLR hazard modeling system for multiple jurisdictions. Incorporated extreme wave scenarios and probabilistic flood elevations.
Submarine Slope Failure Tsunami Risk, Bahamas and U.S. East Coast — Modeled deep-sea landslide-triggered tsunami generation and propagation with global bathymetry data. Contributed to hazard assessment reports and peer-reviewed publications.
FUNWAVE-TVD and NHWAVE Coastal Model Development, Newark, Delaware — Contributed to the development, testing, and benchmarking of coastal wave and tsunami propagation models in FORTRAN. Published user manuals and validated model output for FEMA and National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Program (NTHMP) use.
Underwater Outfall Design Support, California Coast — Simulated hydrodynamic impacts and mixing zones for multiple offshore outfall structures. Supported permitting efforts by assessing nearfield dilution, wave-current interactions, and shoreline stability.
Oceanography
FUNWAVE-TVD and NHWAVE Coastal Model Development, Newark, Delaware — Contributed to the development, testing, and benchmarking of coastal wave and tsunami propagation models in FORTRAN. Published user manuals and validated model output for FEMA and National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Program (NTHMP) use.
Tsunami Morphodynamic Adjustment Simulations, U.S. East Coast — Performed advanced morphodynamic modeling of coastal inundation to assess changes in hazard levels during tsunami flow. Investigated tsunami-induced erosion, sediment flux, and bathymetric feedback.
Statistical Modeling
FUNWAVE-TVD and NHWAVE Coastal Model Development, Newark, Delaware — Contributed to the development, testing, and benchmarking of coastal wave and tsunami propagation models in FORTRAN. Published user manuals and validated model output for FEMA and National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Program (NTHMP) use.
Ecological Modeling
Back Bay Marsh and Wave Energy Study, California — Modeled wave transformation and energy input across intertidal marsh zones to evaluate sediment deposition and long-term geomorphic response.
Ecological Restoration
Bay Farm Island Resilience and Sediment Evaluation, Alaska — Assessed sediment compatibility and shoreline behavior to support strategic nourishment along a culturally and ecologically sensitive site.
Franks Tract Wetland Restoration Modeling, Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta, California — Provided numerical modeling support to evaluate tidal reconnection scenarios and long-term restoration feasibility. Assessed sediment transport, water exchange, and habitat evolution for adaptive wetland design.
Back Bay Marsh and Wave Energy Study, California — Modeled wave transformation and energy input across intertidal marsh zones to evaluate sediment deposition and long-term geomorphic response.
Environmental Modeling
Coastal Flood Forecasting System, San Francisco Bay, California — Developed and operationalized a compound flood forecast tool incorporating tides, remote residuals, and fluvial input. The tool was used in public outreach and coastal planning.
Puget Sound CoSMoS, Puget Sound Region, Washington — Built a regional coastal storm and SLR hazard modeling system for multiple jurisdictions. Incorporated extreme wave scenarios and probabilistic flood elevations.
CoSMoS Outreach and Scenario Applications, California — Contributed to public and municipal engagement across the California coast using Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)-compliant flood projections and storm scenario maps.
Franks Tract Wetland Restoration Modeling, Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta, California — Provided numerical modeling support to evaluate tidal reconnection scenarios and long-term restoration feasibility. Assessed sediment transport, water exchange, and habitat evolution for adaptive wetland design.
Sediment Fate and Transport Studies
Localized Sediment Release Study, Goleta and Carpinteria, California — Simulated sediment transport from access-point nourishments to predict deposition and retention along unarmored beaches. Supported restoration infrastructure design with U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and BEACON.
Bay Farm Island Resilience and Sediment Evaluation, Alaska — Assessed sediment compatibility and shoreline behavior to support strategic nourishment along a culturally and ecologically sensitive site.
Goleta Slough Sediment and Flood Scenario Review, California — Contributed sediment transport modeling and marsh-sediment interaction assessments to support long-term SLR adaptation for critical infrastructure.
K-Marsh Wave Energy and Sediment Impact Study, California — Used wave modeling to estimate hydrodynamic energy inputs and resulting sediment behavior within a back bay restoration site.
Tsunami Inundation Mapping Series, U.S. East Coast — Produced tsunami hazard maps and emergency planning documents for over a dozen coastal municipalities using FUNWAVE and NHWAVE. Developed official NTHMP scenario reports.
Climate Impact Assessment
Waterfront Adaptation Planning, Santa Barbara, California — Led nature-based adaptation modeling and design for a 30-year planning horizon. Integrated Delft3D hydrodynamic and sediment transport models with harbor modifications and beach dynamics. Supported community engagement and developed phased sea level rises (SLR) adaptation strategies.
Goleta Slough Sediment and Flood Scenario Review, California — Contributed sediment transport modeling and marsh-sediment interaction assessments to support long-term SLR adaptation for critical infrastructure.
K-Marsh Wave Energy and Sediment Impact Study, California — Used wave modeling to estimate hydrodynamic energy inputs and resulting sediment behavior within a back bay restoration site.
Coastal Flood Forecasting System, San Francisco Bay, California — Developed and operationalized a compound flood forecast tool incorporating tides, remote residuals, and fluvial input. The tool was used in public outreach and coastal planning.
Education & Credentials
Ph.D., Coastal Engineering, Center for Applied Coastal Research (CACR), University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, 2016
M.Sc., Civil Engineering (Marine Structures), University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran, 2010
B.Sc., Civil Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran, 2007
Continuing Education
California Coastal Resilience Training Series – OPC/SCC (2023)
Delft3D Advanced Modeling Workshop – Deltares, Online (2021)
Professional Affiliations
Member, American Geophysical Union (AGU)
Member, American Shore and Beach Preservation Association (ASBPA)
Member, California Marine Affairs and Navigation Conference (CMANC)
Relevant Experience
- Coastal Resilience
- Sediment Transport Modeling
- Hydrodynamics
- Coastal Science
- Wetlands
- Modeling
- Coastal Engineering
- Coastal Geomorphology
- Environment, Social and Governance
- Climate Change
- Stormwater Management
- Environmental Engineering
- Ocean Modeling
- Oceanography
- Statistical Modeling
- Ecological Modeling
- Ecological Restoration
- Environmental Modeling
- Sediment Fate and Transport Studies
- Climate Impact Assessment