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Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center

Our center is one of three facilities serving the mission of the USGS Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program.

We study extreme events and physical, biological, and chemical processes that shape our coastal and marine environments. Using this information, we identify hazards and provide critical information on our Nation’s resources. Our research and science-based products provide the strong scientific foundation needed by decisions makers, scientists, and state and federal agencies to address public safety, national security, and resource management across our Nation’s coastal and submerged lands.

News

Sound Waves Newsletter: December 2025-January 2026

Sound Waves Newsletter: December 2025-January 2026

Photo Roundup: December 2025-January 2026

Photo Roundup: December 2025-January 2026

Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center Newsletter: December 2025-January 2026

Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center Newsletter: December 2025-January 2026

Publications

Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center—2024 annual report Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center—2024 annual report

The 2024 annual report of the U.S. Geological Survey Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center highlights accomplishments of 2024, includes a list of 2024 publications, and summarizes the work of the center, as well as the work of each of its science groups. This product allows readers to gain a general understanding of the focus areas of the center’s scientific research and learn...
Authors
Sara Ernst

Compounding of 100-year coastal floods by rainfall in an urban environment Compounding of 100-year coastal floods by rainfall in an urban environment

Coastal and pluvial flooding are both becoming more prevalent and severe due to climate change and urbanization in floodplains. The co-occurrence of these flood drivers is generally assumed to exacerbate the resulting flood impacts, a result referred to as compound flooding. However, few observational or modeling studies have investigated the circumstances under which this occurs. Here...
Authors
Shima Kasaei, Phillip M. Orton, Thomas Wahli, David K. Ralston, John C. Warner

Comparisons of shoreline positions from satellite-derived and traditional field- and remote-sensing techniques Comparisons of shoreline positions from satellite-derived and traditional field- and remote-sensing techniques

Satellite-derived shorelines (SDS) have the potential to help researchers answer critical coastal science questions and support work to predict coastal change by filling in the spatial and temporal gaps present in current field-based and remote-sensing data collection methods. The U.S. Geological Survey conducted comparison analyses of traditionally sourced shorelines and SDS in diverse...
Authors
Andrea C. O'Neill, Sharon F. Batiste, Daniel D. Buscombe, Joseph Burgess, Kara S. Doran, Ann E. Gibbs, Rachel E. Henderson, Julia L. Heslin, Catherine N. Janda, Mark A. Lundine, Joseph F. Terrano, Jonathan A. Warrick, Kathryn M. Weber

Science

Digital Shoreline Analysis System (DSAS)

Software for calculating positional boundary change over time The Digital Shoreline Analysis System (DSAS) version 6 is a standalone application that calculates shoreline or boundary change over time. The GIS of a user’s choice is used to prepare the data for DSAS. Like previous versions, DSAS v.6 enables a user to calculate rate-of-change statistics from multiple historical shoreline positions...
Digital Shoreline Analysis System (DSAS)

Digital Shoreline Analysis System (DSAS)

Software for calculating positional boundary change over time The Digital Shoreline Analysis System (DSAS) version 6 is a standalone application that calculates shoreline or boundary change over time. The GIS of a user’s choice is used to prepare the data for DSAS. Like previous versions, DSAS v.6 enables a user to calculate rate-of-change statistics from multiple historical shoreline positions...
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Prioritizing marsh restoration needs throughout Chesapeake Bay

A new USGS study estimates potential losses of Chesapeake Bay salt marshes that could occur in the next 80 years if no marsh restoration is undertaken. Using a suite of models, USGS researchers identified how future potential marsh changes can be used to prioritize present-day site-specific planning and restoration needs.
Prioritizing marsh restoration needs throughout Chesapeake Bay

Prioritizing marsh restoration needs throughout Chesapeake Bay

A new USGS study estimates potential losses of Chesapeake Bay salt marshes that could occur in the next 80 years if no marsh restoration is undertaken. Using a suite of models, USGS researchers identified how future potential marsh changes can be used to prioritize present-day site-specific planning and restoration needs.
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GeoPackage of Seabed Hazards to Offshore Infrastructure

Energy and resource development is increasing along the Nation’s outer continental shelves, where coastal waters meet the deep sea. Offshore infrastructure, such as oil and gas platforms and mining devices, help extract and transport resources from beneath the seafloor to where they’re needed on land. These resources are essential for powering homes and businesses across the country and supporting...
GeoPackage of Seabed Hazards to Offshore Infrastructure

GeoPackage of Seabed Hazards to Offshore Infrastructure

Energy and resource development is increasing along the Nation’s outer continental shelves, where coastal waters meet the deep sea. Offshore infrastructure, such as oil and gas platforms and mining devices, help extract and transport resources from beneath the seafloor to where they’re needed on land. These resources are essential for powering homes and businesses across the country and supporting...
Learn More
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