Marine Geomorphology, Evolution, and Habitats
Active
By Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
June 6, 2022
Seafloor resource managers and modelers need seafloor maps that can be combined in GIS, modeling, and statistical analysis environments and related successfully to biologic and oceanographic data. The Marine Geomorphology, Evolution, and Habitats Project encompasses mapping activities and the development of new mapping systems and methodologies. The emphasis is on the role of geologic processes in the evolution of habitats. Interest in USGS habitat maps and habitat change studies remains high.
OBJECTIVES
Develop seafloor habitat map products that directly apply to habitat and offshore energy impact modeling
Improve seafloor maps through combined technologies
Generate USGS map and data publications for California’s State Waters. The California Seafloor Mapping Program (CSMP) is a cooperative program to create a comprehensive coastal/marine geologic and habitat base map series for all of California’s State waters
Determine the geomorphology and seafloor character of the Gulf of Alaska, as a multi-agency cooperative
Generate geo-referenced video mosaics from seafloor video collected by other USGS projects at the Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, in cooperation with the University of New Hampshire’s Center for Coastal and Ocean Mapping
Understand the processes that control seafloor stability and the resulting modification of continental shelf geomorphology, sediment distribution, and benthic habitats
California Seafloor Mapping Program
The California Seafloor Mapping Program (CSMP) is a cooperative program to create a comprehensive coastal and marine geologic and habitat base map series for all of California's State waters.
Below are data releases associated with this project.
Bathymetry, backscatter intensity, and benthic habitat offshore of Point Buchon, California (ver. 1.1, January 2024) Bathymetry, backscatter intensity, and benthic habitat offshore of Point Buchon, California (ver. 1.1, January 2024)
Surveys offshore of Point Buchon, California, were conducted to map surficial geology and benthic habitat as part of the USGS California Seafloor Mapping Program, a collaboration with California State University Monterey Bay (CSUMB) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). These data are intended to provide regional bathymetric information in California State...
Bathymetry, backscatter intensity, and benthic habitat offshore of Point Estero, California (ver 1.1, November 2023) Bathymetry, backscatter intensity, and benthic habitat offshore of Point Estero, California (ver 1.1, November 2023)
Surveys offshore of Point Estero, California, were conducted to map surficial geology and benthic habitat as part of the USGS California Seafloor Mapping Program, a collaboration with California State University Monterey Bay (CSUMB) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). These data are intended to provide regional bathymetric information in California State...
Bathymetry, backscatter intensity, and benthic habitat offshore of Morro Bay, California (ver. 1.1, January 2024) Bathymetry, backscatter intensity, and benthic habitat offshore of Morro Bay, California (ver. 1.1, January 2024)
The surveys were conducted to map surficial geology and benthic habitat as part of the USGS California Seafloor Mapping Program, a collaboration with California State University Monterey Bay (CSUMB) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). These data are intended to provide regional bathymetric information in California State waters for offshore resource and...
Bathymetry and topography, video observation, and derived benthic habitat data offshore of Seattle, Washington Bathymetry and topography, video observation, and derived benthic habitat data offshore of Seattle, Washington
In 2010, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 10, initiated the Puget Sound Scientific Studies and Technical Investigations Assistance Program, which was designed to support research for implementing the Puget Sound Action Agenda. The Action Agenda was created because Puget Sound was designated as one of 28 estuaries of National Significance under section 320 of the Clean...
Multibeam echosounder, video observation, and derived benthic habitat data offshore of south-central California in support of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management Cal DIG I, offshore alternative energy project Multibeam echosounder, video observation, and derived benthic habitat data offshore of south-central California in support of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management Cal DIG I, offshore alternative energy project
Coastal and Marine Ecological Classification Standard (CMECS) geoform, substrate, and biotic component (also known as "biotope") GIS products were developed for the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone of south-central California motivated by interest in development of offshore wind energy capacity and infrastructure. The lead agency responsible for planning and leasing in the Exclusive Economic...
Piston and gravity core data collected during USGS cruise 2019-642-FA offshore of south-central California in support of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) California Deepwater Investigations and Groundtruthing (Cal DIG I) alternative energy pro Piston and gravity core data collected during USGS cruise 2019-642-FA offshore of south-central California in support of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) California Deepwater Investigations and Groundtruthing (Cal DIG I) alternative energy pro
This data release includes photographs, multi-sensor core logger (MSCL), porewater analyses, and location and depth data from piston and gravity cores collected off the south-central California coast. This dataset is one of several collected as part of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM)-funded California Deepwater Investigations and Groundtruthing (Cal DIG I) project. The...
Donated ROV vibracore and sampling data collected during Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute cruises in 2019 offshore of south-central California Donated ROV vibracore and sampling data collected during Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute cruises in 2019 offshore of south-central California
This dataset includes photographs of vibracores that were collected by the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) in February 2019 and November 2019 aboard the R/V Western Flyer using the remotely operated vehicle (ROV) Doc Ricketts. The collection of these cores was funded entirely by MBARI, and the cores have been donated to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The cores were...
Donated AUV bathymetry and Chirp seismic-reflection data collected during Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute cruises in 2018-2019 offshore of south-central California Donated AUV bathymetry and Chirp seismic-reflection data collected during Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute cruises in 2018-2019 offshore of south-central California
This data release consists of donated AUV bathymetry and Chirp seismic-reflection data collected using an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) in 2018 and 2019. The collection of these data was funded entirely by the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI), and the data have been donated to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The data were collected in collaboration with the USGS...
High-resolution multi-channel and Chirp seismic-reflection data from USGS cruise 2018-641-FA collected in south-central California in support of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management Cal DIG I offshore alternative energy project High-resolution multi-channel and Chirp seismic-reflection data from USGS cruise 2018-641-FA collected in south-central California in support of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management Cal DIG I offshore alternative energy project
This dataset is one of several collected as part of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM)-funded California Deepwater Investigations and Groundtruthing (Cal DIG I) project. The purpose of the study is to assess shallow geohazards, benthic habitats, and thereby the potential for alternative energy infrastructure (namely floating wind turbines) offshore south-central California due...
Quaternary faults offshore of California Quaternary faults offshore of California
A comprehensive map of Quaternary faults has been generated for offshore of California. The Quaternary fault map includes mapped geometries and attribute information for offshore fault systems located in California State and Federal waters. The polyline shapefile and matching KML file have been compiled from previously published mapping where relatively dense, high-resolution marine...
Bathymetry and acoustic backscatter data collected in 2007 from the San Miguel Passage in the Channel Islands, California Bathymetry and acoustic backscatter data collected in 2007 from the San Miguel Passage in the Channel Islands, California
Bathymetry and acoustic backscatter data were collected in the San Miguel Passage, Channel Islands, California in August 2007 by the U.S. Geological Survey, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center. Data collection was conducted aboard the ship R/V Shearwater as part of the USGS research cruise S-2-07-SC. The San Miguel Passage is within the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary...
High-resolution multibeam bathymetry and backscatter data collected in 2004 for the northern Channel Islands region, southern California High-resolution multibeam bathymetry and backscatter data collected in 2004 for the northern Channel Islands region, southern California
This data release presents data for 5-m resolution multibeam-bathymetry and acoustic-backsccatter data of the northern Channel Islands region, southern California. In 2004 the U.S. Geological Survey, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center collected multibeam-bathymetry and acoustic-backscatter data in the northern Channel Islands region, southern California. The region was mapped...
Below are publications associated with this project.
For the California Seafloor Mapping Program (CSMP), click “Map Series” for USGS Open-File Reports (OFR) and “More Map Series” for USGS Scientific Investigations Maps (SIM).
Filter Total Items: 32
California Deepwater Investigations and Groundtruthing (Cal DIG) I, volume 3 — Benthic habitat characterization offshore Morro Bay, California California Deepwater Investigations and Groundtruthing (Cal DIG) I, volume 3 — Benthic habitat characterization offshore Morro Bay, California
Coastal and Marine Ecological Classification Standard (CMECS) geoform, substrate, and biotic component geographic information system (GIS) products were developed for the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone (U.S. EEZ) of south-central California in the region of Santa Lucia Bank motivated by interest in development of offshore wind-energy capacity and infrastructure. The Bureau of Ocean Energy...
Authors
Guy R. Cochrane, Linda A. Kuhnz, Lisa Gilbane, Peter Dartnell, Maureen A. L. Walton, Charles K. Paull
California deepwater investigations and groundtruthing (Cal DIG) I: Fault and shallow geohazard analysis offshore Morro Bay California deepwater investigations and groundtruthing (Cal DIG) I: Fault and shallow geohazard analysis offshore Morro Bay
The California Deepwater Investigations and Groundtruthing (Cal DIG) I project focuses on the potential seafloor hazards and impacts of alternative energy infrastructure in the outer continental shelf region offshore of south-central California. This is one of three reports covering a single study area located between Monterey and Point Conception, California in federal waters outside of...
Authors
Maureen A. L. Walton, Charlie K Paull, Guy R. Cochrane, Jason A. Addison, Roberto Gwiazda, Daniel J. Kennedy, Eve M. Lundsten, Antoinette Gabrielle Papesh
Characterization of deep-sea coral and sponge communities in Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary: Point Arena South Essential Fish Habitat Conservation Area and New Amendment 28 Areas Characterization of deep-sea coral and sponge communities in Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary: Point Arena South Essential Fish Habitat Conservation Area and New Amendment 28 Areas
This report summarizes samples collected during a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) cruise conducted in October 2019 on board E/V Nautilus. Areas sampled in Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary included areas proposed for fisheries management zoning in the Point Arena South (PAS) Essential Fish Habitat Conservation Area (EFH). Dive planning targeted habitats and biological...
Authors
Kaitlin Graiff, Jan Roletto, Sage Tezak, Gary E. Williams, Guy R. Cochrane
Controls on sediment distribution in the coastal zone of the central California transform continental margin, USA Controls on sediment distribution in the coastal zone of the central California transform continental margin, USA
We use >10,000 km of high-resolution seismic-reflection data together with multibeam bathymetry to document complex and highly variable post-Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) sediment distribution and thickness in the coastal zone (~10 m isobath to 5.6 km offshore) along a ~800 km section of central California's transform continental margin. Sediment thickness ranges from 0 (seafloor bedrock)...
Authors
Samuel Y. Johnson, Jeffrey W. Beeson, Janet Watt, Ray Sliter, Antoinette Papesh
Offshore shallow structure and sediment distribution, Punta Gorda to Point Arena, Northern California Offshore shallow structure and sediment distribution, Punta Gorda to Point Arena, Northern California
This publication consists of two map sheets that display shallow geologic structure, along with sediment distribution and thickness, for an approximately 150-km-long offshore section of the northern California coast between Punta Gorda and Point Arena. Each map sheet includes three maps at scales of either 1:100,000 or 1:200,000, and together the sheets include 30 figures that contain...
Authors
Jeffrey W. Beeson, Samuel Y. Johnson
Offshore shallow structure and sediment distribution, Point Sur to Point Arguello, central California Offshore shallow structure and sediment distribution, Point Sur to Point Arguello, central California
This publication consists of three map sheets that display shallow geologic structure, along with sediment distribution and thickness, for an about 225-km-long offshore section of the central California coast between Point Sur and Point Arguello. Each map sheet includes three maps, at scales of either 1:150,000 or 1:200,000, as well as a set of figures that contain representative high...
Authors
Samuel Y. Johnson, Stephen R. Hartwell, Janet T. Watt, Jeffrey W. Beeson, Peter Dartnell
Morphology and genesis of giant seafloor depressions on the southeasterncontinental shelf of the Korean Peninsula Morphology and genesis of giant seafloor depressions on the southeasterncontinental shelf of the Korean Peninsula
We identify and describe five giant seafloor depressions from the southeastern continental shelf of the Korean Peninsula using multibeam bathymetry, sub-bottom profiler, and multi-channel seismic reflection data, supplemented by piston cores. Multibeam bathymetry data from the shelf show four crescent-shaped depressions (SD1 to SD4) and one near-circular depression (SD5) within a group...
Authors
Deniz Cukur, Gee-Soo Kong, Jong-Hwa Chun, Moo-Hee Kang, In-Kwon Um, Taekhyun Kwon, Samuel E. Jordan, Kyong-O Kim
Shallow structure and geomorphology along the offshore northern San Andreas Fault, Tomales Point to Fort Ross, California Shallow structure and geomorphology along the offshore northern San Andreas Fault, Tomales Point to Fort Ross, California
We mapped a poorly documented 35-km-long section of the northern San Andreas fault zone (NSAF) between Tomales Point and Fort Ross, California. Mapping is largely based on high-resolution seismic-reflection profiles (38 fault crossings), multibeam bathymetry, and onshore geology. NSAF strike in this section is nearly parallel to plate motion, characterized by a slight (~2°) northerly...
Authors
Samuel Johnson, Beeson Jeffrey W.
Benthic assemblages of mega epifauna on the Oregon continental margin Benthic assemblages of mega epifauna on the Oregon continental margin
Environmental assessment studies are usually required by a country's administration before issuing permits for any industrial activities. One of the goals of such environmental assessment studies is to highlight species assemblages and habitat composition that could make the targeted area unique. A section of the Oregon continental slope that had not been previously explored was targeted...
Authors
Lenaïg G. Hemery, Sarah K. Henkel, Guy R. Cochrane
Shelf evolution along a transpressive transform margin, Santa Barbara Channel, California Shelf evolution along a transpressive transform margin, Santa Barbara Channel, California
High-resolution bathymetric and seismic reflection data provide new insights for understanding the post–Last Glacial Maximum (LGM, ca. 21 ka) evolution of the ∼120-km-long Santa Barbara shelf, located within a transpressive segment of the transform continental margin of western North America. The goal is to determine how rising sea level, sediment supply, and tectonics combine to control...
Authors
Samuel Y. Johnson, Stephen Hartwell, Christopher C. Sorlien, Peter Dartnell, Andrew C. Ritchie
The transtensional offshore portion of the northern San Andreas fault: Fault zone geometry, late Pleistocene to Holocene sediment deposition, shallow deformation patterns, and asymmetric basin growth The transtensional offshore portion of the northern San Andreas fault: Fault zone geometry, late Pleistocene to Holocene sediment deposition, shallow deformation patterns, and asymmetric basin growth
We mapped an ~120 km offshore portion of the northern San Andreas fault (SAF) between Point Arena and Point Delgada using closely spaced seismic reflection profiles (1605 km), high-resolution multibeam bathymetry (~1600 km2), and marine magnetic data. This new data set documents SAF location and continuity, associated tectonic geomorphology, shallow stratigraphy, and deformation...
Authors
Jeffrey W. Beeson, Samuel Y. Johnson, Chris Goldfinger
Oregon OCS seafloor mapping: Selected lease blocks relevant to renewable energy Oregon OCS seafloor mapping: Selected lease blocks relevant to renewable energy
In 2014 the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) entered into Intra-agency agreement M13PG00037 to map an area of the Oregon Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) off of Coos Bay, Oregon, under consideration for development of a floating wind energy farm. The BOEM requires seafloor mapping and site characterization studies in order to evaluate the impact...
Authors
Guy R. Cochrane, Lenaïg G. Hemery, Sarah K. Henkel
Below are news stories associated with this project.
Below are partners associated with this project.
Seafloor resource managers and modelers need seafloor maps that can be combined in GIS, modeling, and statistical analysis environments and related successfully to biologic and oceanographic data. The Marine Geomorphology, Evolution, and Habitats Project encompasses mapping activities and the development of new mapping systems and methodologies. The emphasis is on the role of geologic processes in the evolution of habitats. Interest in USGS habitat maps and habitat change studies remains high.
OBJECTIVES
Develop seafloor habitat map products that directly apply to habitat and offshore energy impact modeling
Improve seafloor maps through combined technologies
Generate USGS map and data publications for California’s State Waters. The California Seafloor Mapping Program (CSMP) is a cooperative program to create a comprehensive coastal/marine geologic and habitat base map series for all of California’s State waters
Determine the geomorphology and seafloor character of the Gulf of Alaska, as a multi-agency cooperative
Generate geo-referenced video mosaics from seafloor video collected by other USGS projects at the Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, in cooperation with the University of New Hampshire’s Center for Coastal and Ocean Mapping
Understand the processes that control seafloor stability and the resulting modification of continental shelf geomorphology, sediment distribution, and benthic habitats
California Seafloor Mapping Program
The California Seafloor Mapping Program (CSMP) is a cooperative program to create a comprehensive coastal and marine geologic and habitat base map series for all of California's State waters.
Below are data releases associated with this project.
Bathymetry, backscatter intensity, and benthic habitat offshore of Point Buchon, California (ver. 1.1, January 2024) Bathymetry, backscatter intensity, and benthic habitat offshore of Point Buchon, California (ver. 1.1, January 2024)
Surveys offshore of Point Buchon, California, were conducted to map surficial geology and benthic habitat as part of the USGS California Seafloor Mapping Program, a collaboration with California State University Monterey Bay (CSUMB) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). These data are intended to provide regional bathymetric information in California State...
Bathymetry, backscatter intensity, and benthic habitat offshore of Point Estero, California (ver 1.1, November 2023) Bathymetry, backscatter intensity, and benthic habitat offshore of Point Estero, California (ver 1.1, November 2023)
Surveys offshore of Point Estero, California, were conducted to map surficial geology and benthic habitat as part of the USGS California Seafloor Mapping Program, a collaboration with California State University Monterey Bay (CSUMB) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). These data are intended to provide regional bathymetric information in California State...
Bathymetry, backscatter intensity, and benthic habitat offshore of Morro Bay, California (ver. 1.1, January 2024) Bathymetry, backscatter intensity, and benthic habitat offshore of Morro Bay, California (ver. 1.1, January 2024)
The surveys were conducted to map surficial geology and benthic habitat as part of the USGS California Seafloor Mapping Program, a collaboration with California State University Monterey Bay (CSUMB) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). These data are intended to provide regional bathymetric information in California State waters for offshore resource and...
Bathymetry and topography, video observation, and derived benthic habitat data offshore of Seattle, Washington Bathymetry and topography, video observation, and derived benthic habitat data offshore of Seattle, Washington
In 2010, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 10, initiated the Puget Sound Scientific Studies and Technical Investigations Assistance Program, which was designed to support research for implementing the Puget Sound Action Agenda. The Action Agenda was created because Puget Sound was designated as one of 28 estuaries of National Significance under section 320 of the Clean...
Multibeam echosounder, video observation, and derived benthic habitat data offshore of south-central California in support of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management Cal DIG I, offshore alternative energy project Multibeam echosounder, video observation, and derived benthic habitat data offshore of south-central California in support of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management Cal DIG I, offshore alternative energy project
Coastal and Marine Ecological Classification Standard (CMECS) geoform, substrate, and biotic component (also known as "biotope") GIS products were developed for the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone of south-central California motivated by interest in development of offshore wind energy capacity and infrastructure. The lead agency responsible for planning and leasing in the Exclusive Economic...
Piston and gravity core data collected during USGS cruise 2019-642-FA offshore of south-central California in support of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) California Deepwater Investigations and Groundtruthing (Cal DIG I) alternative energy pro Piston and gravity core data collected during USGS cruise 2019-642-FA offshore of south-central California in support of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) California Deepwater Investigations and Groundtruthing (Cal DIG I) alternative energy pro
This data release includes photographs, multi-sensor core logger (MSCL), porewater analyses, and location and depth data from piston and gravity cores collected off the south-central California coast. This dataset is one of several collected as part of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM)-funded California Deepwater Investigations and Groundtruthing (Cal DIG I) project. The...
Donated ROV vibracore and sampling data collected during Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute cruises in 2019 offshore of south-central California Donated ROV vibracore and sampling data collected during Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute cruises in 2019 offshore of south-central California
This dataset includes photographs of vibracores that were collected by the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) in February 2019 and November 2019 aboard the R/V Western Flyer using the remotely operated vehicle (ROV) Doc Ricketts. The collection of these cores was funded entirely by MBARI, and the cores have been donated to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The cores were...
Donated AUV bathymetry and Chirp seismic-reflection data collected during Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute cruises in 2018-2019 offshore of south-central California Donated AUV bathymetry and Chirp seismic-reflection data collected during Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute cruises in 2018-2019 offshore of south-central California
This data release consists of donated AUV bathymetry and Chirp seismic-reflection data collected using an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) in 2018 and 2019. The collection of these data was funded entirely by the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI), and the data have been donated to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The data were collected in collaboration with the USGS...
High-resolution multi-channel and Chirp seismic-reflection data from USGS cruise 2018-641-FA collected in south-central California in support of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management Cal DIG I offshore alternative energy project High-resolution multi-channel and Chirp seismic-reflection data from USGS cruise 2018-641-FA collected in south-central California in support of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management Cal DIG I offshore alternative energy project
This dataset is one of several collected as part of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM)-funded California Deepwater Investigations and Groundtruthing (Cal DIG I) project. The purpose of the study is to assess shallow geohazards, benthic habitats, and thereby the potential for alternative energy infrastructure (namely floating wind turbines) offshore south-central California due...
Quaternary faults offshore of California Quaternary faults offshore of California
A comprehensive map of Quaternary faults has been generated for offshore of California. The Quaternary fault map includes mapped geometries and attribute information for offshore fault systems located in California State and Federal waters. The polyline shapefile and matching KML file have been compiled from previously published mapping where relatively dense, high-resolution marine...
Bathymetry and acoustic backscatter data collected in 2007 from the San Miguel Passage in the Channel Islands, California Bathymetry and acoustic backscatter data collected in 2007 from the San Miguel Passage in the Channel Islands, California
Bathymetry and acoustic backscatter data were collected in the San Miguel Passage, Channel Islands, California in August 2007 by the U.S. Geological Survey, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center. Data collection was conducted aboard the ship R/V Shearwater as part of the USGS research cruise S-2-07-SC. The San Miguel Passage is within the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary...
High-resolution multibeam bathymetry and backscatter data collected in 2004 for the northern Channel Islands region, southern California High-resolution multibeam bathymetry and backscatter data collected in 2004 for the northern Channel Islands region, southern California
This data release presents data for 5-m resolution multibeam-bathymetry and acoustic-backsccatter data of the northern Channel Islands region, southern California. In 2004 the U.S. Geological Survey, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center collected multibeam-bathymetry and acoustic-backscatter data in the northern Channel Islands region, southern California. The region was mapped...
Below are publications associated with this project.
For the California Seafloor Mapping Program (CSMP), click “Map Series” for USGS Open-File Reports (OFR) and “More Map Series” for USGS Scientific Investigations Maps (SIM).
Filter Total Items: 32
California Deepwater Investigations and Groundtruthing (Cal DIG) I, volume 3 — Benthic habitat characterization offshore Morro Bay, California California Deepwater Investigations and Groundtruthing (Cal DIG) I, volume 3 — Benthic habitat characterization offshore Morro Bay, California
Coastal and Marine Ecological Classification Standard (CMECS) geoform, substrate, and biotic component geographic information system (GIS) products were developed for the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone (U.S. EEZ) of south-central California in the region of Santa Lucia Bank motivated by interest in development of offshore wind-energy capacity and infrastructure. The Bureau of Ocean Energy...
Authors
Guy R. Cochrane, Linda A. Kuhnz, Lisa Gilbane, Peter Dartnell, Maureen A. L. Walton, Charles K. Paull
California deepwater investigations and groundtruthing (Cal DIG) I: Fault and shallow geohazard analysis offshore Morro Bay California deepwater investigations and groundtruthing (Cal DIG) I: Fault and shallow geohazard analysis offshore Morro Bay
The California Deepwater Investigations and Groundtruthing (Cal DIG) I project focuses on the potential seafloor hazards and impacts of alternative energy infrastructure in the outer continental shelf region offshore of south-central California. This is one of three reports covering a single study area located between Monterey and Point Conception, California in federal waters outside of...
Authors
Maureen A. L. Walton, Charlie K Paull, Guy R. Cochrane, Jason A. Addison, Roberto Gwiazda, Daniel J. Kennedy, Eve M. Lundsten, Antoinette Gabrielle Papesh
Characterization of deep-sea coral and sponge communities in Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary: Point Arena South Essential Fish Habitat Conservation Area and New Amendment 28 Areas Characterization of deep-sea coral and sponge communities in Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary: Point Arena South Essential Fish Habitat Conservation Area and New Amendment 28 Areas
This report summarizes samples collected during a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) cruise conducted in October 2019 on board E/V Nautilus. Areas sampled in Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary included areas proposed for fisheries management zoning in the Point Arena South (PAS) Essential Fish Habitat Conservation Area (EFH). Dive planning targeted habitats and biological...
Authors
Kaitlin Graiff, Jan Roletto, Sage Tezak, Gary E. Williams, Guy R. Cochrane
Controls on sediment distribution in the coastal zone of the central California transform continental margin, USA Controls on sediment distribution in the coastal zone of the central California transform continental margin, USA
We use >10,000 km of high-resolution seismic-reflection data together with multibeam bathymetry to document complex and highly variable post-Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) sediment distribution and thickness in the coastal zone (~10 m isobath to 5.6 km offshore) along a ~800 km section of central California's transform continental margin. Sediment thickness ranges from 0 (seafloor bedrock)...
Authors
Samuel Y. Johnson, Jeffrey W. Beeson, Janet Watt, Ray Sliter, Antoinette Papesh
Offshore shallow structure and sediment distribution, Punta Gorda to Point Arena, Northern California Offshore shallow structure and sediment distribution, Punta Gorda to Point Arena, Northern California
This publication consists of two map sheets that display shallow geologic structure, along with sediment distribution and thickness, for an approximately 150-km-long offshore section of the northern California coast between Punta Gorda and Point Arena. Each map sheet includes three maps at scales of either 1:100,000 or 1:200,000, and together the sheets include 30 figures that contain...
Authors
Jeffrey W. Beeson, Samuel Y. Johnson
Offshore shallow structure and sediment distribution, Point Sur to Point Arguello, central California Offshore shallow structure and sediment distribution, Point Sur to Point Arguello, central California
This publication consists of three map sheets that display shallow geologic structure, along with sediment distribution and thickness, for an about 225-km-long offshore section of the central California coast between Point Sur and Point Arguello. Each map sheet includes three maps, at scales of either 1:150,000 or 1:200,000, as well as a set of figures that contain representative high...
Authors
Samuel Y. Johnson, Stephen R. Hartwell, Janet T. Watt, Jeffrey W. Beeson, Peter Dartnell
Morphology and genesis of giant seafloor depressions on the southeasterncontinental shelf of the Korean Peninsula Morphology and genesis of giant seafloor depressions on the southeasterncontinental shelf of the Korean Peninsula
We identify and describe five giant seafloor depressions from the southeastern continental shelf of the Korean Peninsula using multibeam bathymetry, sub-bottom profiler, and multi-channel seismic reflection data, supplemented by piston cores. Multibeam bathymetry data from the shelf show four crescent-shaped depressions (SD1 to SD4) and one near-circular depression (SD5) within a group...
Authors
Deniz Cukur, Gee-Soo Kong, Jong-Hwa Chun, Moo-Hee Kang, In-Kwon Um, Taekhyun Kwon, Samuel E. Jordan, Kyong-O Kim
Shallow structure and geomorphology along the offshore northern San Andreas Fault, Tomales Point to Fort Ross, California Shallow structure and geomorphology along the offshore northern San Andreas Fault, Tomales Point to Fort Ross, California
We mapped a poorly documented 35-km-long section of the northern San Andreas fault zone (NSAF) between Tomales Point and Fort Ross, California. Mapping is largely based on high-resolution seismic-reflection profiles (38 fault crossings), multibeam bathymetry, and onshore geology. NSAF strike in this section is nearly parallel to plate motion, characterized by a slight (~2°) northerly...
Authors
Samuel Johnson, Beeson Jeffrey W.
Benthic assemblages of mega epifauna on the Oregon continental margin Benthic assemblages of mega epifauna on the Oregon continental margin
Environmental assessment studies are usually required by a country's administration before issuing permits for any industrial activities. One of the goals of such environmental assessment studies is to highlight species assemblages and habitat composition that could make the targeted area unique. A section of the Oregon continental slope that had not been previously explored was targeted...
Authors
Lenaïg G. Hemery, Sarah K. Henkel, Guy R. Cochrane
Shelf evolution along a transpressive transform margin, Santa Barbara Channel, California Shelf evolution along a transpressive transform margin, Santa Barbara Channel, California
High-resolution bathymetric and seismic reflection data provide new insights for understanding the post–Last Glacial Maximum (LGM, ca. 21 ka) evolution of the ∼120-km-long Santa Barbara shelf, located within a transpressive segment of the transform continental margin of western North America. The goal is to determine how rising sea level, sediment supply, and tectonics combine to control...
Authors
Samuel Y. Johnson, Stephen Hartwell, Christopher C. Sorlien, Peter Dartnell, Andrew C. Ritchie
The transtensional offshore portion of the northern San Andreas fault: Fault zone geometry, late Pleistocene to Holocene sediment deposition, shallow deformation patterns, and asymmetric basin growth The transtensional offshore portion of the northern San Andreas fault: Fault zone geometry, late Pleistocene to Holocene sediment deposition, shallow deformation patterns, and asymmetric basin growth
We mapped an ~120 km offshore portion of the northern San Andreas fault (SAF) between Point Arena and Point Delgada using closely spaced seismic reflection profiles (1605 km), high-resolution multibeam bathymetry (~1600 km2), and marine magnetic data. This new data set documents SAF location and continuity, associated tectonic geomorphology, shallow stratigraphy, and deformation...
Authors
Jeffrey W. Beeson, Samuel Y. Johnson, Chris Goldfinger
Oregon OCS seafloor mapping: Selected lease blocks relevant to renewable energy Oregon OCS seafloor mapping: Selected lease blocks relevant to renewable energy
In 2014 the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) entered into Intra-agency agreement M13PG00037 to map an area of the Oregon Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) off of Coos Bay, Oregon, under consideration for development of a floating wind energy farm. The BOEM requires seafloor mapping and site characterization studies in order to evaluate the impact...
Authors
Guy R. Cochrane, Lenaïg G. Hemery, Sarah K. Henkel
Below are news stories associated with this project.
Below are partners associated with this project.