Discover Coastal and Marine Science of the USGS St. Petersburg

By St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center November 30, 2022

A new interactive geonarrative will take you on a guided journey to explore the research, capabilities, and history of the USGS St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center.

Sound Waves Newsletter - September-November 2022

Title screen of story map, "USGS Coastal and Marine Science in St. Petersburg, FL" over an aerial view of barrier islands

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center (SPCMSC) conducts coastal and marine research to ensure that our Nation has the information it needs to understand, protect, and restore coastal and ocean resources and support the communities that depend on them.

Explore the Geonarrative

Intro screen of story map titled, "Coastal and Marine Science Based in St. Petersburg, FL" with several photos of scientists

Scientists at the center study sandy beaches and barrier islands, salt marshes and estuaries, coral reefs, and the open ocean from the continental shelf to the deep sea. The center includes a diverse workforce that works collaboratively to conduct and share robust scientific research with the world.

Center Director Nathaniel Plant states,

“We care about coastal challenges and ensuring that we lend our support effectively and equitably to a Nation with a diverse coastal population, diverse interests, and diverse objectives. I invite you to engage with us so that we can work together to achieve these goals.”

Map of North America with various pins along the coast representing examples of research from the USGS St. Petersburg

Although located near the Gulf of Mexico on the west coast of Florida, scientists at the center conduct research around the world. The geonarrative includes an interactive map that allows users to discover some of the many research projects underway across the globe.

We hope you enjoy this opportunity to learn about our diverse fundamental and applied research focused on coastal change hazards, sediment dynamics, ocean ecosystems, and climate change; investigate our extensive seafloor mapping and laboratory capabilities; examine how we share information with various audiences; and delve into our center’s rich history.

Explore the Geonarrative

Studebaker Building circa 1989 — This historic brick Studebaker Building, originally built in 1925, was chosen as the location for the USGS St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center in the late 1980s. Many of the building’s original features are kept intact to this day, including the Studebaker logos along the top of the building, and the Studebaker Distributor sign on the back of the building that is maintained in spirit of the building’s history. The building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places on July 5, 1985 and the St. Petersburg Register of Historic Places in 1986. Slide the bar to see how the building has changed over the years. Learn about the science at the USGS St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center.

This historic brick Studebaker Building, originally built in 1925, was chosen as the location for the USGS St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center in the late 1980s. Many of the building’s original features are kept intact to this day, including the Studebaker logos along the top of the building, and the Studebaker Distributor sign on the back of the building that is maintained in spirit of the building’s history. The building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places on July 5, 1985 and the St. Petersburg Register of Historic Places in 1986. Slide the bar to see how the building has changed over the years. Learn about the science at the USGS St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center.