We are the USGS Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program. Our mission is to provide science for sustainable stewardship of Earth’s precious resources.
What is marine geology?
Geology is the study of the Earth. This includes how the Earth was formed, how the Earth has changed since it was formed, the materials that make up the Earth, and the processes that act on it. Marine Geology focuses on areas affected by our oceans including the deep ocean floor, the shallower slopes and shelves that surround the continents, and coastal areas like beaches and estuaries. USGS marine geologists also study some coastal river areas and some large lakes.
More than half of our nation's population lives within 50 miles of the coast. Healthy coastal and offshore resources are vital to our nation's economy. The USGS studies coastal change, hazards that impact coastal areas, ocean resources, and coastal and marine ecosystems.
Learn more: Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program
Related Content
Why is the ocean salty?
Oceans cover about 70 percent of the Earth's surface and about 97 percent of all water on and in the Earth is saline —there's a lot of salty water on our planet. By some estimates, if the salt in the ocean could be removed and spread evenly over the Earth’s land surface it would form a layer more than 500 feet (166 meters) thick, about the height of a 40-story office building. But, where did all...
Where can I get current sea-surface temperature data?
The USGS has studied sea-surface temperature in many areas around the globe; you can find publications from these studies i n the USGS Publications Warehouse and by searching on the Internet. World maps and data are available from other agencies, particularly at the NOAA's Sea Surface Temperature , and at the JPL Physical Oceanography Distributed Active Archive Center . For specific data covering...
Why are coral reefs in peril and what is being done to protect them?
Coral reefs can be damaged by natural processes, such as storms, but they are increasingly at risk from human activities. Oil spills and pollutants can threaten entire reefs. Excessive nutrients from land sources, such as sewage and agricultural fertilizers, promote the growth of algae that can smother corals. Other organisms harmful to corals, such as crown-of-thorns starfish, multiply when the...
Where can I find bathymetric data?
The USGS has made bathymetric surveys for many coastal areas and for a few selected rivers and lakes in the U.S., including Yellowstone Lake, Crater Lake, and Lake Tahoe. Information and data for some of those studies is on the USGS Maps of America's Submerged Lands website. NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) is the primary source of bathymetric data for the world's oceans. See...
We are the USGS Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program. Our mission is to provide science for sustainable stewardship of Earth’s precious resources.
- Did you know soils on California’s marine terraces can be over a million years old?
- Have you wondered why California’s rugged shorelines are terraced?
- Soils on marine terraces aid our understanding of soil formation, water movement, and carbon transformations under changing climate.
- Did you know soils on California’s marine terraces can be over a million years old?
- Have you wondered why California’s rugged shorelines are terraced?
- Soils on marine terraces aid our understanding of soil formation, water movement, and carbon transformations under changing climate.
Living Without Light
by Nancy Prouty, Research Oceanographer
Living Without Light
by Nancy Prouty, Research Oceanographer
--modern sonar reveals hidden hazards and resources
by David Finlayson, Marine Geologist
--modern sonar reveals hidden hazards and resources
by David Finlayson, Marine Geologist
Geologists Search for Evidence of Ancient Beach Deposits and Uplifted Shorelines on Simeonof Island
linkScientists from the USGS, University of Rhode Island, and the Alaska Dept of Geological and Geophysical Surveys dig into coastal bluffs of Simeonof Island in search of evidence for ancient beach deposits and tectonically uplifted shorelines.
Geologists Search for Evidence of Ancient Beach Deposits and Uplifted Shorelines on Simeonof Island
linkScientists from the USGS, University of Rhode Island, and the Alaska Dept of Geological and Geophysical Surveys dig into coastal bluffs of Simeonof Island in search of evidence for ancient beach deposits and tectonically uplifted shorelines.
The Arctic Ocean is one of the most unique bodies of water on the planet. It houses large charismatic predators like polar bears, whales, and seals; critical species like shell fish and phytoplankton; and an array of organisms found nowhere else on Earth. The Arctic Ocean is also the most inaccessible and least explored ocean.
The Arctic Ocean is one of the most unique bodies of water on the planet. It houses large charismatic predators like polar bears, whales, and seals; critical species like shell fish and phytoplankton; and an array of organisms found nowhere else on Earth. The Arctic Ocean is also the most inaccessible and least explored ocean.
--the visionary California Seafloor Mapping Program
by Sam Johnson, USGS Pacific Coastal & Marine Science Center
--the visionary California Seafloor Mapping Program
by Sam Johnson, USGS Pacific Coastal & Marine Science Center
-predicting the impact of extreme storms on the California Coast
By Patrick Barnard, USGS Pacific Coastal & Marine Science Center
-predicting the impact of extreme storms on the California Coast
By Patrick Barnard, USGS Pacific Coastal & Marine Science Center
This photograph is of the Puget Sound seafloor and shows an area mixed with mud, gravel and cobble that is occupied by bivalve molluscs with exposed siphons, a sea star and metridium. This image was collected as part of USGS efforts to help with rockfish recovery in the Puget Sound.
This photograph is of the Puget Sound seafloor and shows an area mixed with mud, gravel and cobble that is occupied by bivalve molluscs with exposed siphons, a sea star and metridium. This image was collected as part of USGS efforts to help with rockfish recovery in the Puget Sound.
This photograph is of the seafloor on the Rhode Island coast and shows a skate on a fine-grained, likely silty or muddy seafloor. This photograph was collected to support research and management activities (e.g., wind farms and fisheries) along the Rhode Island inner continental shelf.
This photograph is of the seafloor on the Rhode Island coast and shows a skate on a fine-grained, likely silty or muddy seafloor. This photograph was collected to support research and management activities (e.g., wind farms and fisheries) along the Rhode Island inner continental shelf.
Boulders and biota off San Gregorio, California, in water approximately 30 meters (100 feet) deep. Organisms include bat stars, small sea anemones, strawberry anemone, cup corals, and frilly sea cucumbers.
Boulders and biota off San Gregorio, California, in water approximately 30 meters (100 feet) deep. Organisms include bat stars, small sea anemones, strawberry anemone, cup corals, and frilly sea cucumbers.
This photograph is of the seafloor off the Massachusetts coast and shows sea stars, blood stars, blood drop tunicates, mussels and barnacles on cobbles and boulders covered with bubblegum algae and red filamentous algae.
This photograph is of the seafloor off the Massachusetts coast and shows sea stars, blood stars, blood drop tunicates, mussels and barnacles on cobbles and boulders covered with bubblegum algae and red filamentous algae.
Probing the mysteries of deep-ocean minerals
By James R. Hein, Marine Geologist
Probing the mysteries of deep-ocean minerals
By James R. Hein, Marine Geologist
How tides, currents, and humans have created an array of sea-floor features
By Patrick Barnard, Marine Geologist, and Peter Dartnell, Physical Scientist
How tides, currents, and humans have created an array of sea-floor features
By Patrick Barnard, Marine Geologist, and Peter Dartnell, Physical Scientist
This image shows gas hydrates (the white material) in marine sediments from a test well drilled in the Indian Ocean in 2006 during the Indian National Gas Hydrate Program (NGHP) Expedition 01.
This image shows gas hydrates (the white material) in marine sediments from a test well drilled in the Indian Ocean in 2006 during the Indian National Gas Hydrate Program (NGHP) Expedition 01.
Explore the diverse features on and below the sea floor in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary
by Steve Eittreim, Marine Geologist
Explore the diverse features on and below the sea floor in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary
by Steve Eittreim, Marine Geologist
Sediments and the sea floor of the continental shelves and coastal waters of the United States—About the usSEABED integrated sea-floor-characterization database, built with the dbSEABED processing system
Coastal and marine science of the U.S. Geological Survey in Woods Hole, Massachusetts
Landscapes from the waves—Marine terraces of California
Using science to strengthen our Nation's resilience to tomorrow's challenges: understanding and preparing for coastal impacts
Assessing hazards along our Nation's coasts
USGS St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center
USGS Western Coastal and Marine Geology Team
The USGS role in mapping the nation's submerged lands
U.S. Geological Survey coastal and marine geology research; recent highlights and achievements
Related Content
- FAQ
Why is the ocean salty?
Oceans cover about 70 percent of the Earth's surface and about 97 percent of all water on and in the Earth is saline —there's a lot of salty water on our planet. By some estimates, if the salt in the ocean could be removed and spread evenly over the Earth’s land surface it would form a layer more than 500 feet (166 meters) thick, about the height of a 40-story office building. But, where did all...
Where can I get current sea-surface temperature data?
The USGS has studied sea-surface temperature in many areas around the globe; you can find publications from these studies i n the USGS Publications Warehouse and by searching on the Internet. World maps and data are available from other agencies, particularly at the NOAA's Sea Surface Temperature , and at the JPL Physical Oceanography Distributed Active Archive Center . For specific data covering...
Why are coral reefs in peril and what is being done to protect them?
Coral reefs can be damaged by natural processes, such as storms, but they are increasingly at risk from human activities. Oil spills and pollutants can threaten entire reefs. Excessive nutrients from land sources, such as sewage and agricultural fertilizers, promote the growth of algae that can smother corals. Other organisms harmful to corals, such as crown-of-thorns starfish, multiply when the...
Where can I find bathymetric data?
The USGS has made bathymetric surveys for many coastal areas and for a few selected rivers and lakes in the U.S., including Yellowstone Lake, Crater Lake, and Lake Tahoe. Information and data for some of those studies is on the USGS Maps of America's Submerged Lands website. NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) is the primary source of bathymetric data for the world's oceans. See...
- Multimedia
We are the Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources ProgramWe are the Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources ProgramWe are the Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program
We are the USGS Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program. Our mission is to provide science for sustainable stewardship of Earth’s precious resources.
We are the USGS Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program. Our mission is to provide science for sustainable stewardship of Earth’s precious resources.
Marine Terraces of California: Landscapes from the WavesMarine Terraces of California: Landscapes from the WavesMarine Terraces of California: Landscapes from the Waves- Did you know soils on California’s marine terraces can be over a million years old?
- Have you wondered why California’s rugged shorelines are terraced?
- Soils on marine terraces aid our understanding of soil formation, water movement, and carbon transformations under changing climate.
- Did you know soils on California’s marine terraces can be over a million years old?
- Have you wondered why California’s rugged shorelines are terraced?
- Soils on marine terraces aid our understanding of soil formation, water movement, and carbon transformations under changing climate.
PubTalk 6/2014 — Into the AbyssLiving Without Light
by Nancy Prouty, Research Oceanographer
Living Without Light
by Nancy Prouty, Research Oceanographer
PubTalk 6/2012 — Scanning the Seafloor with Sound--modern sonar reveals hidden hazards and resources
by David Finlayson, Marine Geologist
--modern sonar reveals hidden hazards and resources
by David Finlayson, Marine Geologist
Geologists Search for Evidence of Ancient Beach Deposits and Uplifted Shorelines on Simeonof IslandGeologists Search for Evidence of Ancient Beach Deposits and Uplifted Shorelines on Simeonof IslandGeologists Search for Evidence of Ancient Beach Deposits and Uplifted Shorelines on Simeonof Island
linkScientists from the USGS, University of Rhode Island, and the Alaska Dept of Geological and Geophysical Surveys dig into coastal bluffs of Simeonof Island in search of evidence for ancient beach deposits and tectonically uplifted shorelines.
Geologists Search for Evidence of Ancient Beach Deposits and Uplifted Shorelines on Simeonof Island
linkScientists from the USGS, University of Rhode Island, and the Alaska Dept of Geological and Geophysical Surveys dig into coastal bluffs of Simeonof Island in search of evidence for ancient beach deposits and tectonically uplifted shorelines.
Ocean Acidification: Research on Top of the WorldThe Arctic Ocean is one of the most unique bodies of water on the planet. It houses large charismatic predators like polar bears, whales, and seals; critical species like shell fish and phytoplankton; and an array of organisms found nowhere else on Earth. The Arctic Ocean is also the most inaccessible and least explored ocean.
The Arctic Ocean is one of the most unique bodies of water on the planet. It houses large charismatic predators like polar bears, whales, and seals; critical species like shell fish and phytoplankton; and an array of organisms found nowhere else on Earth. The Arctic Ocean is also the most inaccessible and least explored ocean.
PubTalk 6/2011 — Exploring California's Amazing SeafloorPubTalk 6/2011 — Exploring California's Amazing SeafloorPubTalk 6/2011 — Exploring California's Amazing Seafloor--the visionary California Seafloor Mapping Program
by Sam Johnson, USGS Pacific Coastal & Marine Science Center
--the visionary California Seafloor Mapping Program
by Sam Johnson, USGS Pacific Coastal & Marine Science Center
PubTalk 2/2011 — Is Our Coast in Jeopardy?-predicting the impact of extreme storms on the California Coast
By Patrick Barnard, USGS Pacific Coastal & Marine Science Center
-predicting the impact of extreme storms on the California Coast
By Patrick Barnard, USGS Pacific Coastal & Marine Science Center
Puget Sound SeafloorThis photograph is of the Puget Sound seafloor and shows an area mixed with mud, gravel and cobble that is occupied by bivalve molluscs with exposed siphons, a sea star and metridium. This image was collected as part of USGS efforts to help with rockfish recovery in the Puget Sound.
This photograph is of the Puget Sound seafloor and shows an area mixed with mud, gravel and cobble that is occupied by bivalve molluscs with exposed siphons, a sea star and metridium. This image was collected as part of USGS efforts to help with rockfish recovery in the Puget Sound.
Rhode Island SeafloorThis photograph is of the seafloor on the Rhode Island coast and shows a skate on a fine-grained, likely silty or muddy seafloor. This photograph was collected to support research and management activities (e.g., wind farms and fisheries) along the Rhode Island inner continental shelf.
This photograph is of the seafloor on the Rhode Island coast and shows a skate on a fine-grained, likely silty or muddy seafloor. This photograph was collected to support research and management activities (e.g., wind farms and fisheries) along the Rhode Island inner continental shelf.
Photo of the seafloor off San Gregorio, CaliforniaPhoto of the seafloor off San Gregorio, CaliforniaBoulders and biota off San Gregorio, California, in water approximately 30 meters (100 feet) deep. Organisms include bat stars, small sea anemones, strawberry anemone, cup corals, and frilly sea cucumbers.
Boulders and biota off San Gregorio, California, in water approximately 30 meters (100 feet) deep. Organisms include bat stars, small sea anemones, strawberry anemone, cup corals, and frilly sea cucumbers.
Massachusetts SeafloorThis photograph is of the seafloor off the Massachusetts coast and shows sea stars, blood stars, blood drop tunicates, mussels and barnacles on cobbles and boulders covered with bubblegum algae and red filamentous algae.
This photograph is of the seafloor off the Massachusetts coast and shows sea stars, blood stars, blood drop tunicates, mussels and barnacles on cobbles and boulders covered with bubblegum algae and red filamentous algae.
PubTalk 5/2007 — Alchemy in the AbyssProbing the mysteries of deep-ocean minerals
By James R. Hein, Marine Geologist
Probing the mysteries of deep-ocean minerals
By James R. Hein, Marine Geologist
PubTalk 1/2007 — The Hidden World of the Golden GatePubTalk 1/2007 — The Hidden World of the Golden GatePubTalk 1/2007 — The Hidden World of the Golden GateHow tides, currents, and humans have created an array of sea-floor features
By Patrick Barnard, Marine Geologist, and Peter Dartnell, Physical Scientist
How tides, currents, and humans have created an array of sea-floor features
By Patrick Barnard, Marine Geologist, and Peter Dartnell, Physical Scientist
Gas Hydrates in Marine Sediments from the Indian OceanGas Hydrates in Marine Sediments from the Indian OceanThis image shows gas hydrates (the white material) in marine sediments from a test well drilled in the Indian Ocean in 2006 during the Indian National Gas Hydrate Program (NGHP) Expedition 01.
This image shows gas hydrates (the white material) in marine sediments from a test well drilled in the Indian Ocean in 2006 during the Indian National Gas Hydrate Program (NGHP) Expedition 01.
PubTalk 8/2002 — Revealing the Hidden World Beneath Monterey BayPubTalk 8/2002 — Revealing the Hidden World Beneath Monterey BayPubTalk 8/2002 — Revealing the Hidden World Beneath Monterey BayExplore the diverse features on and below the sea floor in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary
by Steve Eittreim, Marine Geologist
Explore the diverse features on and below the sea floor in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary
by Steve Eittreim, Marine Geologist
- Publications
Sediments and the sea floor of the continental shelves and coastal waters of the United States—About the usSEABED integrated sea-floor-characterization database, built with the dbSEABED processing system
Since the second half of the 20th century, there has been an increase in scientific interest, research effort, and information gathered on the geologic sedimentary character of the continental margins of the United States. Data and information from thousands of sources have increased our scientific understanding of the character of the margin surface, but rarely have those data been combined and iAuthorsBrian J. Buczkowski, Jane A. Reid, Chris J. JenkinsCoastal and marine science of the U.S. Geological Survey in Woods Hole, Massachusetts
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center in Woods Hole, Massachusetts, is one of three centers serving the mission of the USGS Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program (CMHRP). Since its authorization by Congress in 1962, the CMHRP has served as the primary Federal program for marine geology and physical science research and is responsible for the NatiAuthorsSara ErnstLandscapes from the waves—Marine terraces of California
Many coastlines around the world have stair-step landforms, known as marine terraces. Marine terraces make up a large part of coastal California’s landscape—from San Diego to Crescent City. Find out how these landscapes form, why marine terraces are of interest to scientists, and where you can explore these landscapes.AuthorsMarjorie S. Schulz, Corey Lawrence, Daniel R. Muhs, Carol S. Prentice, Sam FlanaganUsing science to strengthen our Nation's resilience to tomorrow's challenges: understanding and preparing for coastal impacts
Hurricane Sandy caused unprecedented damage across some of the most densely populated coastal areas of the northeastern United States. The costly, landscape-altering destruction left in the wake of this storm is a stark reminder of our Nation’s need to become more resilient as we inevitably face future coastal hazards. As our Nation recovers from this devastating natural disaster, it is clear thaAuthorsDale L. Simmons, Matthew E. Andersen, Teresa A. Dean, Michael J. Focazio, John W. Fulton, John W. Haines, Robert R. Mason,, Ann B. Tihansky, John A. YoungAssessing hazards along our Nation's coasts
Coastal areas are essential to the economic, cultural, and environmental health of the Nation, yet by nature coastal areas are constantly changing due to a variety of events and processes. Extreme storms can cause dramatic changes to our shorelines in a matter of hours, while sea-level rise can profoundly alter coastal environments over decades. These changes can have a devastating impact on coastAuthorsHilary F. Stockdon, Cheryl J. Hapke, E. Robert Thieler, Nathaniel G. PlantUSGS St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center
Extreme storms, sea-level rise, and the health of marine communities are some of the major societal and environmental issues impacting our Nation's marine and coastal realm. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) in St. Petersburg, Fla., investigates processes related to these ecosystems and the societal implications of natural hazards and resource sustainability. As one of three centers nationwide conUSGS Western Coastal and Marine Geology Team
The Western Coastal and Marine Geology Team of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) studies the coasts of the western United States, including Alaska and Hawai‘i. Team scientists conduct research, monitor processes, and develop information about coastal and marine geologic hazards, environmental conditions, habitats, and energy and mineral resources. This information helps managers at all levels of gAuthorsSam Johnson, Helen GibbonsThe USGS role in mapping the nation's submerged lands
The seabed provides habitat for a diverse marine life having commercial, recreational, and intrinsic value. The habitat value of the seabed is largely a function of the geological structure and related geological, biological, oceanologic, and geochemical processes. Of equal importance, the nation's submerged lands contain energy and mineral resources and are utilized for the siting of offshore infAuthorsBill Schwab, John HainesU.S. Geological Survey coastal and marine geology research; recent highlights and achievements
The USGS Coastal and Marine Geology Program has large-scale national and regional research projects that focus on environmental quality, geologic hazards, natural resources, and information transfer. This Circular highlights recent scientific findings of the program, which play a vital role in the USGS endeavor to understand human interactions with the natural environment and to determine how theAuthorsS. Jeffress Williams, Peter W. Barnes, Ellen J. Prager - News