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Curt Storlazzi, PhD

My interests span the coastal zone, from seacliff erosional processes to sediment dynamics in the shallow coastal ocean. My research focuses on the quantitative study of hydrodynamics, sediment transport, and geomorphology in coastal and marine environments.

Research Topics

Coral reef morphology, hydrodynamics, and sediment, nutrient, contaminant, and larval transport

The role of coral reefs and other coastal ecosystems in coastal hazard risk reduction

The interplay between geologic structure, climatic fluctuations, and coastal processes

High-resolution oceanographic instrumentation and coastal mapping techniques

 

The influence of physical processes on coral reef ecosystems

Many tropical coastal environments have been impacted by infrastructure development, nutrient and contaminant delivery, and natural and human-induced sedimentation. The high geomorphic and hydrodynamic complexity both within and between coral reefs, in conjunction with past technical restrictions, has limited our understanding of the nature of flow and the resulting flux of physical, chemical, and biologic material in these ecosystems. Understanding the physical controls on the timing and magnitude of flow and sediment, larvae, nutrient, and contaminant transport, along with their impact on seafloor geomorphology, stability, and sedimentation in these refugia are essential to assessing modern anthropogenic impacts (climate change, etc.) on these ecosystems and help guide how restoration can increase the resiliency of coral reef-lined coastal communities.

See: Coral Reef Project and The Value of U.S. Coral Reefs for Risk Reduction (links below)

 

The influence of climate change and sea-level rise on coral reef-lined coasts

Observations show that sea level is rising and recent projections indicate sea level will exceed 1.0 m, and may reach 2.0 m, above 2000 levels by the end of the 21st century. The amount of land and water available for human habitation, water and food sources, and ecosystems along coral reef-lined coasts is limited and vulnerable to wave-driven flooding during storms. Rising sea levels will further exacerbate the impacts of storms on coral reef-lined coasts by reducing wave breaking (and thus energy dissipation) over reefs and result in greater wave energy impacting the shoreline, causing increased flooding and changes to the coast such as erosion. Understanding the physical controls on the timing and magnitude of flooding, along with their impact on coastal geomorphology, are essential to assessing impacts on, and the future sustainability of, coastal infrastructure, agriculture, freshwater availability, and ecosystems.

See: Low-lying areas of tropical Pacific islands (links below)

Professional Experience

  • 2002-present: Research Geologist and Oceanographer, USGS Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program

  • 2002-present: Research Associate, University of California at Santa Cruz (UCSC) Institute for Marine Sciences

Education and Certifications

  • 2002-2004: Research Fellow, Partnership for Interdisciplinary Studies of Coastal Oceans Consortium

  • 2000-2002: Post-doctoral Researcher, UCSC Institute for Marine Sciences

  • 2000: Ph.D., UCSC, Earth Sciences Department

  • 1996: B.Sc., University of Delaware, Geology Department

Science and Products

Filter Total Items: 26
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Coral head that looks like lettuce sits on sandy bottom in clear blue water and is surrounded by brightly colored fish.

Coral Reef Project

Explore the fascinating undersea world of coral reefs. Learn how we map, monitor, and model coral reefs so we can better understand, protect, and preserve our Nation's reefs.
By
Natural Hazards Mission Area, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
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Coral Reef Project

Explore the fascinating undersea world of coral reefs. Learn how we map, monitor, and model coral reefs so we can better understand, protect, and preserve our Nation's reefs.
Learn More
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High coastal arctic bluff with broken chunks, some that are ready to fall into the crashing waves, and some that have fallen.

Coastal Climate Impacts

The impacts of climate change and sea-level rise around the Pacific and Arctic Oceans can vary tremendously. Thus far the vast majority of national and international impact assessments and models of coastal climate change have focused on low-relief coastlines that are not near seismically active zones. Furthermore, the degree to which extreme waves and wind will add further stress to coastal...
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Natural Hazards Mission Area, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
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Coastal Climate Impacts

The impacts of climate change and sea-level rise around the Pacific and Arctic Oceans can vary tremendously. Thus far the vast majority of national and international impact assessments and models of coastal climate change have focused on low-relief coastlines that are not near seismically active zones. Furthermore, the degree to which extreme waves and wind will add further stress to coastal...
Learn More
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Underwater photograph of a shallow, partially sandy reef environment with a 3-legged metal frame holding instruments.

Reef Hydrodynamics and Sediment Processes

As part of the USGS Coral Reef Project, the overall objective of this research effort is to better understand how circulation and sediment processes impact coral reefs and their adjacent coastlines.
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Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
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Reef Hydrodynamics and Sediment Processes

As part of the USGS Coral Reef Project, the overall objective of this research effort is to better understand how circulation and sediment processes impact coral reefs and their adjacent coastlines.
Learn More
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Underwater photo of corals taken from a video feed, where the camera displays text on the image like date and location.

Reef Resource Assessments - Planning for the Future

We are mapping and assessing all of the important geologic and oceanographic factors to identify those coral reefs most at risk and those reefs that are potentially the most resilient and the most likely to recover from natural and human-driven impacts.
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Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
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Reef Resource Assessments - Planning for the Future

We are mapping and assessing all of the important geologic and oceanographic factors to identify those coral reefs most at risk and those reefs that are potentially the most resilient and the most likely to recover from natural and human-driven impacts.
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Aerial photograph of Wake Island. The deep ocean water around the atoll is dark blue, the shallow lagoon water is light blue.

Low-lying areas of tropical Pacific islands

Sea level is rising faster than projected in the western Pacific, so understanding how wave-driven coastal flooding will affect inhabited, low-lying islands—most notably, the familiar ring-shaped atolls—as well as the low-elevation areas of high islands in the Pacific Ocean, is critical for decision-makers in protecting infrastructure or relocating resources and people.
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Natural Hazards Mission Area, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
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Low-lying areas of tropical Pacific islands

Sea level is rising faster than projected in the western Pacific, so understanding how wave-driven coastal flooding will affect inhabited, low-lying islands—most notably, the familiar ring-shaped atolls—as well as the low-elevation areas of high islands in the Pacific Ocean, is critical for decision-makers in protecting infrastructure or relocating resources and people.
Learn More
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Underwater photo of a shallow coral environment.

Role of Reefs in Coastal Protection

We are combining ocean, engineering, ecologic, social, and economic modeling to provide a high-resolution, rigorous, spatially-explicit valuation of the coastal flood protection benefits provided by coral reefs and the cost effectiveness of reef restoration for enhancing those benefits.
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Natural Hazards Mission Area, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
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Role of Reefs in Coastal Protection

We are combining ocean, engineering, ecologic, social, and economic modeling to provide a high-resolution, rigorous, spatially-explicit valuation of the coastal flood protection benefits provided by coral reefs and the cost effectiveness of reef restoration for enhancing those benefits.
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Image: Coral reefs, Kwajalein Atoll, Republic of the Marshall Islands

The Impact of Sea-Level Rise and Climate Change on Pacific Ocean Atolls

Providing basic understanding and specific information on storm-wave inundation of atoll islands that house Department of Defense installations, and assessing the resulting impact of sea-level rise and storm-wave inundation on infrastructure and freshwater availability under a variety of sea-level rise and climatic scenarios.
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Natural Hazards Mission Area, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
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The Impact of Sea-Level Rise and Climate Change on Pacific Ocean Atolls

Providing basic understanding and specific information on storm-wave inundation of atoll islands that house Department of Defense installations, and assessing the resulting impact of sea-level rise and storm-wave inundation on infrastructure and freshwater availability under a variety of sea-level rise and climatic scenarios.
Learn More
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Image: Coral reefs, Kwajalein Atoll, Republic of the Marshall Islands

Coral Reef Project: Kwajalein Island

The USGS is working to provide a better understanding of how spatially-varying atoll morphology and coral cover interact with changes in water level to affect the propagation of waves of different heights and wavelengths across atoll reefs.
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Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
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Coral Reef Project: Kwajalein Island

The USGS is working to provide a better understanding of how spatially-varying atoll morphology and coral cover interact with changes in water level to affect the propagation of waves of different heights and wavelengths across atoll reefs.
Learn More
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lone road lined by palm trees on a small flat island, with water from the sea washing over the road

Coral Reef Project: Roi-Namur Island

The USGS is working to provide a better understanding of how spatially-varying atoll morphology and coral cover interact with changes in water level to affect the propagation of waves of different heights and wavelengths across atoll reefs.
By
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
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Coral Reef Project: Roi-Namur Island

The USGS is working to provide a better understanding of how spatially-varying atoll morphology and coral cover interact with changes in water level to affect the propagation of waves of different heights and wavelengths across atoll reefs.
Learn More
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Sky view of the coastline of a mountainous island with a shallow coral reef that has lots of deep holes and channels.

Coral Reef Project: Molokaʻi

As part of the USGS Coral Reef Project, recent USGS work on Molokaʻi includes looking into the coral record to find clues to past sedimentation events.
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Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
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Coral Reef Project: Molokaʻi

As part of the USGS Coral Reef Project, recent USGS work on Molokaʻi includes looking into the coral record to find clues to past sedimentation events.
Learn More
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Image: Waterfall, Maui, Hawaii

Coral Reef Project: Maui

As part of USGS Coral Reef Project studies, the USGS has been heavily involved in efforts to improve the health and resilience of Maui's coral reef system, bringing expertise in mapping, circulation and sediment studies, and seismic surveys.
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Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
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Coral Reef Project: Maui

As part of USGS Coral Reef Project studies, the USGS has been heavily involved in efforts to improve the health and resilience of Maui's coral reef system, bringing expertise in mapping, circulation and sediment studies, and seismic surveys.
Learn More
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View from the sky of a tropical coastline and a beach with ocean water so clear the coral reef can be seen.

Using Video Imagery to Study Wave Dynamics: Tres Palmas

To study wave dynamics along an active coastline, video cameras were installed on the west coast of Puerto Rico at Tres Palmas in Rincón.
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Natural Hazards Mission Area, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
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Using Video Imagery to Study Wave Dynamics: Tres Palmas

To study wave dynamics along an active coastline, video cameras were installed on the west coast of Puerto Rico at Tres Palmas in Rincón.
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Filter Total Items: 40

OpenFOAM models of low- and high-relief sites from the coral reef flat off Waiakane, Molokai, Hawaii

OpenFOAM Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) models were developed to simulate wave energy dissipation across natural rough reef surfaces on the reef flat off Waiakane, Molokai, Hawaii, to understand this process in the context of reef restoration design. A total of 140 models were developed (70 per low- and 70 per high-bed-relief domains). Models were calibrated and validated with oceanographic da
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Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center

3D bathymetric surfaces of low- and high-relief sites from the coral reef flat off Waiakane, Molokai

3D bathymetric surfaces of low- and high-relief sites from the coral reef flat off Waiakane, Molokai, were created using structure-from-motion (SfM) techniques. The two study sites are located approximately 640 m from shore and approximately 20 m apart in the alongshore direction. At each site, an approximate 12-meter diameter area was imaged in three passes by a swimmer using a handheld digital c
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Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center

Model parameter input files to compare effects of stream discharge scenarios on sediment deposition and concentrations around coral reefs off west Maui, Hawaii

This dataset consists of physics-based Delft3D model and Delwaq model input files used in modeling sediment deposition and concentrations around the coral reefs of west Maui, Hawaii. The Delft3D models were used to simulate waves and currents under small (SC1) and large (‘SC2’) wave conditions for current stream discharge (‘Alt1’) and stream discharge with watershed restoration (‘Alt3’). Delft3D m
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Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center

Model parameter input files to compare the influence of coral reef carbonate budgets on alongshore variations in wave-driven total water levels on Buck Island Reef National Monument

A set of physics-based XBeach Non-hydrostatic hydrodynamic model simulations (with input files here included) were used to evaluate how varying carbonate budgets, and thus coral reef accretion and degradation, affect alongshore variations in wave-driven water levels along the adjacent shoreline of Buck Island Reef National Monument (BUIS) for a number of sea-level rise scenarios, specifically duri
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Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center

Time-series data of water surface elevation, waves, currents, temperature, and turbidity collected between November 2017 and March 2018 off the west coast of Maui, Hawaii, USA

Time-series data of water surface elevation, waves, currents, temperature, and turbidity collected between November 2017 and March 2018 off the west coast of Maui, Hawaii, USA. The data are available in NetCDF format, grouped together in zip files by instrument site location. These data support a modeling study on the effects of potential watershed restoration on decreasing sediment loads to adjac
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Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center

Hydrographic and sediment field data collected in the vicinity of Wainwright, Alaska, in 2009

This dataset consists of hydrographic, geomorphic, and sediment field measurements obtained during the ice-free summer of 2009 in the vicinity of Wainwright, Alaska. Time-series data were collected with a bottom-mounted instrument package and consist of wave statistics, vertical water flow velocity profiles, water temperatures, conductivity, and salinity concentrations. Data collected at distinct
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Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center

Pharmaceuticals and personal care products measured in passive samplers at seven coastal sites off West Maui during February and March 2017

Passive membrane samplers—semipermeable membrane devices and polar organic chemical integrative samplers—were deployed for 22 continuous days at 7 sites along the West Maui, Hawai'i, coastline in February and March 2017 to assess organic contaminants at shallow coral reef ecosystems from diverse upstream inputs.
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Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Organic Geochemistry Laboratory

National Assessment of Hurricane-Induced Coastal Erosion Hazards: Puerto Rico

These datasets contain information on the probabilities of hurricane-induced erosion (collision, inundation, and overwash) for each 100-meter (m) section of the Puerto Rico open-ocean coastline for category 1-5 hurricanes. The analysis is based on a storm-impact scaling model (Sallenger, 2000; https://www.jstor.org/stable/4300099) that uses observations of beach morphology combined with sophistica
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St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center

Ocean wave time-series data simulated with a global-scale numerical wave model under the influence of projected CMIP6 wind and sea ice fields

This dataset contains projected hourly time-series data of waves at distinct points along all open U.S. coasts for years 2020-2050. The 'projections' (estimates of long-term future conditions) were developed by running the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) WAVEWATCHIII wave model forced with winds and sea ice cover from seven separate high-resolution Global Climate / General
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Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center

Model parameter input files to compare the influence of channels in fringing coral reefs on alongshore variations in wave-driven runup along the shoreline

An extensive set of physics-based XBeach Non-hydrostatic hydrodynamic model simulations (with input files here included) were used to evaluate the influence of shore-normal reef channels on flooding along fringing reef-lined coasts, specifically during extreme wave conditions when the risk for coastal flooding and the resulting impact to coastal communities is greatest. These input files accompany
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Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center

Aerial imagery and structure-from-motion-derived shallow water bathymetry from a UAS survey of the coral reef off Waiakane, Molokai, Hawaii, June 2018

An unoccupied aerial system (UAS) was used to acquire high-resolution imagery of the shallow fringing coral reef at Waiakane, Molokai, Hawaii, on 24 June 2018. Imagery was acquired over an area between the shoreline and approximately 900 meters offshore, covering approximately 16 hectares. The imagery was processed using structure-from-motion (SfM) photogrammetric techniques with additional refrac
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Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center

Flooding extent polygons for modelled wave-driven water levels in Florida with and without projected coral reef degradation

This data release presents projected flooding extent polygon (flood masks) shapefiles based on wave-driven total water levels for the State Florida (the Florida Peninsula and the Florida Keys). There are 12 associated flood mask shapefiles: one for each of four nearshore wave energy return periods (rp; 10-, 50-, 100-, and 500-years), the current scenario (base) and each of the degradation scenario
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Natural Hazards Mission Area, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Hurricanes

Views of the Sea Floor in Northern Monterey Bay, California

A sonar survey that produced unprecedented high-resolution images of the sea floor in northern Monterey Bay was conducted in 2005 and 2006. The survey, performed over 14 days by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), consisted of 172 tracklines and over 300 million soundings and covered an area of 12.2 km2 (4.7 mi2). The goals of this survey were to collect high-resolution bathymetry (depth to the sea
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Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
Filter Total Items: 26
USGS Research Geologist Curt Storlazzi receives USCRTF award
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USGS Research Geologist Curt Storlazzi from the Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center presented with the USCRTF Scientific Achievement Award
Brochure with text and an aerial view looking down on a coast with columns depicting data values along the coast.
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Hurricanes increase future flood risk in Puerto Rico and Florida, 1
Brochure with text and an aerial view looking down on a coast with dots depicting data values along the coast.
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Hurricanes increase future flood risk in Puerto Rico and Florida, 2
Map of Puerto Rico shows areas where risk of hurricane damage to coral reefs is increasing with different sized colored dots
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Hurricane Damage to Coral Reefs Increases Future Flood Risk Across Puerto Rico
Underwater photograph of a shallow area with coral reef and sand.
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Porites and Acropora corals in American Samoa
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How Our Reefs Protect Us: Valuing the Benefits of U.S. Reefs
United States coastlines plotted with the expected annual benefits in dollars of having coral reef-lined coastlines.
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Economic benefit of coral reef-lined coastlines in U.S.
View looks to a beach from a grassy area with palm trees and a tall pole secured with guy wires, cameras are mounted at the top.
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Web video cameras mounted on pole in Puerto Rico
simulation model of wave driven flooding and island overwash
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Simulation of wave-driven flooding on Marshall Island
A man stands near cameras mounted on a pole, on top of a building, with a beach in the background.
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Video camera setup at Isla Verde
Shallow, underwater photo of a reef with various species of corals growing on the rocky substrate.
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Wave-tide gauge off San Juan
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PubTalk 4/2018 - Coral Reefs
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A Current Immersion
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What's Drifting Beneath Kauai's Ocean?
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Breaking Down Reefs, Building Up Beaches
Coral head that looks like lettuce sits on sandy bottom in clear blue water and is surrounded by brightly colored fish.
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Lettuce coral with cerulean and domino damselfish
Underwater photograph showing a metal frame resting on 3 feet on a rocky and sandy bottom, frame has instruments strapped to it.
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Tripod with instruments on shallow seafloor
Elkhorn coral has died and turned to rubble.
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Corals die, turn to rubble
A healthy coral reef at Buck Island, U.S. Virgin Island
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Elkhorn coral anchors a healthy reef
Image: Coral reefs, Kwajalein Atoll, Republic of the Marshall Islands
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Coral reefs, Kwajalein Atoll, Republic of the Marshall Islands
Underwater photograph of a coral reef with fish swimming.
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Restored coral reef off Kota Kinabalu, Borneo
Filter Total Items: 187

What evidence exists on the ecological and physical effects of built structures in shallow, tropical coral reefs? A systematic map protocol

BackgroundShallow, tropical coral reefs face compounding threats from habitat degradation due to coastal development and pollution, impacts from storms and sea-level rise, and pulse disturbances like blast fishing, mining, dredging, and ship groundings that reduce coral reefs’ height and variability. One approach toward restoring coral reef structure from these threats is deploying built structure
Authors
Avery Paxton, Tom Swannack, Candice Piercy, Safra Altman, Leanne Poussard, Brandon Puckett, Curt Storlazzi, T. Shay Viehman
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Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center

SaTSeaD: Satellite Triangulated Sea Depth open-source bathymetry module for NASA Ames Stereo Pipeline

We developed the first-ever bathymetric module for the NASA Ames Stereo Pipeline (ASP) open-source topographic software called Satellite Triangulated Sea Depth, or SaTSeaD, to derive nearshore bathymetry from stereo imagery. Correct bathymetry measurements depend on water surface elevation, and whereas previous methods considered the water surface horizontal, our bathymetric module accounts for th
Authors
Monica Palaseanu-Lovejoy, Oleg Alexandrov, Jeffrey J. Danielson, Curt Storlazzi
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Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center , Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center

Combining field observations and high-resolution numerical modeling to demonstrate the effect of coral reef roughness on turbulence and its implications for reef restoration design

Coral reefs are effective natural barriers that protect adjacent coastal communities from hazards such as erosion and storm-induced flooding. However, the degradation of coral reefs compromises their ability to protect against these hazards, making degraded reefs a target for restoration. There have been limited field and numerical modeling studies conducted to understand how an increase in coral
Authors
Benjamin K Norris, Curt Storlazzi, Andrew W. M. Pomeroy, Kurt J. Rosenberger, Joshua B. Logan, Olivia Cheriton
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Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center

HyWaves: Hybrid downscaling of multimodal wave spectra to nearshore areas

Long-term and accurate wave hindcast databases are often required in different coastal engineering projects. The assessment of the nearshore wave climate is often accomplished by using downscaling techniques to translate offshore waves to coastal areas. However, dynamical downscaling approaches may incur huge computational cost. Additionally, the common use of bulk parameterizations are often not
Authors
Alba Ricondo, Laura Cagigal, Ana Rueda, Ron Hoeke, Curt Storlazzi, Fernando Menendez
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Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center

Coral restoration for coastal resilience: Integrating ecology, hydrodynamics, and engineering at multiple scales

The loss of functional and accreting coral reefs reduces coastal protection and resilience for tropical coastlines. Coral restoration has potential for recovering healthy reefs that can mitigate risks from coastal hazards and increase sustainability. However, scaling up restoration to the large extent needed for coastal protection requires integrated application of principles from coastal engineer
Authors
T. Shay Viehman, Borja Reguero, Hunter Lenihan, Johanna H. Rosman, Curt Storlazzi, Elizabeth Goergen, Miguel F. Canals Silander, Sarah H. Groves, Daniel Holstein, Andrew Bruckner, Jane Carrick, Brian Haus, Julia Royster, Melissa Duvall, Walter Torres, Jim Hench
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Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center

The potential for coral reef restoration to mitigate coastal flooding as sea levels rise

The ability of reefs to protect coastlines from storm-driven flooding hinges on their capacity to keep pace with sea-level rise. Here, we show how and whether coral restoration could achieve the often-cited goal of reversing the impacts of coral-reef degradation to preserve this essential function. We combined coral-growth measurements and carbonate-budget assessments of reef-accretion potential a
Authors
Lauren Toth, Curt Storlazzi, Elizabeth M. Whitcher, Ilsa B. Kuffner, Ellen Quataert, Johan Reyns, Robert T. McCall, Anastasios Stathakopoulos, Zandy Hillis-Starr, Nathaniel H. Holloway, Kristin A. Ewen, Clayton G. Pollock, Tess Code, Richard B. Aronson
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Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center

Carbonate sediment transport across coral reefs: A comparison of fringing vs. barrier reefs

Considerable uncertainty remains in the budgets of carbonate sediment on reef lined coasts, particularly with respect to the supply of sediment to a reef flat that is then transported throughout a reef system. In this study, we re-examine two recent studies, one on a barrier reef bounded by channels that incise the reef, and one on a fringing reef without channels. Results indicate that the presen
Authors
Kurt J. Rosenberger, Curt Storlazzi, Olivia Cheriton, Mark L. Buckley, Andrew Pomeroy, Ryan Lowe, Jeff Hansen
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Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center

Modeling fluvial sediment plumes: Impacts to coral reefs

To help guide watershed restoration to reduce the impacts to adjacent coral reefs, the United States Geological Survey and Deltares acquired and analyzed oceanographic and sedimentologic data off 5 West Maui watersheds to calibrate and validate physics-based, numerical hydrodynamic and sediment transport models of the study area. The results indicated sheltered sites are impacted by terrestrial se
Authors
Curt Storlazzi, Luuk van der Heijden, Olivia Cheriton, Robert T. McCall, Gundula Winter
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Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center

Wave-scale observations of sediment resuspension and subsequent transport across a fringing reef flat

During a 3-month deployment on a broad, fringing reef flat in Moloka’i, Hawai’i, we observed over 28,000 wave-driven resuspension (WDR) events of coarse-grained sediment in order to identify major factors. These events were short-lived (2-11 s) and distinct from the longer-duration patterns of water-column backscatter. The wave-driven transport of WDR events was onshore, but the net cross-shore tr
Authors
Olivia Cheriton, Curt Storlazzi, Kurt J. Rosenberger, Joshua B. Logan, Andrew W. M. Pomeroy, Mark L. Buckley, Jeff E. Hansen, Ryan J. Lowe
By
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center

Wave-scale observations of coarse-grained sediment resuspension and subsequent transport across a fringing reef flat, Molokaʻi, Hawaiʻi, USA

During a 3-month deployment on a broad, fringing reef flat in Moloka’i, Hawai’i, we observed over 28,000 wave-driven resuspension (WDR) events of coarse-grained sediment in order to identify major factors. These events were short-lived (2-11 s) and distinct from the longer-duration patterns of water-column backscatter. The wave-driven transport of WDR events was onshore, but the net cross-shore tr
Authors
Olivia Cheriton, Curt Storlazzi, Kurt J. Rosenberger, Joshua B. Logan, Andrew W. M. Pomeroy, Mark L. Buckley, Jeff E. Hansen, Ryan J. Lowe
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Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center

Observations of coastal circulation, waves, and sediment transport along West Maui, Hawaiʻi (November 2017– March 2018), and modeling effects of potential watershed restoration on decreasing sediment loads to adjacent coral reefs

Terrestrial sediment discharging from watersheds off West Maui, Hawaiʻi, has been documented as a primary stressor to local coral reefs, causing coral reef health to decline. The U.S. Geological Survey acquired and analyzed physical oceanographic and sedimentologic field data off the coast of West Maui to calibrate and validate physics-based, numerical hydrodynamic and sediment transport models of
Authors
Curt D. Storlazzi, Olivia M. Cheriton, Katherine M. Cronin, Luuk H. van der Heijden, Gundula Winter, Kurt J. Rosenberger, Joshua B. Logan, Robert T. McCall
By
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center

Physicochemical coastal groundwater dynamics between Kauhakō Crater lake and Kalaupapa settlement, Moloka‘i, Hawai‘i

Land-based sources of groundwater pollution can be a critical threat to coral reefs, and a better understanding of “ridge-to-reef” water movement is required to advance management and coral survival in the Anthropocene. In this study a more complete understanding of the geological, atmospheric, and oceanic drivers behind coastal groundwater exchange on the Kalaupapa peninsula, on Moloka‘i, Hawai‘i
Authors
Ferdinand Oberle, Olivia Cheriton, Peter W Swarzenski, Eric K. Brown, Curt D. Storlazzi
By
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center

Non-USGS Publications**

**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.

Filter Total Items: 19
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PCMSC Scientists Among USGS Contributors to National Climate Assessment

Scientists from the Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center (PCMSC) are among dozens of USGS contributors to the Fifth National Climate Assessment...

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Coral Bleaching Event Can Increase Flood Risk, Economic Losses

Coral reefs are known for their natural beauty, biodiversity, and support of important local fisheries, but their value and importance extend even...

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USGS Science Informs Nature-based Solutions Policies to Protect U.S. Coral Reefs

USGS research on the value of coral reefs as coastal protection informs state and territorial policies to protect, restore, and insure U.S. reefs.

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A window of opportunity to build coastal resilience: how to optimize coral restoration to reduce impacts of sea-level rise

Restoration efforts are being implemented on coral reefs around the globe, and science is needed to ensure their success. A new U.S. Geological Survey...

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Groundwater and Coral Health at Moloka'i, Hawai'i

New research from the USGS Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center and the National Park Service examines how the discharge of submarine groundwater...

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Coral Reef Restoration For Risk Reduction

A team of collaborators, including USGS, released a new report that outlines how coastal communities can reduce risks from flooding and erosion by...

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Passive Sampling to Detect Groundwater Contaminants at Coral Reefs

Most coral reefs around the world are declining due to a myriad of external stressors, including climate change impacts such as rising sea-surface...

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How USGS Coral Research in Puerto Rico Captured Rare Oceanographic Data from Hurricane Maria

A team of USGS researchers and partners in Puerto Rico studying corals in 2017 wasn’t intending to gain unique insight into the interaction between...

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Reducing Flood Risks by Restoring Coral Reefs

Healthy coral reefs are more than just hotspots of marine biodiversity—they’re also invaluable to long-term resilience against coastal storms.

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USGS Scientists Add Another Piece to Puzzle of How Hurricanes Can Gain Strength

Unique observations collected by U.S. Geological Survey scientists during Hurricane María in 2017, revealed previously unknown ocean processes that...

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Improved Resilience in Active 2020 Hurricane Season due to Science Investments from 2017 Hurricane Recovery Funds

The record-breaking 2020 Atlantic hurricane season is the first on record in which 9 tropical storms formed before August and 13 before Sep­tember...

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USGS collaborates with National Park Service to study threatened coral reefs in American Samoa

USGS scientists from the Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center and the St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center are cooperating with the...

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