Time-series of number of seabeach amaranth observed in end-of-season surveys by NPS biologists. Shaded regions specify years where drought conditions persisted through the amaranth growing season. Vertical lines denote strong storms that occurred during the observation period.
Erika Lentz, PhD
I lead research at USGS within the Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program focused on coastal change— including understanding the forces and processes that drive it, developing innovative methods to determine where and when it is likely to occur, and working closely with intended users to ensure the scientific information we produce is meaningful, actionable, and accessible.
I am a Research Geologist at the Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center with the U.S. Geological Survey. My research focuses on coastal change and the processes that drive it over a range of spatial (barrier island to regional) and temporal (storms to sea level rise) scales in both natural and built environments. More recently, I have been exploring how coastal change varies among different ecosystems and across landscapes, what makes certain locations more resilient than others, and where coastal change is most likely to occur in the future. I am also interested in the communication of scientific information to support decision-making and use design thinking and transdisciplinary approaches to deeply consider user needs in the development of products and tools, as well as to foster creativity and innovation in research teams. Since 2017, I have led multidisciplinary project teams to explore these themes as both Principal Investigator and task leader.
Science and Products
Filter Total Items: 31
Mechanisms and Outcomes of Science Facilitation
USGS researchers are studying how science facilitation can help diverse and interdisciplinary teams of scientists collaborate effectively and develop a common scientific understanding of complex challenges.
Future Landscape Adaptation and Coastal Change (FLACC)
USGS scientists working on the Future Landscape Adaptation and Coastal Change (FLACC) project bring together information on coastal environments, processes, and climate drivers to evaluate where and when future changes along our Nation’s coast may occur and what they may look like.
Connecting with our stakeholders - developing a better understanding of use and usability for science products
The value of USGS tools and products can be assessed by collecting use metrics, user feedback, and examples of practical application. We will pilot an approach to assess the utility of two Coastal Change Hazards product releases and establish a guide for tracking the use and user experience of USGS products.
Coastal Change Likelihood
The U.S. Geological Survey, in partnership with the National Park Service through the Natural Resource Preservation Program, developed the Coastal Change Likelihood (CCL) assessment to determine the future likelihood of coastal change along U.S. coastlines in the next decade. The Northeast United States, from Maine to Virginia, was selected for a proof-of-concept pilot study.
State of Our Nation's Coast
Discover USGS products, tools, and data with the Coastal Science Navigator! The Coastal Science Navigator serves as a gateway to USGS Coastal Change Hazards resources and assists users in finding products and tools that will meet their specific needs.
Coastal Change Hazards
Natural processes such as waves, tides, and weather, continually change coastal landscapes. The integrity of coastal homes, businesses, and infrastructure can be threatened by hazards associated with event-driven changes, such as extreme storms and their impacts on beach and dune erosion, or longer-term, cumulative changes associated with coastal and marine processes, such as sea-level rise...
Coastal Change at Fire Island, a geonarrative
For more than two decades the U.S. Geological Survey has been researching Fire Island's offshore, nearshore, and barrier island systems to better understand drivers of coastal change and evolution. This geonarrative delves into how barrier islands change and evolve, demonstrates how seasons, storms and humans change beaches, and explores the role models play in predicting what the beach might look...
Coastal System Change at Fire Island, New York
Fire Island is a 50-km long barrier island along the south shore of Long Island, New York. The island is comprised of seventeen year-round communities; federal, state, and county parks; and supports distinct ecosystems alongside areas of economic and cultural value. In addition to providing resources to its residents, the barrier island also protects the heavily-populated mainland from storm waves...
Probabilistic Framing
The Bayesian statistical framework is ideal for using data sets derived from historical or modern observations such as long-term shoreline change or wetland accretion/elevation trends. This information can be combined with model simulations and used to define the relationships between key variables in coastal environments.
Sea-Level Rise Hazards and Decision Support
The Sea-Level Rise Hazards and Decision-Support project assesses present and future coastal vulnerability to provide actionable information for management of our Nation’s coasts. Through multidisciplinary research and collaborative partnerships with decision-makers, physical, biological, and social factors that describe landscape and habitat changes are incorporated in a probabilistic modeling...
Breach Evolution - Coastal System Change at Fire Island, New York
In 2012, during Hurricane Sandy, a breach formed in the Otis Pike High Dune Wilderness Area on Fire Island, NY.
Other Storm Impacts - Coastal System Change at Fire Island, New York
Since the late 1990s, USGS has been conducting research to quantify the impact from other hurricanes and nor'easters on the beaches and dunes at Fire Island.
Assateague Island Seabeach Amaranth: 2001-2020
Time-series of number of seabeach amaranth observed in end-of-season surveys by NPS biologists. Shaded regions specify years where drought conditions persisted through the amaranth growing season. Vertical lines denote strong storms that occurred during the observation period.
Introduction to the USGS Coastal Science Navigator
The Coastal Science Navigator is intended to help users discover USGS Coastal Change Hazards information, products, and tools relevant to their scientific or decision-making needs.
The Coastal Science Navigator is intended to help users discover USGS Coastal Change Hazards information, products, and tools relevant to their scientific or decision-making needs.
Coastal Change Likelihood
The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the National Park Service, developed the Coastal Change Likelihood assessment to determine the future likelihood of coastal change along the Northeast coastline in the next decade. Pictured here is coastal change likelihood on Cape Cod.
The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the National Park Service, developed the Coastal Change Likelihood assessment to determine the future likelihood of coastal change along the Northeast coastline in the next decade. Pictured here is coastal change likelihood on Cape Cod.
Coastal Change Likelihood
Where are coastal landscapes likely to change?
Where are coastal landscapes likely to change?
Coastal Change Likelihood
The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the National Park Service, developed the Coastal Change Likelihood assessment to determine the future likelihood of coastal change along the Northeast U.S. coastline in the next decade. The CCL data displayed here are for the mid-Atlantic Bight, and extend from the shoreline to 10m elevation inland.
The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the National Park Service, developed the Coastal Change Likelihood assessment to determine the future likelihood of coastal change along the Northeast U.S. coastline in the next decade. The CCL data displayed here are for the mid-Atlantic Bight, and extend from the shoreline to 10m elevation inland.
Coastal Change Likelihood
The CCL is an updated version of the older Coastal Vulnerability Index, first published in 1999. While the original product was focused on change in the next 50-100 years based solely on sea level rise, the new CCL is more near-term, focusing on change over the next decade as a result of multiple coastal hazards.
The CCL is an updated version of the older Coastal Vulnerability Index, first published in 1999. While the original product was focused on change in the next 50-100 years based solely on sea level rise, the new CCL is more near-term, focusing on change over the next decade as a result of multiple coastal hazards.
CCL and CVI
The CCL is an updated version of the older Coastal Vulnerability Index, first published in 1999. While the original product was focused on change in the next 50-100 years based solely on sea level rise, the new CCL is more near-term, focusing on change over the next decade as a result of multiple coastal hazards.
The CCL is an updated version of the older Coastal Vulnerability Index, first published in 1999. While the original product was focused on change in the next 50-100 years based solely on sea level rise, the new CCL is more near-term, focusing on change over the next decade as a result of multiple coastal hazards.
Coastal Change Likelihood - Fabric Data
The CCL assessment integrates data describing coastal characteristics, landscape composition, and the level of resistance to change, with data defining the drivers of change that impact the coast, such as waves and flooding. These data types are known as fabric and hazards, respectively.
The CCL assessment integrates data describing coastal characteristics, landscape composition, and the level of resistance to change, with data defining the drivers of change that impact the coast, such as waves and flooding. These data types are known as fabric and hazards, respectively.
Coastal Change Likelihood - Perpetual Hazard Data
Data defining the drivers of change that impact the coast, such as waves and flooding are synthesized in hazards layers.
Data defining the drivers of change that impact the coast, such as waves and flooding are synthesized in hazards layers.
Coastal Change Likelihood - Fabric Data
The assessment integrates data describing coastal characteristics, landscape composition, and the level of resistance to change to produce the initial fabric layer.
The assessment integrates data describing coastal characteristics, landscape composition, and the level of resistance to change to produce the initial fabric layer.
Coastal Change Likelihood
The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the National Park Service, developed the Coastal Change Likelihood assessment to determine the future likelihood of coastal change along the Northeast U.S. coastline in the next decade. Here is the CCL map for Chesapeake, Va.
The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the National Park Service, developed the Coastal Change Likelihood assessment to determine the future likelihood of coastal change along the Northeast U.S. coastline in the next decade. Here is the CCL map for Chesapeake, Va.
Coastal Change Likelihood
The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the National Park Service, developed the Coastal Change Likelihood assessment to determine the future likelihood of coastal change along the Northeast U.S. coastline in the next decade.
The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the National Park Service, developed the Coastal Change Likelihood assessment to determine the future likelihood of coastal change along the Northeast U.S. coastline in the next decade.
Erika Lentz interview by WBZ Meteorologist, Danielle Niles
Research geologist, Erika Lentz, interviewed on Trunk River Beach, Falmouth, MA, by WBZ meterologist, Danielle Niles, about the future impacts of sea-level rise
Research geologist, Erika Lentz, interviewed on Trunk River Beach, Falmouth, MA, by WBZ meterologist, Danielle Niles, about the future impacts of sea-level rise
Science and Products
Filter Total Items: 31
Mechanisms and Outcomes of Science Facilitation
USGS researchers are studying how science facilitation can help diverse and interdisciplinary teams of scientists collaborate effectively and develop a common scientific understanding of complex challenges.
Future Landscape Adaptation and Coastal Change (FLACC)
USGS scientists working on the Future Landscape Adaptation and Coastal Change (FLACC) project bring together information on coastal environments, processes, and climate drivers to evaluate where and when future changes along our Nation’s coast may occur and what they may look like.
Connecting with our stakeholders - developing a better understanding of use and usability for science products
The value of USGS tools and products can be assessed by collecting use metrics, user feedback, and examples of practical application. We will pilot an approach to assess the utility of two Coastal Change Hazards product releases and establish a guide for tracking the use and user experience of USGS products.
Coastal Change Likelihood
The U.S. Geological Survey, in partnership with the National Park Service through the Natural Resource Preservation Program, developed the Coastal Change Likelihood (CCL) assessment to determine the future likelihood of coastal change along U.S. coastlines in the next decade. The Northeast United States, from Maine to Virginia, was selected for a proof-of-concept pilot study.
State of Our Nation's Coast
Discover USGS products, tools, and data with the Coastal Science Navigator! The Coastal Science Navigator serves as a gateway to USGS Coastal Change Hazards resources and assists users in finding products and tools that will meet their specific needs.
Coastal Change Hazards
Natural processes such as waves, tides, and weather, continually change coastal landscapes. The integrity of coastal homes, businesses, and infrastructure can be threatened by hazards associated with event-driven changes, such as extreme storms and their impacts on beach and dune erosion, or longer-term, cumulative changes associated with coastal and marine processes, such as sea-level rise...
Coastal Change at Fire Island, a geonarrative
For more than two decades the U.S. Geological Survey has been researching Fire Island's offshore, nearshore, and barrier island systems to better understand drivers of coastal change and evolution. This geonarrative delves into how barrier islands change and evolve, demonstrates how seasons, storms and humans change beaches, and explores the role models play in predicting what the beach might look...
Coastal System Change at Fire Island, New York
Fire Island is a 50-km long barrier island along the south shore of Long Island, New York. The island is comprised of seventeen year-round communities; federal, state, and county parks; and supports distinct ecosystems alongside areas of economic and cultural value. In addition to providing resources to its residents, the barrier island also protects the heavily-populated mainland from storm waves...
Probabilistic Framing
The Bayesian statistical framework is ideal for using data sets derived from historical or modern observations such as long-term shoreline change or wetland accretion/elevation trends. This information can be combined with model simulations and used to define the relationships between key variables in coastal environments.
Sea-Level Rise Hazards and Decision Support
The Sea-Level Rise Hazards and Decision-Support project assesses present and future coastal vulnerability to provide actionable information for management of our Nation’s coasts. Through multidisciplinary research and collaborative partnerships with decision-makers, physical, biological, and social factors that describe landscape and habitat changes are incorporated in a probabilistic modeling...
Breach Evolution - Coastal System Change at Fire Island, New York
In 2012, during Hurricane Sandy, a breach formed in the Otis Pike High Dune Wilderness Area on Fire Island, NY.
Other Storm Impacts - Coastal System Change at Fire Island, New York
Since the late 1990s, USGS has been conducting research to quantify the impact from other hurricanes and nor'easters on the beaches and dunes at Fire Island.
Assateague Island Seabeach Amaranth: 2001-2020
Time-series of number of seabeach amaranth observed in end-of-season surveys by NPS biologists. Shaded regions specify years where drought conditions persisted through the amaranth growing season. Vertical lines denote strong storms that occurred during the observation period.
Time-series of number of seabeach amaranth observed in end-of-season surveys by NPS biologists. Shaded regions specify years where drought conditions persisted through the amaranth growing season. Vertical lines denote strong storms that occurred during the observation period.
Introduction to the USGS Coastal Science Navigator
The Coastal Science Navigator is intended to help users discover USGS Coastal Change Hazards information, products, and tools relevant to their scientific or decision-making needs.
The Coastal Science Navigator is intended to help users discover USGS Coastal Change Hazards information, products, and tools relevant to their scientific or decision-making needs.
Coastal Change Likelihood
The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the National Park Service, developed the Coastal Change Likelihood assessment to determine the future likelihood of coastal change along the Northeast coastline in the next decade. Pictured here is coastal change likelihood on Cape Cod.
The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the National Park Service, developed the Coastal Change Likelihood assessment to determine the future likelihood of coastal change along the Northeast coastline in the next decade. Pictured here is coastal change likelihood on Cape Cod.
Coastal Change Likelihood
Where are coastal landscapes likely to change?
Where are coastal landscapes likely to change?
Coastal Change Likelihood
The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the National Park Service, developed the Coastal Change Likelihood assessment to determine the future likelihood of coastal change along the Northeast U.S. coastline in the next decade. The CCL data displayed here are for the mid-Atlantic Bight, and extend from the shoreline to 10m elevation inland.
The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the National Park Service, developed the Coastal Change Likelihood assessment to determine the future likelihood of coastal change along the Northeast U.S. coastline in the next decade. The CCL data displayed here are for the mid-Atlantic Bight, and extend from the shoreline to 10m elevation inland.
Coastal Change Likelihood
The CCL is an updated version of the older Coastal Vulnerability Index, first published in 1999. While the original product was focused on change in the next 50-100 years based solely on sea level rise, the new CCL is more near-term, focusing on change over the next decade as a result of multiple coastal hazards.
The CCL is an updated version of the older Coastal Vulnerability Index, first published in 1999. While the original product was focused on change in the next 50-100 years based solely on sea level rise, the new CCL is more near-term, focusing on change over the next decade as a result of multiple coastal hazards.
CCL and CVI
The CCL is an updated version of the older Coastal Vulnerability Index, first published in 1999. While the original product was focused on change in the next 50-100 years based solely on sea level rise, the new CCL is more near-term, focusing on change over the next decade as a result of multiple coastal hazards.
The CCL is an updated version of the older Coastal Vulnerability Index, first published in 1999. While the original product was focused on change in the next 50-100 years based solely on sea level rise, the new CCL is more near-term, focusing on change over the next decade as a result of multiple coastal hazards.
Coastal Change Likelihood - Fabric Data
The CCL assessment integrates data describing coastal characteristics, landscape composition, and the level of resistance to change, with data defining the drivers of change that impact the coast, such as waves and flooding. These data types are known as fabric and hazards, respectively.
The CCL assessment integrates data describing coastal characteristics, landscape composition, and the level of resistance to change, with data defining the drivers of change that impact the coast, such as waves and flooding. These data types are known as fabric and hazards, respectively.
Coastal Change Likelihood - Perpetual Hazard Data
Data defining the drivers of change that impact the coast, such as waves and flooding are synthesized in hazards layers.
Data defining the drivers of change that impact the coast, such as waves and flooding are synthesized in hazards layers.
Coastal Change Likelihood - Fabric Data
The assessment integrates data describing coastal characteristics, landscape composition, and the level of resistance to change to produce the initial fabric layer.
The assessment integrates data describing coastal characteristics, landscape composition, and the level of resistance to change to produce the initial fabric layer.
Coastal Change Likelihood
The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the National Park Service, developed the Coastal Change Likelihood assessment to determine the future likelihood of coastal change along the Northeast U.S. coastline in the next decade. Here is the CCL map for Chesapeake, Va.
The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the National Park Service, developed the Coastal Change Likelihood assessment to determine the future likelihood of coastal change along the Northeast U.S. coastline in the next decade. Here is the CCL map for Chesapeake, Va.
Coastal Change Likelihood
The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the National Park Service, developed the Coastal Change Likelihood assessment to determine the future likelihood of coastal change along the Northeast U.S. coastline in the next decade.
The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the National Park Service, developed the Coastal Change Likelihood assessment to determine the future likelihood of coastal change along the Northeast U.S. coastline in the next decade.
Erika Lentz interview by WBZ Meteorologist, Danielle Niles
Research geologist, Erika Lentz, interviewed on Trunk River Beach, Falmouth, MA, by WBZ meterologist, Danielle Niles, about the future impacts of sea-level rise
Research geologist, Erika Lentz, interviewed on Trunk River Beach, Falmouth, MA, by WBZ meterologist, Danielle Niles, about the future impacts of sea-level rise