Images

Elkhorn coral (Acropora palmata) in Tres Palmas Marine Reserve, Rincón, Puerto Rico. This coral can form reef crests and cause waves to break, providing significant protection to the coast.

Four scenarios for the southern part of the Florida coastline show the increase in annual coastal hazard risk due to projected coral reef degradation.

Maps for the southern part of the Florida coastline show the increase in annual coastal hazard risk due to damage by Hurricanes Irma and Maria.

1. Increase in population at risk due to coral reef damage per kilometer (left)
2. Increase in value ($) of assets at risk due to coral reef damage per kilometer (right)

Maps show the potential decrease in annual coastal hazard risk provided by coral reef restoration in Florida.

Maps of Puerto Rico show the increase in annual coastal hazard risk due to damage by Hurricanes Irma and Maria.

1. Increase in population at risk due to coral reef damage per kilometer (top)
2. Increase in value ($) of assets at risk due to coral reef damage per kilometer (bottom)

Maps show the potential decrease in annual coastal hazard risk provided by coral reef restoration in Puerto Rico.

Report Summary

The Social and Economic Benefits of Coral Reef Restoration in Puerto Rico

Key Points

Coral reef restoration can yield significant flood reduction benefits. These natural defenses were damaged in the 2017 hurricanes; their recovery would reduce the risks of further storm damages to nature, people and property.

RESUMEN DEL REPORTE

Los beneficios sociales y económicos de la restauración de arrecifes de coral en Puerto Rico

PUNTOS CLAVE

La restauración de los arrecifes de coral puede producir beneficios significativos en la reducción de inundaciones. Estas defensas naturales sufrieron daños a causa de los huracanes de 2017; su recuperación reduciría riesgos adicionales a la naturaleza, las personas y propiedades causados por tormentas.

Report Summary

The Social and Economic Benefits of Coral Reef Restoration in Florida

Targeted restoration of reef natural infrastructure can protect U.S. people and property from significant risk of future flooding.

Key Points

Coral reef restoration can yield significant flood reduction benefits. These natural defenses were damaged in the 2017 hurricanes; their recovery would reduce the risks of further storm damages to nature, people and property.

Report Summary

Future Flooding Impacts from Projected Coral Reef Degradation in Florida

Projected future degradation of reef natural infrastructure puts U.S. people and property at significant risk of future flooding.

Key Points

Future flooding on Florida’s reef-lined coasts would increase by 16% if present reef loss continues.

RESUMEN DEL REPORTE

Los daños causados ​​por los huracanes a los arrecifes de coral en 2017 aumentan el riesgo de inundaciones futuras en Puerto Rico y Florida

Las consecuencias significativas del riesgo de inundación debido a los daños en los arrecifes de coral causado por los huracanes Irma y María clarifican por qué los beneficios de defensa de esta infraestructura natural deben recuperarse, repararse y restaurarse.

Bathymetry data from various sources, including newly released 2018 and 2019 multibeam data collected by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), were combined to create a composite 30-m resolution multibeam bathymetry surface of the southern Cascadia Margin offshore of Oregon and northern California.

The hillslopes above Cinnamon Creek within the Grizzly Creek burn area one year following the Grizzly Creek fire.  

Hillslope recovery along Blue Gulch in the Grizzly Creek burn area.  This photo was taken approximately 1 year following the Grizzly Creek fire. 

Photo looking downstream from the Pack Creek Road Bridge shows the rain gage on top with a USGS sticker. Below is a solar panel for power. The other white round object contains the data logger and satellite antenna.

USGS infographic on the magnitude 5.8 earthquake that struck central Virginia August 23, 2011, east coast earthquake hazards and how the USGS is helping inform critical decisions to protect lives and property. 

Full Text Description:

10-YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF THE M5.8 EARTHQUAKE IN VIRGINIA
America’s Most Widely Felt Earthquake