California Seafloor and Coastal Mapping Program Active
A Foundation for Characterizing Hazards, Monitoring Change, and Managing Resources
The California Seafloor and Coastal Mapping Program (CSCMP) is a collaborative effort of Federal, state, academic, and private-sector partners to create a comprehensive baseline map series and data sets that describe seafloor morphology, habitats, geology, and environments along the California coast. These products provide a framework for scientific research, as well as critical information to planners and decision-makers who oversee the management of resources and mitigation of risks of hazards in the coastal ocean.
NOAA is pleased to be partnering in this integrated ocean and coastal mapping project. By working with partners from across Federal, state, academic, and private sectors, we are able to combine data resources and maximize our efficiency in applying a "map once, use many times" approach that benefits all. – Rear Admiral Gerd F. Glang, Director NOAA’s Office of Coast Survey
CSCMP maps and data sets are created through the integration, interpretation, and visualization of many data types, including swath sonar and acoustic backscatter, seafloor video and photography, high-resolution seismic reflection profiles, and bottom sediment samples.
Each CMHRP map publication includes nine or more sheets, a pamphlet, and a digital data catalog. To date, 25 map sets have been published, covering 30% of California’s mainland coast. An important part of this effort is the online release of all project data, including large geospatial digital files and associated web services for users to create their own maps or engage in further investigations of the seafloor.
The maps and mapping data have a large range of applications. For example, the seamless Offshore and Onshore Geology and Geomorphology maps show and describe structural and geomorphic features critical to earthquake and landslide hazard assessments. Offshore fault locations and slip rates are being incorporated into the community fault model for northern California and used as the basis for earthquake rupture forecasts and ground motion prediction. Bathymetric data (measurements of the depth of the seafloor) are being incorporated into the Coastal Storm Modeling System (CoSMoS) to predict storm-induced coastal flooding, erosion, and cliff failures for northern California. In addition, maps of offshore sediment thickness are being used to develop Coastal Regional Sediment Management Plans along the California coast.
The California Seafloor Mapping Program Video and Photograph Portal contains videos and photos of seafloor observations for all of California State Waters. These seafloor "ground-truthing" data were collected as a critical database to support development of derivative habitat and geologic maps. In Santa Barbara Channel, these data also contributed to maps showing predicted distribution of sea stars, sea pens, and cup coral. This observational database is now a stand-alone product being utilized by resource managers, outside researchers, and the public.
The CSCMP will continue to publish high-quality interpretive maps and data for California State Waters. The program will provide data and publications through easy-to-use web interfaces appropriate for a large and diverse user group. Public outreach will remain a priority as we strive to keep our science and science products relevant for the next generation.
This research effort is more commonly referred to as the “California Seafloor Mapping Program.”
The CMHRP Decadal Science Strategy 2020-2030
This geonarrative constitutes the Decadal Science Strategy of the USGS's Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program for 2020 to 2030.
California Seafloor Mapping Program
- Overview
A Foundation for Characterizing Hazards, Monitoring Change, and Managing Resources
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media DetailsPhotograph of the seafloor off the California coast showing coarse sand, shells, and a sunflower sea star. It was taken during a "ground-truthing" survey off of Salt Point, California, in support of the CSCMP. The California Seafloor and Coastal Mapping Program (CSCMP) is a collaborative effort of Federal, state, academic, and private-sector partners to create a comprehensive baseline map series and data sets that describe seafloor morphology, habitats, geology, and environments along the California coast. These products provide a framework for scientific research, as well as critical information to planners and decision-makers who oversee the management of resources and mitigation of risks of hazards in the coastal ocean.
NOAA is pleased to be partnering in this integrated ocean and coastal mapping project. By working with partners from across Federal, state, academic, and private sectors, we are able to combine data resources and maximize our efficiency in applying a "map once, use many times" approach that benefits all. – Rear Admiral Gerd F. Glang, Director NOAA’s Office of Coast Survey
CSCMP maps and data sets are created through the integration, interpretation, and visualization of many data types, including swath sonar and acoustic backscatter, seafloor video and photography, high-resolution seismic reflection profiles, and bottom sediment samples.
Virtual fly-through over the seafloor of Central California near San Francisco as if the water was drained from the ocean. The seafloor is colored for depth, with reds and oranges representing shallower regions and dark blues and purples representing deeper regions. Credit: Peter Dartnell, USGS Each CMHRP map publication includes nine or more sheets, a pamphlet, and a digital data catalog. To date, 25 map sets have been published, covering 30% of California’s mainland coast. An important part of this effort is the online release of all project data, including large geospatial digital files and associated web services for users to create their own maps or engage in further investigations of the seafloor.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media DetailsDigital still photograph offshore of Half Moon Bay, California, showing a kelp greenling, encrusting sponges, red algae, and cup coral in mixed gravel, cobbles, and rugose rock outcrop with scattered shells at a depth of 9 meters.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media DetailsExample of one of the sheets from the California map series. The USGS is a leader in creating CSCMP maps. The maps and mapping data have a large range of applications. For example, the seamless Offshore and Onshore Geology and Geomorphology maps show and describe structural and geomorphic features critical to earthquake and landslide hazard assessments. Offshore fault locations and slip rates are being incorporated into the community fault model for northern California and used as the basis for earthquake rupture forecasts and ground motion prediction. Bathymetric data (measurements of the depth of the seafloor) are being incorporated into the Coastal Storm Modeling System (CoSMoS) to predict storm-induced coastal flooding, erosion, and cliff failures for northern California. In addition, maps of offshore sediment thickness are being used to develop Coastal Regional Sediment Management Plans along the California coast.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media DetailsGeology and geomorphology offshore Fort Ross, showing slope failures along the San Andreas Fault.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media DetailsThis photograph of the seafloor off the California coast also shows jellyfish in the water column. This photograph was collected as part of the CSCMP. The California Seafloor Mapping Program Video and Photograph Portal contains videos and photos of seafloor observations for all of California State Waters. These seafloor "ground-truthing" data were collected as a critical database to support development of derivative habitat and geologic maps. In Santa Barbara Channel, these data also contributed to maps showing predicted distribution of sea stars, sea pens, and cup coral. This observational database is now a stand-alone product being utilized by resource managers, outside researchers, and the public.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media DetailsScreen capture of the California Seafloor Mapping Program Imagery home page.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media DetailsColored shaded seafloor map of Monterey Canyon and vicinity, generated using a variety of sonar available through the California Seafloor and Coastal Mapping Program. The colors show depth. Reds and oranges indicate shallower areas, blues and purples show deeper areas. Credit: Peter Dartnell, USGS. The CSCMP will continue to publish high-quality interpretive maps and data for California State Waters. The program will provide data and publications through easy-to-use web interfaces appropriate for a large and diverse user group. Public outreach will remain a priority as we strive to keep our science and science products relevant for the next generation.
- Science
This research effort is more commonly referred to as the “California Seafloor Mapping Program.”
The CMHRP Decadal Science Strategy 2020-2030
This geonarrative constitutes the Decadal Science Strategy of the USGS's Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program for 2020 to 2030.
California Seafloor Mapping Program
The California Seafloor Mapping Program (CSMP) is a cooperative program to create a comprehensive coastal and marine geologic and habitat base map series for all of California's State waters.