The Arctic region is warming faster than anywhere else in the nation. Understanding the rates and causes of coastal change in Alaska is needed to identify and mitigate hazards that might affect people and animals that call Alaska home.
Coastal Change
Our Nation has many kinds of coastal ecosystems: from wetlands and sandy beaches to reef-lined coasts and icy permafrost cliffs. While each of these coasts are unique, they have one thing in common—they are constantly changing. The USGS studies the processes that shape our coastal systems and predicts the resulting changes and geological, ecological, and economic consequences.
What is coastal change?
Sediments are the foundation of coastal systems, and the movement of these sediments can result in the evolution of entire ecosystems. USGS measures the amount of sediment present, and how it moves in various environments, such as wetlands, estuaries, beaches, and barrier islands. Processes such as erosion—sediments being taken away from one area of coastline—and deposition—when they are moved to another place—are driven by natural forces, including waves, wind, tides, and currents. These processes can shift shorelines in various directions and change the elevation of coastal environments, therefore influencing the areas that are habitable by people, plants, and animals.
How does USGS study coastal change?
Our scientists use many methods, both through direct measurements like coastal elevation profiles and indirectly using remote sensing, to characterize the shape of our coasts and how they are shifting over time. Some methods include light detection and ranging (LiDAR); amphibious tools and vehicles (technology suited for both land and water) for nearshore seafloor mapping; and satellite imagery, as well as elevation data collected on foot.
USGS measures and monitors the position of shorelines along the entire U.S. coastline and how they have changed since the 1800s using a combination of historical and satellite imagery. These data are used to develop tools such as the Digital Shoreline Analysis System (DSAS) for users to both visualize and track these changes on their own. The Coastal National Elevation Database (CoNED) provides high-resolution digital coastal elevation data, and topobathymetric maps that are used to identify coastal features, hazard zones, changes in ecosystems and to form the foundation for developing models that simulate sediment transport and storm surge. These data help coastal managers, engineers, planners, and resource managers understand how coastal change and its associated hazards will influence our coastal habitats and communities.
Changes to the coastline can affect where and how severely flooding may occur and how this could impact biodiversity persistence. USGS experts use a host of different high-tech devices to gather scientific data before, during, and after extreme storms. This information improves flood forecasting models, is used to update nationwide flood zone maps, helps emergency managers plan for future flooding events, and is critical for managing coastal species with specific habitat requirements.
Visualizing Change
Modeling and Predicting Coastal Change
Predictive modeling techniques are used to forecast how the coast will change in response to both natural processes and anthropogenic influences, as well as how these changes may affect the availability and distribution of habitat for coastal species of concern like piping plovers and sea turtles. This information is useful for informing conservation strategies for partners such as the National Park Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Some coastal change model forecasts are provided in real-time to show areas that are expected to erode, where sand washes away; overwash, where water overtops the dunes of a beach and pushes sand inland; or inundate, where the coast is completely and continuously submerged by high water levels like storm surge. These predictive models are tested and verified using remote sensing techniques including satellites, aerial imagery, and a collection of cameras that monitor coastal areas of interest.
Publications
Chandeleur Islands to Breton Island bathymetric and topographic datasets and operational sediment budget development: Methodology and analysis report
Global and regional sea level rise scenarios for the United States
The potential of wave energy conversion to mitigate coastal erosion from hurricanes
Drivers, dynamics and impacts of changing Arctic coasts
Digital Shoreline Analysis System (DSAS) version 5.1 user guide
Science
Digital Shoreline Analysis System (DSAS)
Remote Sensing Coastal Change
Sediment Transport in Coastal Environments
Coastal Climate Impacts
Dynamic coastlines along the western U.S.
Multimedia
The Arctic region is warming faster than anywhere else in the nation. Understanding the rates and causes of coastal change in Alaska is needed to identify and mitigate hazards that might affect people and animals that call Alaska home.
Hydrologic technicians prepare for Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) measurements on Connecticut River, Maidstone, Vermont.
Hydrologic technicians prepare for Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) measurements on Connecticut River, Maidstone, Vermont.
Join the USGS St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center as they uncover the secrets of the sediment on barrier islands in Pinellas County, Florida. This video was originally created for use at the 2021 virtual St. Petersburg Science Festival.
Join the USGS St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center as they uncover the secrets of the sediment on barrier islands in Pinellas County, Florida. This video was originally created for use at the 2021 virtual St. Petersburg Science Festival.
Two high-resolution, digital cameras were mounted on towers overlooking the beach, dunes, and instrument arrays in the Outer Banks of North Carolina on September 18, 2021, as part of the DUring Nea
Two high-resolution, digital cameras were mounted on towers overlooking the beach, dunes, and instrument arrays in the Outer Banks of North Carolina on September 18, 2021, as part of the DUring Nea
USGS scientists mounted this high-resolution digital camera on an observation tower in the dune at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Field Research Facility near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. The camera overlooks the beach, dune, and an instrument array, and collects images throughout calm and storm conditions.
USGS scientists mounted this high-resolution digital camera on an observation tower in the dune at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Field Research Facility near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. The camera overlooks the beach, dune, and an instrument array, and collects images throughout calm and storm conditions.
A novel stereo CoastCam will be installed on at dune at Pea Island for the duration of the experiment.
A novel stereo CoastCam will be installed on at dune at Pea Island for the duration of the experiment.
The USGS Coastal Change Hazards team works to identify and address the Nation’s coastal change hazards problems. By integrating research, technical capabilities and applications, and stakeholder engagement and communications, the Coastal Change Hazards team develops robust and accessible coastal change assessments, forecasts, and tools that help improve the lives,
The USGS Coastal Change Hazards team works to identify and address the Nation’s coastal change hazards problems. By integrating research, technical capabilities and applications, and stakeholder engagement and communications, the Coastal Change Hazards team develops robust and accessible coastal change assessments, forecasts, and tools that help improve the lives,
Dan Ciarletta (right) working alongside Julie Bernier (left) to collect a sediment core on Mullet Key, an island within Fort de Soto Park in Pinellas County, Florida. The core will be used to reconstruct the geologic history of the island.
Dan Ciarletta (right) working alongside Julie Bernier (left) to collect a sediment core on Mullet Key, an island within Fort de Soto Park in Pinellas County, Florida. The core will be used to reconstruct the geologic history of the island.
The importance of our Nation’s coasts is indisputable. They provide homes for people and animals alike, and support the Nation’s economy. The USGS Coastal Change Hazards team studies how our shorelines change over time, especially following extreme events such as storms and hurricanes.
The importance of our Nation’s coasts is indisputable. They provide homes for people and animals alike, and support the Nation’s economy. The USGS Coastal Change Hazards team studies how our shorelines change over time, especially following extreme events such as storms and hurricanes.
News
Determining how high floodwaters reached helps communities prepare for future floods
Changes to the Coastline Can Affect Where, and How Severely, Flooding Occurs
Coasts, Storms, and Sea Level Rise Geonarratives
National Assessment of Coastal Change Hazards
Video Remote Sensing of Coastal Processes
- Overview
What is coastal change?
Sediments are the foundation of coastal systems, and the movement of these sediments can result in the evolution of entire ecosystems. USGS measures the amount of sediment present, and how it moves in various environments, such as wetlands, estuaries, beaches, and barrier islands. Processes such as erosion—sediments being taken away from one area of coastline—and deposition—when they are moved to another place—are driven by natural forces, including waves, wind, tides, and currents. These processes can shift shorelines in various directions and change the elevation of coastal environments, therefore influencing the areas that are habitable by people, plants, and animals.
How does USGS study coastal change?
Our scientists use many methods, both through direct measurements like coastal elevation profiles and indirectly using remote sensing, to characterize the shape of our coasts and how they are shifting over time. Some methods include light detection and ranging (LiDAR); amphibious tools and vehicles (technology suited for both land and water) for nearshore seafloor mapping; and satellite imagery, as well as elevation data collected on foot.
USGS measures and monitors the position of shorelines along the entire U.S. coastline and how they have changed since the 1800s using a combination of historical and satellite imagery. These data are used to develop tools such as the Digital Shoreline Analysis System (DSAS) for users to both visualize and track these changes on their own. The Coastal National Elevation Database (CoNED) provides high-resolution digital coastal elevation data, and topobathymetric maps that are used to identify coastal features, hazard zones, changes in ecosystems and to form the foundation for developing models that simulate sediment transport and storm surge. These data help coastal managers, engineers, planners, and resource managers understand how coastal change and its associated hazards will influence our coastal habitats and communities.
Changes to the coastline can affect where and how severely flooding may occur and how this could impact biodiversity persistence. USGS experts use a host of different high-tech devices to gather scientific data before, during, and after extreme storms. This information improves flood forecasting models, is used to update nationwide flood zone maps, helps emergency managers plan for future flooding events, and is critical for managing coastal species with specific habitat requirements.
Visualizing Change
Modeling and Predicting Coastal Change
Predictive modeling techniques are used to forecast how the coast will change in response to both natural processes and anthropogenic influences, as well as how these changes may affect the availability and distribution of habitat for coastal species of concern like piping plovers and sea turtles. This information is useful for informing conservation strategies for partners such as the National Park Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Some coastal change model forecasts are provided in real-time to show areas that are expected to erode, where sand washes away; overwash, where water overtops the dunes of a beach and pushes sand inland; or inundate, where the coast is completely and continuously submerged by high water levels like storm surge. These predictive models are tested and verified using remote sensing techniques including satellites, aerial imagery, and a collection of cameras that monitor coastal areas of interest.
Publications
Chandeleur Islands to Breton Island bathymetric and topographic datasets and operational sediment budget development: Methodology and analysis report
This study is part of the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA) Louisiana Barrier Island Comprehensive Monitoring (BICM) program. The goal of the BICM program is to provide long-term data on the barrier islands of Louisiana for monitoring change and assisting in coastal management. The BICM program uses historical data and acquires new data to map and monitor shoreline position, sediAuthorsJames G. Flocks, Arnell S. Forde, Julie BernierGlobal and regional sea level rise scenarios for the United States
This report and accompanying datasets from the U.S. Sea Level Rise and Coastal Flood Hazard Scenarios and Tools Interagency Task Force provide 1) sea level rise scenarios to 2150 by decade that include estimates of vertical land motion and 2) a set of extreme water level probabilities for various heights along the U.S. coastline. These data are available at 1-degree grids along the U.S. coastlineAuthorsWilliam Sweet, Ben Hamlington, Robert E. Kopp, Christopher Weaver, Patrick L. Barnard, David Bekaert, William Brooks, Michael Craghan, Gregory Dusek, Thomas Frederikse, Gregory Garner, Ayesha S. Genz, John P. Krasting, Eric Larour, Doug Marcy, John J. Marra, Jayantha Obeysekera, Mark Osler, Matthew Pendleton, Daniel Roman, Lauren Schmied, Will Veatch, Kathleen D. White, Casey ZuzakThe potential of wave energy conversion to mitigate coastal erosion from hurricanes
Wave energy conversion technologies have recently attracted more attention as part of global efforts to replace fossil fuels with renewable energy resources. While ocean waves can provide renewable energy, they can also be destructive to coastal areas that are often densely populated and vulnerable to coastal erosion. There have been a variety of efforts to mitigate the impacts of wave- and storm-AuthorsCigdem Ozkan, Talea Mayo, Davina PasseriDrivers, dynamics and impacts of changing Arctic coasts
Arctic coasts are vulnerable to the effects of climate change, including rising sea levels and the loss of permafrost, sea ice and glaciers. Assessing the influence of anthropogenic warming on Arctic coastal dynamics, however, is challenged by the limited availability of observational, oceanographic and environmental data. Yet, with the majority of permafrost coasts being erosive, coupled with proAuthorsAnna M. Irrgang, Mette Bendixen, Louise M. Farquharson, Alisa V. Baranskaya, Li H. Erikson, Ann E. Gibbs, Stanislav A. Ogorodov, Pier Paul Overduin, Hugues Lantuit, Mikhail N. Grigoriev, Benjamin M. JonesDigital Shoreline Analysis System (DSAS) version 5.1 user guide
The Digital Shoreline Analysis System version 5 software is an add-in to Esri ArcGIS Desktop version 10.4–10.7 that enables a user to calculate rate-of-change statistics from a time series of vector shoreline positions. The Digital Shoreline Analysis System provides an automated method for establishing measurement locations, performs rate calculations, provides the statistical data necessary to asAuthorsEmily A. Himmelstoss, Rachel E. Henderson, Meredith G. Kratzmann, Amy S. FarrisScience
Digital Shoreline Analysis System (DSAS)
Computer Software for Calculating Shoreline Change (or positional change of a boundary over time) The Digital Shoreline Analysis System (DSAS) v5 software is an add-in to Esri ArcGIS desktop (10.4-10.7+) that enables a user to calculate rate-of-change statistics from multiple historical shoreline positions. It provides an automated method for establishing measurement locations, performs rate...Remote Sensing Coastal Change
We use remote-sensing technologies—such as aerial photography, satellite imagery, structure-from-motion (SfM) photogrammetry, and lidar (laser-based surveying)—to measure coastal change along U.S. shorelines.Sediment Transport in Coastal Environments
Our research goals are to provide the scientific information, knowledge, and tools required to ensure that decisions about land and resource use, management practices, and future development in the coastal zone and adjacent watersheds can be evaluated with a complete understanding of the probable effects on coastal ecosystems and communities, and a full assessment of their vulnerability to natural...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...Dynamic coastlines along the western U.S.
The west coast of the United States is extremely complex and changeable because of tectonic activity, mountain building, and land subsidence. These active environments pose a major challenge for accurately assessing climate change impacts, since models were historically developed for more passive sandy coasts.Multimedia
Coastal Change in Arctic Alaska (AD)The Arctic region is warming faster than anywhere else in the nation. Understanding the rates and causes of coastal change in Alaska is needed to identify and mitigate hazards that might affect people and animals that call Alaska home.
The Arctic region is warming faster than anywhere else in the nation. Understanding the rates and causes of coastal change in Alaska is needed to identify and mitigate hazards that might affect people and animals that call Alaska home.
Preparing for Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) measurementsPreparing for Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) measurementsHydrologic technicians prepare for Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) measurements on Connecticut River, Maidstone, Vermont.
Hydrologic technicians prepare for Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) measurements on Connecticut River, Maidstone, Vermont.
Secrets of the Sediment on Barrier IslandsJoin the USGS St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center as they uncover the secrets of the sediment on barrier islands in Pinellas County, Florida. This video was originally created for use at the 2021 virtual St. Petersburg Science Festival.
Join the USGS St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center as they uncover the secrets of the sediment on barrier islands in Pinellas County, Florida. This video was originally created for use at the 2021 virtual St. Petersburg Science Festival.
Two CoastCams installed in the Outer Banks for DUNEX projectTwo CoastCams installed in the Outer Banks for DUNEX projectTwo high-resolution, digital cameras were mounted on towers overlooking the beach, dunes, and instrument arrays in the Outer Banks of North Carolina on September 18, 2021, as part of the DUring Nea
Two high-resolution, digital cameras were mounted on towers overlooking the beach, dunes, and instrument arrays in the Outer Banks of North Carolina on September 18, 2021, as part of the DUring Nea
Coast Cam at the USACE Field Research FacilityUSGS scientists mounted this high-resolution digital camera on an observation tower in the dune at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Field Research Facility near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. The camera overlooks the beach, dune, and an instrument array, and collects images throughout calm and storm conditions.
USGS scientists mounted this high-resolution digital camera on an observation tower in the dune at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Field Research Facility near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. The camera overlooks the beach, dune, and an instrument array, and collects images throughout calm and storm conditions.
Novel Stereo CoastCamA novel stereo CoastCam will be installed on at dune at Pea Island for the duration of the experiment.
A novel stereo CoastCam will be installed on at dune at Pea Island for the duration of the experiment.
USGS Coastal Change Hazards (AD)The USGS Coastal Change Hazards team works to identify and address the Nation’s coastal change hazards problems. By integrating research, technical capabilities and applications, and stakeholder engagement and communications, the Coastal Change Hazards team develops robust and accessible coastal change assessments, forecasts, and tools that help improve the lives,
The USGS Coastal Change Hazards team works to identify and address the Nation’s coastal change hazards problems. By integrating research, technical capabilities and applications, and stakeholder engagement and communications, the Coastal Change Hazards team develops robust and accessible coastal change assessments, forecasts, and tools that help improve the lives,
Collecting sediment core with vibracore equipment at Mullet Key, FLCollecting sediment core with vibracore equipment at Mullet Key, FLDan Ciarletta (right) working alongside Julie Bernier (left) to collect a sediment core on Mullet Key, an island within Fort de Soto Park in Pinellas County, Florida. The core will be used to reconstruct the geologic history of the island.
Dan Ciarletta (right) working alongside Julie Bernier (left) to collect a sediment core on Mullet Key, an island within Fort de Soto Park in Pinellas County, Florida. The core will be used to reconstruct the geologic history of the island.
Studying How the Beach Changes at Madeira Beach, FloridaStudying How the Beach Changes at Madeira Beach, FloridaStudying How the Beach Changes at Madeira Beach, FloridaThe importance of our Nation’s coasts is indisputable. They provide homes for people and animals alike, and support the Nation’s economy. The USGS Coastal Change Hazards team studies how our shorelines change over time, especially following extreme events such as storms and hurricanes.
The importance of our Nation’s coasts is indisputable. They provide homes for people and animals alike, and support the Nation’s economy. The USGS Coastal Change Hazards team studies how our shorelines change over time, especially following extreme events such as storms and hurricanes.
News
Determining how high floodwaters reached helps communities prepare for future floodsDetermining how high floodwaters reached helps communities prepare for future floods
Changes to the Coastline Can Affect Where, and How Severely, Flooding OccursChanges to the Coastline Can Affect Where, and How Severely, Flooding Occurs
Coasts, Storms, and Sea Level Rise GeonarrativesCoasts, Storms, and Sea Level Rise Geonarratives
- Publications
- Science
Filter Total Items: 26
National Assessment of Coastal Change Hazards
Research to identify areas that are most vulnerable to coastal change hazards including beach and dune erosion, long-term shoreline change, and sea-level rise.ByNatural Hazards Mission Area, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center, Gulf of Mexico, Hurricane Harvey, Hurricane Irma, Hurricane Jose, Hurricane Maria, Hurricane Matthew, Hurricane SandyVideo Remote Sensing of Coastal Processes
Video observations of the coast are used to monitor a range of coastal processes, for example changes in the shoreline position, both seasonally and due to long-term effects such as sea-level rise, and instances of beach and dune erosion during extreme storm events. - Data and More
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- Multimedia
Filter Total Items: 22No results found.
- News