Sound Waves Newsletter: March-May 2024
USGS-led Study: Sediment Management is Key to Preserving Puget Sound's Estuarine Habitats
Rising sea levels and ongoing anthropogenic development continue to threaten estuaries worldwide. New research conducted by USGS alongside state, federal, and tribal partners in Puget Sound provides crucial support for sediment management strategies to preserve these invaluable habitats.
New Products Added to the Coastal Science Navigator
In March 2024, the U.S. Geological Survey’s Coastal Science Navigator was updated to include 14 additional products, bringing the new total number of products in the Navigator to 68.
Restoring Marshes as a Cost-Effective Climate Adaptation Solution for San Mateo County
Climate change-induced flooding threatens coastlines around the world. A new study from researchers at the University of California, Santa Cruz, the San Francisco Estuary Institute, and USGS explores the potential of nature-based solutions (NBS), specifically marsh restoration, in bolstering climate resilience along the shores of San Mateo County, California.
Aligning Salt Marsh Science with Management Needs
User stories show the power of participatory science
Extreme low-frequency waves on the Ofu, American Samoa, reef flat
Researchers from the USGS and the National Park Service have published the first documentation of exceptionally large low-frequency waves sweeping across the southern fringing reef of Ofu, American Samoa. This discovery, outlined in a new study, sheds light on how these waves may influence coastal dynamics and coral reef resilience on fringing reefs.
Digital Shoreline Analysis System (DSAS) Update
With Esri ArcMap beginning its descent into retirement, the Digital Shoreline Analysis System (DSAS) version 6.0 was developed as a standalone application that can be used alongside any geographic information system (GIS).
USGS Remote Sensing Data Tracks Big Sur Landslides of 2024
The USGS has collected and released topographic data that show the changes to the Mud Creek landslide of Big Sur during the winter and spring of 2024.
Modeling Coastal Flooding Dynamics Along the U.S. Southeast Atlantic Coast
Researchers have developed a comprehensive model to hindcast nearly four decades of water-level data for the Southeast Atlantic coastline of the United States. Spanning the stretch from the entrance of Chesapeake Bay to the southeastern tip of Florida, the research offers vital insights into the complex factors driving coastal processes in the region.
Case Study: Monitoring Coastal Change via Satellite Imagery at Regional Scale in the Pacific Northwest
A new study from USGS and partners showcases the accuracy and reliability of satellite-derived shoreline positions for monitoring coastal change. While the research focuses on the U.S. Pacific Northwest as a case study, this advancement holds promise for informing coastal management and policy-making worldwide.
A Benchmarking Framework for Shoreline Monitoring Accuracy
In a significant first for satellite-derived shoreline monitoring, researchers have created a benchmarking framework aimed at evaluating the accuracy of shoreline change observations derived from satellite remote sensing. This study, conducted by an international team including USGS researchers, introduces a standardized method to assess the performance of popular shoreline mapping algorithms.
Alaska Coastal Communities' Exposure to Climate Change-Induced Flooding
New research conducted by USGS, University of Alaska Fairbanks, and NOAA points to the escalating threat of flooding to coastal communities in Alaska, driven by climate change and rising sea levels. Published in Scientific Reports, the study employs innovative approaches to estimate flood elevations, crucial for planning and safeguarding Alaska’s many coastal communities.
News Briefs: March-May 2024
News Briefs - featuring coastal and ocean science from across the USGS.
Photo Roundup: March-May 2024
A selection of coastal and ocean videos and photographs from across the USGS.