Sound Waves Newsletter: December 2025-January 2026
Featuring coastal and ocean science from across the USGS
Featuring coastal and ocean science from across the USGS
APPROACH (APplying Proxy-based Reconstruction Of Atlantic Climate CHange)
Geologic framework and Holocene sand thickness offshore of Seven Mile Island, New Jersey
SPCMSC Team surveys Madeira Beach
USGS Scientists will provide training to the National Weather Service on Total Water Level and Coastal Change Forecasts
USGS St. Petersburg staff attends Geotools 2025 Conference
Site visit for Tampa Bay hard clam growth study
USGS Scientists publish article on marsh erosion and migration in coastal Mississippi and Alabama
USGS Scientists publish article describing the application of regressive modeling techniques to improve marsh unit thickness data in coastal Alabama and Mississippi
MERMAID
Metagenomic Examinations of Reefs; Microbial Assessments Including Disease
Metagenomic Examinations of Reefs; Microbial Assessments Including Disease
Discover Coastal and Marine Science of the USGS St. Petersburg
An interactive geonarrative will take you on a guided journey to explore the research, capabilities, and history of the center
An interactive geonarrative will take you on a guided journey to explore the research, capabilities, and history of the center
Explore the history of the St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center
St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center
Research programs have a primary focus of investigating processes related to coastal and marine environments and societal implications related to natural hazards, resource sustainability, and environmental change.
Science
Science
Read about our science projects, find out where we are working, and why it matters.
Publications
Publications
Peer-reviewed research results and conclusions, authored by Center scientists.
News
USGS Remote Sensing Data Tracks Coastal Change from Hurricanes Helene and Milton
USGS Remote Sensing Data Tracks Coastal Change from Hurricanes Helene and Milton
Photo Roundup: February-May 2026
Photo Roundup: February-May 2026
Sound Waves Newsletter: February-May 2026
Sound Waves Newsletter: February-May 2026
Publications
Precipitation intensity increased across the South Pacific Convergence Zone in the Industrial Age Precipitation intensity increased across the South Pacific Convergence Zone in the Industrial Age
The position, strength, and variability of precipitation in the South Pacific Convergence Zone (SPCZ) remain challenging for coupled ocean-atmosphere climate models to represent, leaving future rainfall projections in this dynamically important region uncertain. Here, we present quantitative records of mean annual precipitation (MAP) spanning the past 1,000 years using sediment cores...
Loss and transformation of coastal wetlands due to global change in the conterminous United States: Past, present, and future Loss and transformation of coastal wetlands due to global change in the conterminous United States: Past, present, and future
Coastal wetlands are being transformed by global change, impacting the ecological and societal benefits provided by these ecosystems. Synthesizing knowledge of historical and expected future transformations in coastal wetlands can help inform forward-looking planning and stewardship efforts. Here, we review anticipated future ecological transformations in coastal wetlands of the...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Water Resources Mission Area, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, California Water Science Center, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Great Lakes Science Center, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC), Wetland and Aquatic Research Center , Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center
Modeling the seasonality of wind-driven hydrocarbon waves in Titan’s polar lakes Modeling the seasonality of wind-driven hydrocarbon waves in Titan’s polar lakes
Titan, the only body in the solar system aside from Earth with standing liquids on its surface, has polar hydrocarbon lakes and seas. As Titan’s atmosphere generates light winds, there should be waves on the surface of these lakes and seas, yet, direct wave observations are scant. We introduce and use PlanetWaves, an open source 4D spectral wave model, to study Titan’s waves and create...
Science
Paleoscience for Partners: Reconstructing the Past to Prepare for the Future
Scientists from the USGS Ecosystems Land Change Science Program are at the forefront of unraveling mysteries of the past to help partners prepare for future environmental conditions.
Seafloor Benthic Mapping and Characterization: Enhancing our Understanding of Aleutian Islands’ Hazards, Potential Seabed Minerals and Deep Corals
A USGS-led expedition in the Aleutian Arc off Alaska will provide critical information on energy resources, underwater earthquakes and other hazards, seafloor habitats, and biological resources, including key fisheries, as well as potential seabed minerals.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Natural Hazards Mission Area, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Land Management Research Program, Species Management Research Program, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center , Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, Deep Sea Exploration, Mapping and Characterization
Decoding Harmful Algal Blooms: Unraveling the Mystery
Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are a significant environmental concern due to their potential effects on health, ecosystems, and economies. Algal toxins, which are toxic compounds produced by certain species of cyanobacteria and algae, are commonly linked to these blooms. It's important to note that algal toxins can still be present even when a bloom is not visible, highlighting the need for ongoing...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Contaminant Biology, Environmental Health Program, Toxic Substances Hydrology, California Water Science Center, Caribbean-Florida Water Science Center (CFWSC), Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Water Science Center, National Wildlife Health Center, Nevada Water Science Center, New England Water Science Center, New Jersey Water Science Center, New Mexico Water Science Center, South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC), St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Upper Midwest Water Science Center