USGS scientist Daniel Hoover mapping the beach at Santa Cruz with a GPS-equipped backpack unit.
Andrew Stevens
Oceanographer with the USGS Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
Explore my published data sets on USGS ScienceBase, or choose the Data and Tools tab below.
Education and Certifications
College of Oceanic and Atmospheric Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR
M.S., Oceanography, November 2004Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA
B.S., Oceanography, May 2002 (with honors)
Science and Products
Beach topography and nearshore bathymetry of the Columbia River littoral cell, Washington and Oregon (ver. 4.0, January 2024)
Eelgrass distributions and bathymetry of Bellingham Bay, Washington, 2019
Hydrodynamic and sediment transport model of San Pablo Bay, California, Nov-Dec 2014
Hydrodynamic model of the lower Columbia River, Washington and Oregon, 2017-2020
Aerial imagery and structure-from-motion derived data products from UAS survey of the Liberty Island Conservation Bank Wildlands restoration site, Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, California, October 2018
Eelgrass distributions and bathymetry of the Nisqually River delta, Washington
Sediment transport and aquatic vegetation data from three locations in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, California, 2017 to 2018
Bathymetry, topography, and acoustic backscatter data, and a digital elevation model (DEM) of the Cache Slough Complex and Sacramento River Deep Water Ship Channel, Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, California
Bathymetry, topography, and sediment grain-size data from the Elwha River delta, Washington, July 2017
Beach topography and nearshore bathymetry of northern Monterey Bay, California
Bathymetry, topography, and sediment grain-size data from the Elwha River delta, Washington
Oceanographic measurements and hydrodynamic modeling of the mouth of the Columbia River, Oregon and Washington, 2013
USGS scientist Daniel Hoover mapping the beach at Santa Cruz with a GPS-equipped backpack unit.
Christie gears up to survey beach elevation in Santa Cruz, CA with a precise and accurate GPS unit mounted to her backpack. The GPS unit on her backpack communicates with a nearby "base station" to minimize errors in location.
Christie gears up to survey beach elevation in Santa Cruz, CA with a precise and accurate GPS unit mounted to her backpack. The GPS unit on her backpack communicates with a nearby "base station" to minimize errors in location.
Physical scientist Jackson Currie steers a personal water craft (PWC) equipped with GPS and echo sounder through the waves of the nearshore area of Zmudowski State Beach in Moss Landing, California.
Physical scientist Jackson Currie steers a personal water craft (PWC) equipped with GPS and echo sounder through the waves of the nearshore area of Zmudowski State Beach in Moss Landing, California.
The coastal bluff along East Cliff Drive in Santa Cruz, California are especially vulnerable to rising sea level during big storms. Sometimes even the rip-rap, put in place to protect roadways and homes, cannot protect the bluffs from erosion.
The coastal bluff along East Cliff Drive in Santa Cruz, California are especially vulnerable to rising sea level during big storms. Sometimes even the rip-rap, put in place to protect roadways and homes, cannot protect the bluffs from erosion.
A personal watercraft ready to survey the surf zone, with custom waterproof displays linked to an echo sounder and a precision GPS receiver. These surveys require special training and permits.
A personal watercraft ready to survey the surf zone, with custom waterproof displays linked to an echo sounder and a precision GPS receiver. These surveys require special training and permits.
Bathymetry data of Columbia River mouth, derived from an interferometric swath bathymetry systems survey in 2013. A) Swath map of data; B-E) sample detail pull-outs
Bathymetry data of Columbia River mouth, derived from an interferometric swath bathymetry systems survey in 2013. A) Swath map of data; B-E) sample detail pull-outs
USGS scientist surveying a beach using a backpack-mounted precision GPS receiver.
USGS scientist surveying a beach using a backpack-mounted precision GPS receiver.
Coastal research can be beautiful, too. Personal watercraft survey offshore of Santa Cruz, California.
Coastal research can be beautiful, too. Personal watercraft survey offshore of Santa Cruz, California.
USGS scientist Alex Snyder gathers topographic data by walking beach transects northwest of Moss Landing to help researchers understand how Monterey Bay will respond to changing environmental conditions.
USGS scientist Alex Snyder gathers topographic data by walking beach transects northwest of Moss Landing to help researchers understand how Monterey Bay will respond to changing environmental conditions.
Antonio Espejo Hermosa uses a handheld computer and GPS equipment to record beach topography data near Sunset State Beach in Santa Cruz.
Antonio Espejo Hermosa uses a handheld computer and GPS equipment to record beach topography data near Sunset State Beach in Santa Cruz.
Photograph shows a USGS scientist navigating an all-terrain vehicle equipped with GPS, collecting topographic data on Rio Del Mar State Beach in Aptos, California. Gathering this type of information helps USGS scientists to document the changes in beach and nearshore morphology (or form and structure), caused by seasonal variations and storms.
Photograph shows a USGS scientist navigating an all-terrain vehicle equipped with GPS, collecting topographic data on Rio Del Mar State Beach in Aptos, California. Gathering this type of information helps USGS scientists to document the changes in beach and nearshore morphology (or form and structure), caused by seasonal variations and storms.
A USGS scientist guides a personal watercraft toward Seabright Beach near the Santa Cruz Harbor entrance during bathymetric surveys.
A USGS scientist guides a personal watercraft toward Seabright Beach near the Santa Cruz Harbor entrance during bathymetric surveys.
USGS scientist Jackson Currie navigates a personal watercraft towards Santa Cruz's Main Beach, to record bathymetric data along a transect.
USGS scientist Jackson Currie navigates a personal watercraft towards Santa Cruz's Main Beach, to record bathymetric data along a transect.
Panoramic view from the cliffs above the San Lorenzo River and east of the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Main Beach. Santa Cruz municipal pier and other buildings are visible in the background.
Panoramic view from the cliffs above the San Lorenzo River and east of the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Main Beach. Santa Cruz municipal pier and other buildings are visible in the background.
A USGS technician surveys the seafloor bathymetry using a personal watercraft outfitted with global positioning systems (GPS) and echo sounders.
Location: Santa Cruz, California (near Steamers Lane).
A USGS technician surveys the seafloor bathymetry using a personal watercraft outfitted with global positioning systems (GPS) and echo sounders.
Location: Santa Cruz, California (near Steamers Lane).
A USGS technician surveys the seafloor bathymetry using a personal watercraft outfitted with global positioning systems (GPS) and echo sounders.
Location:Santa Cruz, California (near Santa Cruz Boardwalk).
A USGS technician surveys the seafloor bathymetry using a personal watercraft outfitted with global positioning systems (GPS) and echo sounders.
Location:Santa Cruz, California (near Santa Cruz Boardwalk).
A USGS technician surveys the seafloor bathymetry using a personal watercraft outfitted with global positioning systems (GPS) and echo sounders.
Location: Santa Cruz, California (near Wharf).
A USGS technician surveys the seafloor bathymetry using a personal watercraft outfitted with global positioning systems (GPS) and echo sounders.
Location: Santa Cruz, California (near Wharf).
Photograph of a USGS technician on a USGS coastal survey vessel that maps seafloor bathymetry using global positioning systems (GPS) and echo sounders.
Location:Santa Cruz, California (near Wharf).
Photograph of a USGS technician on a USGS coastal survey vessel that maps seafloor bathymetry using global positioning systems (GPS) and echo sounders.
Location:Santa Cruz, California (near Wharf).
Personal watercraft fitted with sonar and GPS were among the tools used by USGS scientists to map the bottom of shallow coastal waters near the mouth of the Elwha River. This shot was taken August 25, 2011, during a survey conducted just a few weeks before dam removal began.
Personal watercraft fitted with sonar and GPS were among the tools used by USGS scientists to map the bottom of shallow coastal waters near the mouth of the Elwha River. This shot was taken August 25, 2011, during a survey conducted just a few weeks before dam removal began.
A Washington Department of Ecology scientist maps the bathymetry of the mouth of the Elwha River using an integrated GPS and echo sounder on a personal watercraft.
A Washington Department of Ecology scientist maps the bathymetry of the mouth of the Elwha River using an integrated GPS and echo sounder on a personal watercraft.
Increased sediment load during a large-scale dam removal changes nearshore subtidal communities
Coastal habitat and biological community response to dam removal on the Elwha River
Investigation of input reduction techniques for morphodynamic modeling of complex inlets with baroclinic forcing
Bathymetric survey and digital elevation model of Little Holland Tract, Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, California
Coastal change from a massive sediment input: Dam removal, Elwha River, Washington, USA
Large-scale dam removal on the Elwha River, Washington, USA: coastal geomorphic change
Southwest Washington littoral drift restoration—Beach and nearshore morphological monitoring
The influence of wave energy and sediment transport on seagrass distribution
Coastal habitats of the Elwha River, Washington- Biological and physical patterns and processes prior to dam removal
Tsunami inundation and sediment transport in a sediment-limited embayment on American Samoa
Effects of fringing reefs on tsunami inundation: American Samoa
A buoyant plume adjacent to a headland-Observations of the Elwha River plume
Non-USGS Publications**
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.
Science and Products
- Science
- Data
Filter Total Items: 40
Beach topography and nearshore bathymetry of the Columbia River littoral cell, Washington and Oregon (ver. 4.0, January 2024)
This data release presents beach topography and nearshore bathymetry data from repeated surveys performed by a team of scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey, Washington State Department of Ecology, and Oregon State University in the Columbia River littoral cell (CRLC), Washington and Oregon. The CRLC extends approximately 165 kilometers between Point Grenville (PG), Washington, and TillamookEelgrass distributions and bathymetry of Bellingham Bay, Washington, 2019
This data release presents eelgrass distributions and bathymetry data derived from acoustic surveys of Bellingham Bay, Washington. Survey operations were conducted between February 16 and February 21, 2019 (USGS Field Activity Number 2019-606-FA) by a team of scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center and Washington State Department of Ecology. Eelgrass anHydrodynamic and sediment transport model of San Pablo Bay, California, Nov-Dec 2014
A three-dimensional hydrodynamic and sediment transport model of San Pablo and Suisun Bays was constructed using the Delft3D4 (D3D) modeling suite (Deltares, 2021a) to simulate water levels, flow, waves, and suspended sediment for time period of Nov 1 to Dec 31, 2014. This data release describes the construction and validation of the model application and provides input files suitable to run the mHydrodynamic model of the lower Columbia River, Washington and Oregon, 2017-2020
A three-dimensional hydrodynamic model of the lower Columbia River (LCR) was constructed using the Delft3D Flexible Mesh (DFM) modeling suite to simulate water levels, flow, and seabed stresses between January 1, 2017, and April 20, 2020. This data release describes the construction and validation of the model application and provides input files suitable to run the model on Delft3D Flexible MeshAerial imagery and structure-from-motion derived data products from UAS survey of the Liberty Island Conservation Bank Wildlands restoration site, Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, California, October 2018
Unmanned aerial systems (UAS) were used to acquire high-resolution imagery of the Liberty Island Conservation Bank Wildlands restoration site in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta in California, with the goal of using structure-from-motion (SfM) photogrammetric techniques to derive a digital surface model, orthomosaic imagery, and a topographic point cloud. The survey was conducted using two DepartEelgrass distributions and bathymetry of the Nisqually River delta, Washington
This data release presents eelgrass distributions and bathymetric data from repeated surveys performed on the Nisqually River delta to document interannual changes in eelgrass abundance and coastal morphology following the removal of dikes in 2009 that restored tidal processes to over 300 ha of former freshwater wetlands. Survey operations were conducted by a team of scientists from the U.S. GeoloSediment transport and aquatic vegetation data from three locations in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, California, 2017 to 2018
We measured currents, suspended-sediment concentration (SSC), bed sediment characteristics, and vegetation biomass density in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta in 2017-2018, as part of a project investigating the influence of invasive aquatic vegetation (IAV) on flow and sediment flux. This data release includes data from three sites: Lindsey Slough (April 2017), Middle River (March 2018) and the lBathymetry, topography, and acoustic backscatter data, and a digital elevation model (DEM) of the Cache Slough Complex and Sacramento River Deep Water Ship Channel, Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, California
This data release presents bathymetric and topographic data from surveys performed between 2017 and 2018 in the Cache Slough Complex and the Sacramento River Deep Water Ship Channel (DWSC), northern Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, California. The shallow, highly vegetated aquatic habitats of this region necessitated a variety of survey platforms and techniques. In the deeper channels, swath bathymetBathymetry, topography, and sediment grain-size data from the Elwha River delta, Washington, July 2017
Two dams on the Elwha River, Washington State, USA trapped over 20 million m3 of sediment, reducing downstream sediment fluxes and contributing to erosion of the river's coastal delta. The removal of the Elwha and Glines Canyon dams between 2011 and 2014 induced massive increases in river sediment supply and provided an unprecedented opportunity to examine the response of a delta system to changesBeach topography and nearshore bathymetry of northern Monterey Bay, California
This data release presents beach topography and nearshore bathymetry data from repeated surveys in northern Monterey Bay, California to document changes in shoreline position and coastal morphology as they relate to episodic (storms), seasonal, and interannual and longer (e.g. El Ni?o) processes. The ongoing monitoring program was initiated in October 2014 with semi-annual surveys performed in latBathymetry, topography, and sediment grain-size data from the Elwha River delta, Washington
Two dams on the Elwha River, Washington State, USA trapped over 20 million cubic meters of sediment, reducing downstream sediment fluxes and contributing to erosion of the river's coastal delta. The removal of the Elwha and Glines Canyon dams between 2011 and 2014 induced massive increases in river sediment supply and provided an unprecedented opportunity to examine the response of a delta systemOceanographic measurements and hydrodynamic modeling of the mouth of the Columbia River, Oregon and Washington, 2013
During May and June of 2013, the U.S. Geological Survey in collaboration with Naval Post-Graduate School, the University of Miami, and Deltares USA, participated in the Office of Naval Research-funded River and Inlets Dynamics (RIVET II) experiment to investigate the hydrodynamics of the mouth of the Columbia River (MCR). The field experiment consisted of the collection of continuous oceanographic - Multimedia
Filter Total Items: 42Mapping the beach with a GPS-equipped backpack unit.Mapping the beach with a GPS-equipped backpack unit.
USGS scientist Daniel Hoover mapping the beach at Santa Cruz with a GPS-equipped backpack unit.
USGS scientist Daniel Hoover mapping the beach at Santa Cruz with a GPS-equipped backpack unit.
Christie Hegermiller geared up for beach elevation surveyChristie Hegermiller geared up for beach elevation surveyChristie gears up to survey beach elevation in Santa Cruz, CA with a precise and accurate GPS unit mounted to her backpack. The GPS unit on her backpack communicates with a nearby "base station" to minimize errors in location.
Christie gears up to survey beach elevation in Santa Cruz, CA with a precise and accurate GPS unit mounted to her backpack. The GPS unit on her backpack communicates with a nearby "base station" to minimize errors in location.
Collecting Bathymetric DataPhysical scientist Jackson Currie steers a personal water craft (PWC) equipped with GPS and echo sounder through the waves of the nearshore area of Zmudowski State Beach in Moss Landing, California.
Physical scientist Jackson Currie steers a personal water craft (PWC) equipped with GPS and echo sounder through the waves of the nearshore area of Zmudowski State Beach in Moss Landing, California.
Santa Cruz coastal erosionThe coastal bluff along East Cliff Drive in Santa Cruz, California are especially vulnerable to rising sea level during big storms. Sometimes even the rip-rap, put in place to protect roadways and homes, cannot protect the bluffs from erosion.
The coastal bluff along East Cliff Drive in Santa Cruz, California are especially vulnerable to rising sea level during big storms. Sometimes even the rip-rap, put in place to protect roadways and homes, cannot protect the bluffs from erosion.
Personal watercraft with custom equipmentA personal watercraft ready to survey the surf zone, with custom waterproof displays linked to an echo sounder and a precision GPS receiver. These surveys require special training and permits.
A personal watercraft ready to survey the surf zone, with custom waterproof displays linked to an echo sounder and a precision GPS receiver. These surveys require special training and permits.
Bathymetry data of Columbia River mouthBathymetry data of Columbia River mouth, derived from an interferometric swath bathymetry systems survey in 2013. A) Swath map of data; B-E) sample detail pull-outs
Bathymetry data of Columbia River mouth, derived from an interferometric swath bathymetry systems survey in 2013. A) Swath map of data; B-E) sample detail pull-outs
Beach survey with backpack-mounted precision GPS receiverBeach survey with backpack-mounted precision GPS receiverUSGS scientist surveying a beach using a backpack-mounted precision GPS receiver.
USGS scientist surveying a beach using a backpack-mounted precision GPS receiver.
Serene data collectionCoastal research can be beautiful, too. Personal watercraft survey offshore of Santa Cruz, California.
Coastal research can be beautiful, too. Personal watercraft survey offshore of Santa Cruz, California.
Gathering topographic data of a beachUSGS scientist Alex Snyder gathers topographic data by walking beach transects northwest of Moss Landing to help researchers understand how Monterey Bay will respond to changing environmental conditions.
USGS scientist Alex Snyder gathers topographic data by walking beach transects northwest of Moss Landing to help researchers understand how Monterey Bay will respond to changing environmental conditions.
Recording beach topographyAntonio Espejo Hermosa uses a handheld computer and GPS equipment to record beach topography data near Sunset State Beach in Santa Cruz.
Antonio Espejo Hermosa uses a handheld computer and GPS equipment to record beach topography data near Sunset State Beach in Santa Cruz.
USGS ATV Collecting Topographic DataPhotograph shows a USGS scientist navigating an all-terrain vehicle equipped with GPS, collecting topographic data on Rio Del Mar State Beach in Aptos, California. Gathering this type of information helps USGS scientists to document the changes in beach and nearshore morphology (or form and structure), caused by seasonal variations and storms.
Photograph shows a USGS scientist navigating an all-terrain vehicle equipped with GPS, collecting topographic data on Rio Del Mar State Beach in Aptos, California. Gathering this type of information helps USGS scientists to document the changes in beach and nearshore morphology (or form and structure), caused by seasonal variations and storms.
Mapping the nearshore in Santa CruzA USGS scientist guides a personal watercraft toward Seabright Beach near the Santa Cruz Harbor entrance during bathymetric surveys.
A USGS scientist guides a personal watercraft toward Seabright Beach near the Santa Cruz Harbor entrance during bathymetric surveys.
Santa Cruz Main Beach bathymetric surveyUSGS scientist Jackson Currie navigates a personal watercraft towards Santa Cruz's Main Beach, to record bathymetric data along a transect.
USGS scientist Jackson Currie navigates a personal watercraft towards Santa Cruz's Main Beach, to record bathymetric data along a transect.
Santa Cruz Main Beach view from eastPanoramic view from the cliffs above the San Lorenzo River and east of the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Main Beach. Santa Cruz municipal pier and other buildings are visible in the background.
Panoramic view from the cliffs above the San Lorenzo River and east of the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Main Beach. Santa Cruz municipal pier and other buildings are visible in the background.
Coastal Surveys of Santa Cruz, CaliforniaA USGS technician surveys the seafloor bathymetry using a personal watercraft outfitted with global positioning systems (GPS) and echo sounders.
Location: Santa Cruz, California (near Steamers Lane).
A USGS technician surveys the seafloor bathymetry using a personal watercraft outfitted with global positioning systems (GPS) and echo sounders.
Location: Santa Cruz, California (near Steamers Lane).
Coastal Surveys of Santa Cruz, CaliforniaA USGS technician surveys the seafloor bathymetry using a personal watercraft outfitted with global positioning systems (GPS) and echo sounders.
Location:Santa Cruz, California (near Santa Cruz Boardwalk).
A USGS technician surveys the seafloor bathymetry using a personal watercraft outfitted with global positioning systems (GPS) and echo sounders.
Location:Santa Cruz, California (near Santa Cruz Boardwalk).
Coastal Surveys of Santa Cruz, CaliforniaA USGS technician surveys the seafloor bathymetry using a personal watercraft outfitted with global positioning systems (GPS) and echo sounders.
Location: Santa Cruz, California (near Wharf).
A USGS technician surveys the seafloor bathymetry using a personal watercraft outfitted with global positioning systems (GPS) and echo sounders.
Location: Santa Cruz, California (near Wharf).
Coastal Survey Vessel in Use at Santa Cruz, CaliforniaCoastal Survey Vessel in Use at Santa Cruz, CaliforniaPhotograph of a USGS technician on a USGS coastal survey vessel that maps seafloor bathymetry using global positioning systems (GPS) and echo sounders.
Location:Santa Cruz, California (near Wharf).
Photograph of a USGS technician on a USGS coastal survey vessel that maps seafloor bathymetry using global positioning systems (GPS) and echo sounders.
Location:Santa Cruz, California (near Wharf).
Personal watercraft near mouth of ElwhaPersonal watercraft fitted with sonar and GPS were among the tools used by USGS scientists to map the bottom of shallow coastal waters near the mouth of the Elwha River. This shot was taken August 25, 2011, during a survey conducted just a few weeks before dam removal began.
Personal watercraft fitted with sonar and GPS were among the tools used by USGS scientists to map the bottom of shallow coastal waters near the mouth of the Elwha River. This shot was taken August 25, 2011, during a survey conducted just a few weeks before dam removal began.
Surveying the nearshore in Santa CruzElwha River SurveyA Washington Department of Ecology scientist maps the bathymetry of the mouth of the Elwha River using an integrated GPS and echo sounder on a personal watercraft.
A Washington Department of Ecology scientist maps the bathymetry of the mouth of the Elwha River using an integrated GPS and echo sounder on a personal watercraft.
- Publications
Filter Total Items: 34
Increased sediment load during a large-scale dam removal changes nearshore subtidal communities
The coastal marine ecosystem near the Elwha River was altered by a massive sediment influx—over 10 million tonnes—during the staged three-year removal of two hydropower dams. We used time series of bathymetry, substrate grain size, remotely sensed turbidity, scuba dive surveys, and towed video observations collected before and during dam removal to assess responses of the nearshore subtidal communAuthorsStephen P. Rubin, Ian M. Miller, Melissa M. Foley, Helen D. Berry, Jeffrey J. Duda, Benjamin Hudson, Nancy E. Elder, Matthew M. Beirne, Jonathan Warrick, Michael L. McHenry, Andrew W. Stevens, Emily Eidam, Andrea Ogston, Guy R. Gelfenbaum, Rob PedersenCoastal habitat and biological community response to dam removal on the Elwha River
Habitat diversity and heterogeneity play a fundamental role in structuring ecological communities. Dam emplacement and removal can fundamentally alter habitat characteristics, which in turn can affect associated biological communities. Beginning in the early 1900s, the Elwha and Glines Canyon dams in Washington, USA, withheld an estimated 30 million tonnes of sediment from river, coastal, and nearAuthorsMelissa M. Foley, Jonathan A. Warrick, Andrew C. Ritchie, Andrew W. Stevens, Patrick B. Shafroth, Jeffrey J. Duda, Matthew M. Beirne, Rebecca Paradis, Guy R. Gelfenbaum, Randall McCoy, Erin S. CubleyInvestigation of input reduction techniques for morphodynamic modeling of complex inlets with baroclinic forcing
The Mouth of the Columbia River (MCR) is a complex estuary inlet system characterized by a buoyant plume created by high freshwater flows from the Columbia River into the Pacific Ocean. Data obtained during two major field campaigns have resulted in a comprehensive dataset of hydrodynamics and sediment transport under high (2013) and low (2005) river flow conditions. Through the analysis of this dAuthorsGuy R. Gelfenbaum, Edwin Elias, Andrew W. StevensBathymetric survey and digital elevation model of Little Holland Tract, Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, California
The U.S. Geological Survey conducted a bathymetric survey in Little Holland Tract, a flooded agricultural tract, in the northern Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta (the “Delta”) during the summer of 2015. The new bathymetric data were combined with existing data to generate a digital elevation model (DEM) at 1-meter resolution. Little Holland Tract (LHT) was historically diked off for agricultural usesAuthorsAlexander G. Snyder, Jessica R. Lacy, Andrew W. Stevens, Emily M. CarlsonCoastal change from a massive sediment input: Dam removal, Elwha River, Washington, USA
The removal of two large dams on the Elwha River, Washington, provides an ideal opportunity to study coastal morphodynamics during increased sediment supply. The dam removal project exposed ~21 million cubic meters (~30 million tonnes) of sediment in the former reservoirs, and this sediment was allowed to erode by natural river processes. Elevated rates of sand and gravel sediment transport in theAuthorsJonathan A. Warrick, Guy R. Gelfenbaum, Andrew W. Stevens, Ian M. Miller, George M. Kaminsky, Melissa M. FoleyLarge-scale dam removal on the Elwha River, Washington, USA: coastal geomorphic change
Two dams on the Elwha River, Washington State, USA trapped over 20 million m3 of mud, sand, and gravel since 1927, reducing downstream sediment fluxes and contributing to erosion of the river's coastal delta. The removal of the Elwha and Glines Canyon dams, initiated in September 2011, induced massive increases in river sediment supply and provided an unprecedented opportunity to examine the geomoAuthorsGuy R. Gelfenbaum, Andrew W. Stevens, Ian M. Miller, Jonathan A. Warrick, Andrea S. Ogston, Emily EidamSouthwest Washington littoral drift restoration—Beach and nearshore morphological monitoring
A morphological monitoring program has documented the placement and initial dispersal of beach nourishment material (280,000 m3) placed between the Mouth of the Columbia River (MCR) North Jetty and North Head, at the southern end of the Long Beach Peninsula in southwestern Washington State. A total of 21 topographic surveys and 8 nearshore bathymetric surveys were performed between July 11, 2010,AuthorsAndrew W. Stevens, Guy Gelfenbaum, Peter Ruggiero, George M. KaminskyThe influence of wave energy and sediment transport on seagrass distribution
A coupled hydrodynamic and sediment transport model (Delft3D) was used to simulate the water levels, waves, and currents associated with a seagrass (Zostera marina) landscape along a 4-km stretch of coast in Puget Sound, WA, USA. A hydroacoustic survey of seagrass percent cover and nearshore bathymetry was conducted, and sediment grain size was sampled at 53 locations. Wave energy is a primary facAuthorsAndrew W. Stevens, Jessica R. LacyCoastal habitats of the Elwha River, Washington- Biological and physical patterns and processes prior to dam removal
This report includes chapters that summarize the results of multidisciplinary studies to quantify and characterize the current (2011) status and baseline conditions of the lower Elwha River, its estuary, and the adjacent nearshore ecosystems prior to the historic removal of two long-standing dams that have strongly influenced river, estuary, and nearshore conditions. The studies were conducted asAuthorsJeffrey J. Duda, Jonathan A. Warrick, Christopher S. MagirlTsunami inundation and sediment transport in a sediment-limited embayment on American Samoa
Field observations and numerical simulations are used to explore tsunami inundation and sediment transport in an embayment (Fagafue Bay) on the north side of Tutuila, American Samoa during the 29 September 2009 South Pacific tsunami. Field observations of the nearshore bathymetry and topography, tsunami flow depth and sediment deposition, and extent of movable sandy sediment remaining on the beachAuthorsA. Apotsos, G. Gelfenbaum, B. Jaffe, Sebastian Watt, B. Peck, M. Buckley, A. StevensEffects of fringing reefs on tsunami inundation: American Samoa
A numerical model of tsunami inundation, Delft3D, which has been validated for the 29 September 2009 tsunami in Tutuila, American Samoa, is used to better understand the impact of fringing coral reefs and embayments on tsunami wave heights, inundation distances, and velocities. The inundation model is used to explore the general conditions under which fringing reefs act as coastal buffers againstAuthorsG. Gelfenbaum, A. Apotsos, A.W. Stevens, B. JaffeA buoyant plume adjacent to a headland-Observations of the Elwha River plume
Small rivers commonly discharge into coastal settings with topographic complexities – such as headlands and islands – but these settings are underrepresented in river plume studies compared to more simplified, straight coasts. The Elwha River provides a unique opportunity to study the effects of coastal topography on a buoyant plume, because it discharges into the Strait of Juan de Fuca on the wesAuthorsJonathan Warrick, Andrew W. StevensNon-USGS Publications**
Stevens, A.W. , Wheatcroft, R.A., Wiberg, P.L., 2007, Seabed properties and sediment erodibility along the western Adriatic margin, Italy: Continental Shelf Research, v. 27, i. 3–4, pp. 400-416, doi: 10.1016/j.csr.2005.09.009Wheatcroft, R.A., Stevens, A.W., Hunt, L.M., Milligan, T.G., 2006, The large-scale distribution and internal geometry of the fall 2000 Po River flood deposit: Evidence from digital X-radiography: Continental Shelf Research, v. 26, i. 4, pp. 499-516, doi: 10.1016/j.csr.2006.01.002Borgeld, J.C., and A.W. Stevens, 2005, Humboldt Bay, California, surface sediments 2000-01, in Schlosser, S.C., and R. Rasmussen, eds., Proceedings of the Humboldt Bay symposium; Current perspectives on the physical and biological processes of Humboldt Bay, p. 51-64**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.
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