David Thompson is a Physical Scientist at the St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Science and Products
National Assessment of Hurricane-Induced Coastal Erosion Hazards: Puerto Rico
These datasets contain information on the probabilities of hurricane-induced erosion (collision, inundation, and overwash) for each 100-meter (m) section of the Puerto Rico open-ocean coastline for category 1-5 hurricanes. The analysis is based on a storm-impact scaling model (Sallenger, 2000; https://www.jstor.org/stable/4300099) that uses observations of beach morphology combined with sophistica
Beach Profile Data Collected from Madeira Beach, Florida
This dataset, prepared by the U.S. Geological Survey St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, provides beach profile data collected at Madeira Beach, Florida. Data were collected by a walking person equipped with a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver and a GPS antenna affixed to a surveying backpack. The horizontal position data are given in the Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) pr
Dauphin Island Decadal Forecast Evolution Model Inputs and Results
The model input and output of topography and bathymetry values resulting from forecast simulations of coupled modeling scenarios occurring between 2015 and 2025 at Dauphin Island, Alabama, and described in U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Open-File Report 2020-1001 (https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr20201001), are provided here. For further information regarding model input generation and visualization of m
Dauphin Island Decadal Hindcast Model Inputs and Results
The model input and output of bathymetry and topography elevations resulting from a deterministic simulation from 2004 to 2015 at Dauphin Island, Alabama, as described in Mickey and others (2020), are provided here. For further information regarding model input generation and visualization of model output topography and bathymetry refer to Mickey and others (2020).
For more information visit: Mic
Storm-Induced Coastal Change Forecasts: Archive of Individual Storm Events
These data sets contain information on the probabilities of storm-induced erosion (collision, inundation and overwash) on sandy beaches along the U.S. Gulf and Atlantic coasts during real-time peak forecast conditions. The analysis is based on a storm-impact scaling model that uses observations of beach morphology combined with sophisticated hydrodynamic models to predict how the coast will respon
Mobile Harbor Navigation Channel Delft3D Model Inputs and Results
The Delft3D model inputs and outputs of bed levels resulting from the simulations of proposed navigation channel deepening and widening in Mobile Harbor, Alabama, as described in USGS Open-File Report 2018-1123, are provided here. For further information regarding model input generation and visualization of model output elevations, refer to USGS Open-File Report 2018-1123.
Storm-Impact Scenario XBeach Model Inputs and Results
The XBeach model input and output of topography and bathymetry resulting from simulation of storm-impact scenarios at the Chandeleur Islands, LA, as described in USGS Open-File Report 2017-1009 (https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr20171009), are provided here. For further information regarding model input generation and visualization of model output topography and bathymetry refer to USGS Open-File Report
National Assessment of Hurricane-Induced Coastal Erosion Hazards: South Carolina to New Hampshire update
These data sets contain information on the probabilities of hurricane-induced erosion (collision, inundation and overwash) for each 1-km section of the U.S. coast for category 1-5 hurricanes. The analysis is based on a storm-impact scaling model that uses observations of beach morphology combined with sophisticated hydrodynamic models to predict how the coast will respond to the direct landfall of
Filter Total Items: 31
Vulnerability of National Park Service beaches to inundation during a direct hurricane landfall: Cape Lookout National Seashore
Cape Lookout National Seashore, a barrier-island coastal park in North Carolina, is vulnerable to the powerful, sand-moving forces of hurricanes. Waves and storm surge associated with these strong tropical storms are part of a natural process in barrier-island evolution and can cause extensive morphologic changes in coastal parks, leading to road closures and reduced visitor accessibility. The vul
Vulnerability of National Park Service beaches to inundation during a direct hurricane landfall: Cumberland Island National Seashore
Cumberland Island National Seashore, a barrier-island coastal park in Georgia, is vulnerable to the powerful, sand-moving forces of hurricanes. Waves and storm surge associated with these strong tropical storms are part of the natural process of barrier-island evolution and can cause extensive morphologic changes in coastal parks, leading to reduced visitor accessibility and enjoyment. The vulnera
The roles of storminess and sea level rise in decadal barrier island evolution
Models of alongshore sediment transport during quiescent conditions, storm‐driven barrier island morphology, and poststorm dune recovery are integrated to assess decadal barrier island evolution under scenarios of increased sea levels and variability in storminess (intensity and frequency). Model results indicate barrier island response regimes of keeping pace, narrowing, flattening, deflation (na
Development of a modeling framework for predicting decadal barrier island evolution
Predicting the decadal evolution of barrier island systems is important for coastal managers who propose restoration or preservation alternatives aimed at increasing the resiliency of the island and its associated habitats or communities. Existing numerical models for simulating morphologic changes typically include either long-term (for example, longshore transport under quiescent conditions) or
Application of decadal modeling approach to forecast barrier island evolution, Dauphin Island, Alabama
Forecasting barrier island evolution provides coastal managers and stakeholders the ability to assess the resiliency of these important coastal environments that are home to both established communities and existing natural habitats. This study uses an established coupled model framework to assess how Dauphin Island, Alabama, responds to various storm and sea-level change scenarios, along with a s
Development of a process-based littoral sediment transport model for Dauphin Island, Alabama
Dauphin Island, Alabama, located in the Northern Gulf of Mexico just outside of Mobile Bay, is Alabama’s only barrier island and provides an array of historical, natural, and economic resources. The dynamic island shoreline of Dauphin Island evolved across time scales while constantly acted upon by waves and currents during both storms and calm periods. Reductions in the vulnerability and enhancem
Forecasting future beach width- A case study along the Florida Atlantic coast
Historical cross-shore positions of the shoreline and dune base were used as inputs for a Kalman filter algorithm to forecast the positions of these features in the year 2028. The beach width was also computed as the cross-shore distance between the forecasted 2028 shoreline and dune-base positions. While it does not evaluate the suitability of a nesting beach or identify optimal nesting habitat,
Event and decadal-scale modeling of barrier island restoration designs for decision support
An interdisciplinary project team was convened to develop a modeling framework that simulates the potential impacts of storms and sea level-rise to habitat availability at Breton Island, Louisiana (Breton) for existing conditions and potential future restoration designs. The model framework was iteratively developed through evaluation of model results at multiple checkpoints. A methodology was dev
Comparison of methods for modeling fractional cover using simulated satellite hyperspectral imager spectra
Remotely sensed data can be used to model the fractional cover of green vegetation (GV), non-photosynthetic vegetation (NPV), and soil in natural and agricultural ecosystems. NPV and soil cover are difficult to estimate accurately since absorption by lignin, cellulose, and other organic molecules cannot be resolved by broadband multispectral data. A new generation of satellite hyperspectral imager
Effects of proposed navigation channel improvements on sediment transport in Mobile Harbor, Alabama
A Delft3D model was developed to evaluate the potential effects of proposed navigationchannel deepening and widening in Mobile Harbor, Alabama. The model performance wasassessed through comparisons of modeled and observed data of water levels, velocities, and bedlevel changes; the model captured hydrodynamic and sediment transport patterns in the studyarea with skill. The validated model was used
A framework for modeling scenario-based barrier island storm impacts
Methods for investigating the vulnerability of existing or proposed coastal features to storm impacts often rely on simplified parametric models or one-dimensional process-based modeling studies that focus on changes to a profile across a dune or barrier island. These simple studies tend to neglect the impacts to curvilinear or alongshore varying island planforms, influence of non-uniform nearshor
Correction of elevation offsets in multiple co-located lidar datasets
IntroductionTopographic elevation data collected with airborne light detection and ranging (lidar) can be used to analyze short- and long-term changes to beach and dune systems. Analysis of multiple lidar datasets at Dauphin Island, Alabama, revealed systematic, island-wide elevation differences on the order of 10s of centimeters (cm) that were not attributable to real-world change and, therefore,
Science and Products
- Data
National Assessment of Hurricane-Induced Coastal Erosion Hazards: Puerto Rico
These datasets contain information on the probabilities of hurricane-induced erosion (collision, inundation, and overwash) for each 100-meter (m) section of the Puerto Rico open-ocean coastline for category 1-5 hurricanes. The analysis is based on a storm-impact scaling model (Sallenger, 2000; https://www.jstor.org/stable/4300099) that uses observations of beach morphology combined with sophisticaBeach Profile Data Collected from Madeira Beach, Florida
This dataset, prepared by the U.S. Geological Survey St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, provides beach profile data collected at Madeira Beach, Florida. Data were collected by a walking person equipped with a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver and a GPS antenna affixed to a surveying backpack. The horizontal position data are given in the Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) prDauphin Island Decadal Forecast Evolution Model Inputs and Results
The model input and output of topography and bathymetry values resulting from forecast simulations of coupled modeling scenarios occurring between 2015 and 2025 at Dauphin Island, Alabama, and described in U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Open-File Report 2020-1001 (https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr20201001), are provided here. For further information regarding model input generation and visualization of mDauphin Island Decadal Hindcast Model Inputs and Results
The model input and output of bathymetry and topography elevations resulting from a deterministic simulation from 2004 to 2015 at Dauphin Island, Alabama, as described in Mickey and others (2020), are provided here. For further information regarding model input generation and visualization of model output topography and bathymetry refer to Mickey and others (2020). For more information visit: MicStorm-Induced Coastal Change Forecasts: Archive of Individual Storm Events
These data sets contain information on the probabilities of storm-induced erosion (collision, inundation and overwash) on sandy beaches along the U.S. Gulf and Atlantic coasts during real-time peak forecast conditions. The analysis is based on a storm-impact scaling model that uses observations of beach morphology combined with sophisticated hydrodynamic models to predict how the coast will responMobile Harbor Navigation Channel Delft3D Model Inputs and Results
The Delft3D model inputs and outputs of bed levels resulting from the simulations of proposed navigation channel deepening and widening in Mobile Harbor, Alabama, as described in USGS Open-File Report 2018-1123, are provided here. For further information regarding model input generation and visualization of model output elevations, refer to USGS Open-File Report 2018-1123.Storm-Impact Scenario XBeach Model Inputs and Results
The XBeach model input and output of topography and bathymetry resulting from simulation of storm-impact scenarios at the Chandeleur Islands, LA, as described in USGS Open-File Report 2017-1009 (https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr20171009), are provided here. For further information regarding model input generation and visualization of model output topography and bathymetry refer to USGS Open-File ReportNational Assessment of Hurricane-Induced Coastal Erosion Hazards: South Carolina to New Hampshire update
These data sets contain information on the probabilities of hurricane-induced erosion (collision, inundation and overwash) for each 1-km section of the U.S. coast for category 1-5 hurricanes. The analysis is based on a storm-impact scaling model that uses observations of beach morphology combined with sophisticated hydrodynamic models to predict how the coast will respond to the direct landfall of - Multimedia
- Publications
Filter Total Items: 31
Vulnerability of National Park Service beaches to inundation during a direct hurricane landfall: Cape Lookout National Seashore
Cape Lookout National Seashore, a barrier-island coastal park in North Carolina, is vulnerable to the powerful, sand-moving forces of hurricanes. Waves and storm surge associated with these strong tropical storms are part of a natural process in barrier-island evolution and can cause extensive morphologic changes in coastal parks, leading to road closures and reduced visitor accessibility. The vulVulnerability of National Park Service beaches to inundation during a direct hurricane landfall: Cumberland Island National Seashore
Cumberland Island National Seashore, a barrier-island coastal park in Georgia, is vulnerable to the powerful, sand-moving forces of hurricanes. Waves and storm surge associated with these strong tropical storms are part of the natural process of barrier-island evolution and can cause extensive morphologic changes in coastal parks, leading to reduced visitor accessibility and enjoyment. The vulneraThe roles of storminess and sea level rise in decadal barrier island evolution
Models of alongshore sediment transport during quiescent conditions, storm‐driven barrier island morphology, and poststorm dune recovery are integrated to assess decadal barrier island evolution under scenarios of increased sea levels and variability in storminess (intensity and frequency). Model results indicate barrier island response regimes of keeping pace, narrowing, flattening, deflation (naDevelopment of a modeling framework for predicting decadal barrier island evolution
Predicting the decadal evolution of barrier island systems is important for coastal managers who propose restoration or preservation alternatives aimed at increasing the resiliency of the island and its associated habitats or communities. Existing numerical models for simulating morphologic changes typically include either long-term (for example, longshore transport under quiescent conditions) orApplication of decadal modeling approach to forecast barrier island evolution, Dauphin Island, Alabama
Forecasting barrier island evolution provides coastal managers and stakeholders the ability to assess the resiliency of these important coastal environments that are home to both established communities and existing natural habitats. This study uses an established coupled model framework to assess how Dauphin Island, Alabama, responds to various storm and sea-level change scenarios, along with a sDevelopment of a process-based littoral sediment transport model for Dauphin Island, Alabama
Dauphin Island, Alabama, located in the Northern Gulf of Mexico just outside of Mobile Bay, is Alabama’s only barrier island and provides an array of historical, natural, and economic resources. The dynamic island shoreline of Dauphin Island evolved across time scales while constantly acted upon by waves and currents during both storms and calm periods. Reductions in the vulnerability and enhancemForecasting future beach width- A case study along the Florida Atlantic coast
Historical cross-shore positions of the shoreline and dune base were used as inputs for a Kalman filter algorithm to forecast the positions of these features in the year 2028. The beach width was also computed as the cross-shore distance between the forecasted 2028 shoreline and dune-base positions. While it does not evaluate the suitability of a nesting beach or identify optimal nesting habitat,Event and decadal-scale modeling of barrier island restoration designs for decision support
An interdisciplinary project team was convened to develop a modeling framework that simulates the potential impacts of storms and sea level-rise to habitat availability at Breton Island, Louisiana (Breton) for existing conditions and potential future restoration designs. The model framework was iteratively developed through evaluation of model results at multiple checkpoints. A methodology was devComparison of methods for modeling fractional cover using simulated satellite hyperspectral imager spectra
Remotely sensed data can be used to model the fractional cover of green vegetation (GV), non-photosynthetic vegetation (NPV), and soil in natural and agricultural ecosystems. NPV and soil cover are difficult to estimate accurately since absorption by lignin, cellulose, and other organic molecules cannot be resolved by broadband multispectral data. A new generation of satellite hyperspectral imagerEffects of proposed navigation channel improvements on sediment transport in Mobile Harbor, Alabama
A Delft3D model was developed to evaluate the potential effects of proposed navigationchannel deepening and widening in Mobile Harbor, Alabama. The model performance wasassessed through comparisons of modeled and observed data of water levels, velocities, and bedlevel changes; the model captured hydrodynamic and sediment transport patterns in the studyarea with skill. The validated model was usedA framework for modeling scenario-based barrier island storm impacts
Methods for investigating the vulnerability of existing or proposed coastal features to storm impacts often rely on simplified parametric models or one-dimensional process-based modeling studies that focus on changes to a profile across a dune or barrier island. These simple studies tend to neglect the impacts to curvilinear or alongshore varying island planforms, influence of non-uniform nearshorCorrection of elevation offsets in multiple co-located lidar datasets
IntroductionTopographic elevation data collected with airborne light detection and ranging (lidar) can be used to analyze short- and long-term changes to beach and dune systems. Analysis of multiple lidar datasets at Dauphin Island, Alabama, revealed systematic, island-wide elevation differences on the order of 10s of centimeters (cm) that were not attributable to real-world change and, therefore, - News