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Dean Gesch, Ph.D. (Former Employee)

Science and Products

Filter Total Items: 15
Data voids in the SRTM coverage of the conterminous United States

Error Sources, Uncertainty, Limitations, and Uses

In a study such as this one, with diverse input datasets that cover a broad area, data characteristics and quality can have spatially varying effects on derived information. In the context of data processing methods, unique characteristics of both the NED and SRTM data had to be accounted for in the processing approach to reduce errors of commission. While it is desirable to have a final...
By
Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center , Significant Topographic Changes in the United States
Error Sources, Uncertainty, Limitations, and Uses

Error Sources, Uncertainty, Limitations, and Uses

In a study such as this one, with diverse input datasets that cover a broad area, data characteristics and quality can have spatially varying effects on derived information. In the context of data processing methods, unique characteristics of both the NED and SRTM data had to be accounted for in the processing approach to reduce errors of commission. While it is desirable to have a final...
Learn More
Topographic Change Viewer

Significant Topographic Changes in the United States

The USGS has developed a national inventory of significant topographic changes based on seamless multitemporal elevation data and land cover data. The National Elevation Dataset (NED) and the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) data form a unique pair of seamless elevation datasets that can be used to detect and analyze 20th century topographic surface changes in the United States.
By
Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center , Significant Topographic Changes in the United States
Significant Topographic Changes in the United States

Significant Topographic Changes in the United States

The USGS has developed a national inventory of significant topographic changes based on seamless multitemporal elevation data and land cover data. The National Elevation Dataset (NED) and the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) data form a unique pair of seamless elevation datasets that can be used to detect and analyze 20th century topographic surface changes in the United States.
Learn More
Satellite image of the Gulf of Mexico and coastline, Gulf Hypoxic Zone

Sea-Level Rise Vulnerability

The importance of sea-level rise in shaping coastal landscapes is well recognized within the earth science community, but as with many natural hazards, communicating the risks associated with sea-level rise remains a challenge.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Land Change Science Program, Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center
Sea-Level Rise Vulnerability

Sea-Level Rise Vulnerability

The importance of sea-level rise in shaping coastal landscapes is well recognized within the earth science community, but as with many natural hazards, communicating the risks associated with sea-level rise remains a challenge.
Learn More
Heavily forested mountains dominate the background with low wetlands in the foreground

Supporting Sea-Level Rise Preparedness in Hawaiian National Parks

On August 21, 2017, Honolulu Harbor observed the highest hourly water level since tide gauge record collection began in 1905. Throughout the course of 2017, the gauge registered an unprecedented number of high-water events. These record high sea levels were the result of a series of compounding factors: ongoing sea-level rise, seasonally-elevated high tides, and a region of warm water...
By
Climate Adaptation Science Centers
Supporting Sea-Level Rise Preparedness in Hawaiian National Parks

Supporting Sea-Level Rise Preparedness in Hawaiian National Parks

On August 21, 2017, Honolulu Harbor observed the highest hourly water level since tide gauge record collection began in 1905. Throughout the course of 2017, the gauge registered an unprecedented number of high-water events. These record high sea levels were the result of a series of compounding factors: ongoing sea-level rise, seasonally-elevated high tides, and a region of warm water combining
Learn More
USGS science for a changing world logo

Evaluation and testing of standardized forest vegetation metrics derived from lidar data

The USGS 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) is managing the acquisition of lidar data across the Nation for high resolution mapping of the land surface, useful for multiple applications. Lidar data is initially collected as 3-dimensional “point clouds” that map the interaction of the airborne laser with earth surface features, including vegetation, buildings, and ground features. Generally the...
By
Community for Data Integration (CDI)
Evaluation and testing of standardized forest vegetation metrics derived from lidar data

Evaluation and testing of standardized forest vegetation metrics derived from lidar data

The USGS 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) is managing the acquisition of lidar data across the Nation for high resolution mapping of the land surface, useful for multiple applications. Lidar data is initially collected as 3-dimensional “point clouds” that map the interaction of the airborne laser with earth surface features, including vegetation, buildings, and ground features. Generally the product of
Learn More
Image: Coral reefs, Kwajalein Atoll, Republic of the Marshall Islands

Characterizing Inundation Risk for Majuro Atoll

With an average elevation of just seven feet above sea level, the Republic of the Marshall Islands is acutely vulnerable to inundation from both episodic events such as storm surge and chronic conditions such as sea-level rise. Some projections estimate that future sea-level rise could exceed the average elevation of these islands by 2100. Already, residents are facing extreme high tides...
By
Climate Adaptation Science Centers
Characterizing Inundation Risk for Majuro Atoll

Characterizing Inundation Risk for Majuro Atoll

With an average elevation of just seven feet above sea level, the Republic of the Marshall Islands is acutely vulnerable to inundation from both episodic events such as storm surge and chronic conditions such as sea-level rise. Some projections estimate that future sea-level rise could exceed the average elevation of these islands by 2100. Already, residents are facing extreme high tides and 16
Learn More
Filter Total Items: 15

Topobathymetric Model of Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park, 2011 to 2019 - Field Survey Source and Validation Data Topobathymetric Model of Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park, 2011 to 2019 - Field Survey Source and Validation Data

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and University of Hawaii - Manoa (UH) scientists conducted field data collection efforts from August 19th - 27th, 2019 at Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park on the Big Island of Hawaii. The data collection efforts utilized a combination of remote sensing technologies to map the topography, critical infrastructure, and most importantly, the...
By
Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center

Chesapeake Bay Region Virginia River Bluff and Wetland Extent Mapping Chesapeake Bay Region Virginia River Bluff and Wetland Extent Mapping

The Chesapeake Bay Estuary is the largest estuary in the United States and provides habitats for diverse wildlife and aquatic species, protects communities against flooding, reduces pollution to waterways, and supports local economies through commercial and recreational activities. In the Spring of 2018, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Coastal National Elevation Database (CoNED)...
By
Chesapeake Bay Activities, Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center

Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia Mangrove Elevation Survey Data Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia Mangrove Elevation Survey Data

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) scientists conducted field work efforts during February 15-23, 2017 and April 10-25, 2019 in the mangrove forests of Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) with logistical assistance from the Micronesia Conservation Trust (MCT) and field assistance from the Conservation Society of Pohnpei and the Pohnpei Department of Forestry. The field team combined...
By
Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center

Inundation Exposure Assessment for Majuro Atoll, Republic of the Marshall Islands Inundation Exposure Assessment for Majuro Atoll, Republic of the Marshall Islands

The Majuro Atoll inundation grids are useful for characterizing and quantifying inundation exposure and related vulnerability of the atoll's low-relief lands and their population, buildings, infrastructure, and natural resources. The grids represent various scenarios of inundation and different approaches to mapping the inundation levels. The inundation scenarios include static...
By
Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center

Topobathymetric Model for the Central Coast of California, 1929 to 2017 Topobathymetric Model for the Central Coast of California, 1929 to 2017

To support the modeling of storm-induced flooding, the USGS Coastal National Elevation Database (CoNED) Applications Project has created an integrated 1-meter topobathymetric digital elevation model (TBDEM) for the Central California Coast. High-resolution coastal elevation data is required to identify flood, hurricane, and sea-level rise inundation hazard zones and other earth science
By
Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center , Coastal Changes and Impacts, Coastal National Elevation Database (CoNED) Applications Project

One Meter Topobathymetric Digital Elevation Model for Majuro Atoll, Republic of the Marshall Islands, 1944 to 2016 One Meter Topobathymetric Digital Elevation Model for Majuro Atoll, Republic of the Marshall Islands, 1944 to 2016

Located in the western Pacific Ocean, Majuro is a large coral atoll consisting of a large, central narrow land mass and remote islands that are part of the Republic of the Marshall Islands. The waters surrounding the Majuro Atoll land areas are relatively shallow with poorly mapped bathymetry. However, the Pacific Ocean on the exterior of the coral atoll and the lagoon within its...
By
Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center , Coastal National Elevation Database (CoNED) Applications Project
No results found.
Filter Total Items: 63

A comprehensive assessment of mangrove species and carbon stock on Pohnpei, Micronesia A comprehensive assessment of mangrove species and carbon stock on Pohnpei, Micronesia

Mangrove forests are the most important ecosystems on Pohnpei Island, Federated States of Micronesia, as the island communities of the central Pacific rely on the forests for many essential services including protection from sea-level rise that is occurring at a greater pace than the global average. As part of a multi-component assessment to evaluate vulnerabilities of mangrove forests...
Authors
Victoria Woltz, Elitsa I. Peneva-Reed, Zhiliang Zhu, Eric L. Bullock, Richard A. MacKenzie, Maybeleen Apwong, Ken Krauss, Dean B. Gesch
By
Core Science Systems Mission Area, Ecosystems Mission Area, Land Change Science Program, Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center , Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

Elevations of mangrove forests of Pohnpei, Micronesia Elevations of mangrove forests of Pohnpei, Micronesia

Mangrove surface elevation is the crux of mangrove vulnerability to sea level rise. Local topography influences critical periods of tidal inundation that govern distributions of mangrove species and dictates future distributions. This study surveyed ground surface elevations of the extensive mangroves of Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia, integrating four survey technologies to...
Authors
Joanna C Ellison, Kevin Buffington, Karen M. Thorne, Dean B. Gesch, Jeffrey Irwin, Jeffrey J. Danielson
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center , St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

Digital elevation models: Terminology and definitions Digital elevation models: Terminology and definitions

Digital elevation models (DEMs) provide fundamental depictions of the three-dimensional shape of the Earth’s surface and are useful to a wide range of disciplines. Ideally, DEMs record the interface between the atmosphere and the lithosphere using a discrete two-dimensional grid, with complexities introduced by the intervening hydrosphere, cryosphere, biosphere, and anthroposphere. The...
Authors
Peter L. Guth, Adriaan Van Niekerk, Carlos H. Grohmann, Jan-Peter Muller, Laurence Hawker, Igor V. Florinsky, Dean B. Gesch, Hannes I. Reuter, Virginia Herrera-Cruz, Serge Riazanoff, Carlos Lopez-Vazquez, Claudia C. Carabajal, Clement Albinet, Peter Strobl
By
Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center

A spatial analysis of climate gentrification in Orleans Parish, Louisiana post-Hurricane Katrina A spatial analysis of climate gentrification in Orleans Parish, Louisiana post-Hurricane Katrina

Background Hurricane Katrina made landfall in New Orleans, Louisiana as a Category 3 storm in August 2005. Storm surges, levee failures, and the low-lying nature of New Orleans led to widespread flooding, damage to over 70% of occupied housing, and evacuation of 80–90% of city residents. Only 57% of the city's black population has returned. Many residents complain of gentrification...
Authors
Kyle T. Aune, Dean B. Gesch, Genee S. Smith
By
Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center

Inundation exposure assessment for Majuro Atoll, Republic of the Marshall Islands using a high-accuracy digital elevation model Inundation exposure assessment for Majuro Atoll, Republic of the Marshall Islands using a high-accuracy digital elevation model

Majuro Atoll in the central Pacific has high coastal vulnerability due to low-lying islands, rising sea level, high wave events, eroding shorelines, a dense population center, and limited freshwater resources. Land elevation is the primary geophysical variable that determines exposure to inundation in coastal settings. Accordingly, coastal elevation data (with accuracy information) are...
Authors
Dean B. Gesch, Monica Palaseanu-Lovejoy, Jeffrey J. Danielson, Charles Fletcher, Maria Kottermair, Matthew Barbee, Andrea Jalandoni
By
Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center , Coastal National Elevation Database (CoNED) Applications Project

Best practices for elevation-based assessments of sea-level rise and coastal flooding exposure Best practices for elevation-based assessments of sea-level rise and coastal flooding exposure

Elevation data are critical for assessments of sea-level rise (SLR) and coastal flooding exposure. Previous research has demonstrated that the quality of data used in elevation-based assessments must be well understood and applied to properly model potential impacts. The cumulative vertical uncertainty of the input elevation data substantially controls the minimum increments of SLR and...
Authors
Dean B. Gesch
By
Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center

Non-USGS Publications**

Imhoff, M.L., and Gesch, D.B., 1990, The derivation of a sub canopy digital terrain model of a flooded forest using synthetic aperture radar: Photogrammetric Engineering and Remote Sensing, v. 56, no. 8, p. 1155-1162.
Imhoff, M.L., and Gesch, D.B., 1988, The derivation of sub-canopy surface terrain models of coastal forests using synthetic aperture radar, in Proceedings, 1988 IEEE International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium, Edinburgh, Scotland, September 12-16, 1988, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc., Piscataway, New Jersey, p. 613-617.

**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.

EROS Scientists Bring Their Knowledge, Work to National Climate Assessments

EROS Scientists Bring Their Knowledge, Work to National Climate Assessments

Whether fully or in part, the Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center’s fingerprints are all over the National Climate Assessment (NCA)...

Read Article
EROS Workshop Offers First Look at Land Change Monitoring, Assessment, and Projection Products

EROS Workshop Offers First Look at Land Change Monitoring, Assessment, and Projection Products

The mapping and classification of land use and land cover has long been a primary duty for the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), and remotely-sensed data...

Read Article
CoNED Digital Elevation Model Helps Majuro Prepare for Sea Level Rise

CoNED Digital Elevation Model Helps Majuro Prepare for Sea Level Rise

University of Hawaii Geology and Geophysics Professor Chip Fletcher spread his maps on the table as land planners from Majuro—a large coral atoll of...

Read Article
EROS Products, Programs Could Prove Useful with Hurricane Florence

EROS Products, Programs Could Prove Useful with Hurricane Florence

The EROS Center could very well end up playing several significant roles in dealing with the monstrous hurricane called Florence now barreling down on...

Read Article
Advances in Topobathymetric Mapping

Advances in Topobathymetric Mapping

In coastal environments, elevation is perhaps the most fundamental variable determining vulnerability. Accurate high-resolution digital elevation...

Read Article

Science and Products

Filter Total Items: 15
Data voids in the SRTM coverage of the conterminous United States

Error Sources, Uncertainty, Limitations, and Uses

In a study such as this one, with diverse input datasets that cover a broad area, data characteristics and quality can have spatially varying effects on derived information. In the context of data processing methods, unique characteristics of both the NED and SRTM data had to be accounted for in the processing approach to reduce errors of commission. While it is desirable to have a final...
By
Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center , Significant Topographic Changes in the United States
Error Sources, Uncertainty, Limitations, and Uses

Error Sources, Uncertainty, Limitations, and Uses

In a study such as this one, with diverse input datasets that cover a broad area, data characteristics and quality can have spatially varying effects on derived information. In the context of data processing methods, unique characteristics of both the NED and SRTM data had to be accounted for in the processing approach to reduce errors of commission. While it is desirable to have a final...
Learn More
Topographic Change Viewer

Significant Topographic Changes in the United States

The USGS has developed a national inventory of significant topographic changes based on seamless multitemporal elevation data and land cover data. The National Elevation Dataset (NED) and the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) data form a unique pair of seamless elevation datasets that can be used to detect and analyze 20th century topographic surface changes in the United States.
By
Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center , Significant Topographic Changes in the United States
Significant Topographic Changes in the United States

Significant Topographic Changes in the United States

The USGS has developed a national inventory of significant topographic changes based on seamless multitemporal elevation data and land cover data. The National Elevation Dataset (NED) and the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) data form a unique pair of seamless elevation datasets that can be used to detect and analyze 20th century topographic surface changes in the United States.
Learn More
Satellite image of the Gulf of Mexico and coastline, Gulf Hypoxic Zone

Sea-Level Rise Vulnerability

The importance of sea-level rise in shaping coastal landscapes is well recognized within the earth science community, but as with many natural hazards, communicating the risks associated with sea-level rise remains a challenge.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Land Change Science Program, Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center
Sea-Level Rise Vulnerability

Sea-Level Rise Vulnerability

The importance of sea-level rise in shaping coastal landscapes is well recognized within the earth science community, but as with many natural hazards, communicating the risks associated with sea-level rise remains a challenge.
Learn More
Heavily forested mountains dominate the background with low wetlands in the foreground

Supporting Sea-Level Rise Preparedness in Hawaiian National Parks

On August 21, 2017, Honolulu Harbor observed the highest hourly water level since tide gauge record collection began in 1905. Throughout the course of 2017, the gauge registered an unprecedented number of high-water events. These record high sea levels were the result of a series of compounding factors: ongoing sea-level rise, seasonally-elevated high tides, and a region of warm water...
By
Climate Adaptation Science Centers
Supporting Sea-Level Rise Preparedness in Hawaiian National Parks

Supporting Sea-Level Rise Preparedness in Hawaiian National Parks

On August 21, 2017, Honolulu Harbor observed the highest hourly water level since tide gauge record collection began in 1905. Throughout the course of 2017, the gauge registered an unprecedented number of high-water events. These record high sea levels were the result of a series of compounding factors: ongoing sea-level rise, seasonally-elevated high tides, and a region of warm water combining
Learn More
USGS science for a changing world logo

Evaluation and testing of standardized forest vegetation metrics derived from lidar data

The USGS 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) is managing the acquisition of lidar data across the Nation for high resolution mapping of the land surface, useful for multiple applications. Lidar data is initially collected as 3-dimensional “point clouds” that map the interaction of the airborne laser with earth surface features, including vegetation, buildings, and ground features. Generally the...
By
Community for Data Integration (CDI)
Evaluation and testing of standardized forest vegetation metrics derived from lidar data

Evaluation and testing of standardized forest vegetation metrics derived from lidar data

The USGS 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) is managing the acquisition of lidar data across the Nation for high resolution mapping of the land surface, useful for multiple applications. Lidar data is initially collected as 3-dimensional “point clouds” that map the interaction of the airborne laser with earth surface features, including vegetation, buildings, and ground features. Generally the product of
Learn More
Image: Coral reefs, Kwajalein Atoll, Republic of the Marshall Islands

Characterizing Inundation Risk for Majuro Atoll

With an average elevation of just seven feet above sea level, the Republic of the Marshall Islands is acutely vulnerable to inundation from both episodic events such as storm surge and chronic conditions such as sea-level rise. Some projections estimate that future sea-level rise could exceed the average elevation of these islands by 2100. Already, residents are facing extreme high tides...
By
Climate Adaptation Science Centers
Characterizing Inundation Risk for Majuro Atoll

Characterizing Inundation Risk for Majuro Atoll

With an average elevation of just seven feet above sea level, the Republic of the Marshall Islands is acutely vulnerable to inundation from both episodic events such as storm surge and chronic conditions such as sea-level rise. Some projections estimate that future sea-level rise could exceed the average elevation of these islands by 2100. Already, residents are facing extreme high tides and 16
Learn More
Filter Total Items: 15

Topobathymetric Model of Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park, 2011 to 2019 - Field Survey Source and Validation Data Topobathymetric Model of Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park, 2011 to 2019 - Field Survey Source and Validation Data

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and University of Hawaii - Manoa (UH) scientists conducted field data collection efforts from August 19th - 27th, 2019 at Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park on the Big Island of Hawaii. The data collection efforts utilized a combination of remote sensing technologies to map the topography, critical infrastructure, and most importantly, the...
By
Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center

Chesapeake Bay Region Virginia River Bluff and Wetland Extent Mapping Chesapeake Bay Region Virginia River Bluff and Wetland Extent Mapping

The Chesapeake Bay Estuary is the largest estuary in the United States and provides habitats for diverse wildlife and aquatic species, protects communities against flooding, reduces pollution to waterways, and supports local economies through commercial and recreational activities. In the Spring of 2018, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Coastal National Elevation Database (CoNED)...
By
Chesapeake Bay Activities, Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center

Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia Mangrove Elevation Survey Data Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia Mangrove Elevation Survey Data

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) scientists conducted field work efforts during February 15-23, 2017 and April 10-25, 2019 in the mangrove forests of Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) with logistical assistance from the Micronesia Conservation Trust (MCT) and field assistance from the Conservation Society of Pohnpei and the Pohnpei Department of Forestry. The field team combined...
By
Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center

Inundation Exposure Assessment for Majuro Atoll, Republic of the Marshall Islands Inundation Exposure Assessment for Majuro Atoll, Republic of the Marshall Islands

The Majuro Atoll inundation grids are useful for characterizing and quantifying inundation exposure and related vulnerability of the atoll's low-relief lands and their population, buildings, infrastructure, and natural resources. The grids represent various scenarios of inundation and different approaches to mapping the inundation levels. The inundation scenarios include static...
By
Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center

Topobathymetric Model for the Central Coast of California, 1929 to 2017 Topobathymetric Model for the Central Coast of California, 1929 to 2017

To support the modeling of storm-induced flooding, the USGS Coastal National Elevation Database (CoNED) Applications Project has created an integrated 1-meter topobathymetric digital elevation model (TBDEM) for the Central California Coast. High-resolution coastal elevation data is required to identify flood, hurricane, and sea-level rise inundation hazard zones and other earth science
By
Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center , Coastal Changes and Impacts, Coastal National Elevation Database (CoNED) Applications Project

One Meter Topobathymetric Digital Elevation Model for Majuro Atoll, Republic of the Marshall Islands, 1944 to 2016 One Meter Topobathymetric Digital Elevation Model for Majuro Atoll, Republic of the Marshall Islands, 1944 to 2016

Located in the western Pacific Ocean, Majuro is a large coral atoll consisting of a large, central narrow land mass and remote islands that are part of the Republic of the Marshall Islands. The waters surrounding the Majuro Atoll land areas are relatively shallow with poorly mapped bathymetry. However, the Pacific Ocean on the exterior of the coral atoll and the lagoon within its...
By
Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center , Coastal National Elevation Database (CoNED) Applications Project
No results found.
Filter Total Items: 63

A comprehensive assessment of mangrove species and carbon stock on Pohnpei, Micronesia A comprehensive assessment of mangrove species and carbon stock on Pohnpei, Micronesia

Mangrove forests are the most important ecosystems on Pohnpei Island, Federated States of Micronesia, as the island communities of the central Pacific rely on the forests for many essential services including protection from sea-level rise that is occurring at a greater pace than the global average. As part of a multi-component assessment to evaluate vulnerabilities of mangrove forests...
Authors
Victoria Woltz, Elitsa I. Peneva-Reed, Zhiliang Zhu, Eric L. Bullock, Richard A. MacKenzie, Maybeleen Apwong, Ken Krauss, Dean B. Gesch
By
Core Science Systems Mission Area, Ecosystems Mission Area, Land Change Science Program, Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center , Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

Elevations of mangrove forests of Pohnpei, Micronesia Elevations of mangrove forests of Pohnpei, Micronesia

Mangrove surface elevation is the crux of mangrove vulnerability to sea level rise. Local topography influences critical periods of tidal inundation that govern distributions of mangrove species and dictates future distributions. This study surveyed ground surface elevations of the extensive mangroves of Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia, integrating four survey technologies to...
Authors
Joanna C Ellison, Kevin Buffington, Karen M. Thorne, Dean B. Gesch, Jeffrey Irwin, Jeffrey J. Danielson
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center , St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

Digital elevation models: Terminology and definitions Digital elevation models: Terminology and definitions

Digital elevation models (DEMs) provide fundamental depictions of the three-dimensional shape of the Earth’s surface and are useful to a wide range of disciplines. Ideally, DEMs record the interface between the atmosphere and the lithosphere using a discrete two-dimensional grid, with complexities introduced by the intervening hydrosphere, cryosphere, biosphere, and anthroposphere. The...
Authors
Peter L. Guth, Adriaan Van Niekerk, Carlos H. Grohmann, Jan-Peter Muller, Laurence Hawker, Igor V. Florinsky, Dean B. Gesch, Hannes I. Reuter, Virginia Herrera-Cruz, Serge Riazanoff, Carlos Lopez-Vazquez, Claudia C. Carabajal, Clement Albinet, Peter Strobl
By
Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center

A spatial analysis of climate gentrification in Orleans Parish, Louisiana post-Hurricane Katrina A spatial analysis of climate gentrification in Orleans Parish, Louisiana post-Hurricane Katrina

Background Hurricane Katrina made landfall in New Orleans, Louisiana as a Category 3 storm in August 2005. Storm surges, levee failures, and the low-lying nature of New Orleans led to widespread flooding, damage to over 70% of occupied housing, and evacuation of 80–90% of city residents. Only 57% of the city's black population has returned. Many residents complain of gentrification...
Authors
Kyle T. Aune, Dean B. Gesch, Genee S. Smith
By
Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center

Inundation exposure assessment for Majuro Atoll, Republic of the Marshall Islands using a high-accuracy digital elevation model Inundation exposure assessment for Majuro Atoll, Republic of the Marshall Islands using a high-accuracy digital elevation model

Majuro Atoll in the central Pacific has high coastal vulnerability due to low-lying islands, rising sea level, high wave events, eroding shorelines, a dense population center, and limited freshwater resources. Land elevation is the primary geophysical variable that determines exposure to inundation in coastal settings. Accordingly, coastal elevation data (with accuracy information) are...
Authors
Dean B. Gesch, Monica Palaseanu-Lovejoy, Jeffrey J. Danielson, Charles Fletcher, Maria Kottermair, Matthew Barbee, Andrea Jalandoni
By
Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center , Coastal National Elevation Database (CoNED) Applications Project

Best practices for elevation-based assessments of sea-level rise and coastal flooding exposure Best practices for elevation-based assessments of sea-level rise and coastal flooding exposure

Elevation data are critical for assessments of sea-level rise (SLR) and coastal flooding exposure. Previous research has demonstrated that the quality of data used in elevation-based assessments must be well understood and applied to properly model potential impacts. The cumulative vertical uncertainty of the input elevation data substantially controls the minimum increments of SLR and...
Authors
Dean B. Gesch
By
Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center

Non-USGS Publications**

Imhoff, M.L., and Gesch, D.B., 1990, The derivation of a sub canopy digital terrain model of a flooded forest using synthetic aperture radar: Photogrammetric Engineering and Remote Sensing, v. 56, no. 8, p. 1155-1162.
Imhoff, M.L., and Gesch, D.B., 1988, The derivation of sub-canopy surface terrain models of coastal forests using synthetic aperture radar, in Proceedings, 1988 IEEE International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium, Edinburgh, Scotland, September 12-16, 1988, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc., Piscataway, New Jersey, p. 613-617.

**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.

EROS Scientists Bring Their Knowledge, Work to National Climate Assessments

EROS Scientists Bring Their Knowledge, Work to National Climate Assessments

Whether fully or in part, the Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center’s fingerprints are all over the National Climate Assessment (NCA)...

Read Article
EROS Workshop Offers First Look at Land Change Monitoring, Assessment, and Projection Products

EROS Workshop Offers First Look at Land Change Monitoring, Assessment, and Projection Products

The mapping and classification of land use and land cover has long been a primary duty for the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), and remotely-sensed data...

Read Article
CoNED Digital Elevation Model Helps Majuro Prepare for Sea Level Rise

CoNED Digital Elevation Model Helps Majuro Prepare for Sea Level Rise

University of Hawaii Geology and Geophysics Professor Chip Fletcher spread his maps on the table as land planners from Majuro—a large coral atoll of...

Read Article
EROS Products, Programs Could Prove Useful with Hurricane Florence

EROS Products, Programs Could Prove Useful with Hurricane Florence

The EROS Center could very well end up playing several significant roles in dealing with the monstrous hurricane called Florence now barreling down on...

Read Article
Advances in Topobathymetric Mapping

Advances in Topobathymetric Mapping

In coastal environments, elevation is perhaps the most fundamental variable determining vulnerability. Accurate high-resolution digital elevation...

Read Article
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