Ferdinand Oberle
Research Geologist with the USGS Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
Research Focus
2020-present: Geologist, USGS, Santa Cruz, CA, USA. I am currently involved in three fields of research: groundwater discharge through coastal aquifers; conceptualizing hydrologically and cryogenically driven permafrost erosion; and physicochemical drivers of coral reef health. I also created the Unmanned Aerial System Coastal Aquifer Project, which develops new drone-based technologies to investigate permafrost stability, wetlands, and aquifers. All projects have a strong interdisciplinary nature focusing on anthropogenic versus natural disturbances that rely on a multitude of oceanographic, marine geological, hydrogeological, and geochemical methods. As part of my older research interests I also continue to collaborate and advise on research focusing on the geological and geochemical consequences of bottom trawling.
Professional Experience
2020-present: Geologist, USGS, Santa Cruz, CA
2016, Mendenhall Postdoctoral Researcher, USGS
2014, Visiting Professor, Quest University, Squamish (Vancouver), BC, Canada
2013, Visiting Scientist at the USGS, Santa Cruz and Menlo Park, CA, USA
2008-2011, Adjunct Professor, Chabot-Las Positas College, Livermore, CA, USA
2007-2011, Sedimentologist/Hydrogeologist, Garcia & Associates, San Anselmo, CA, USA
2006-2007, Middle School Oceanography Teacher, San Francisco Maritime Assoc., CA, USA
2002-2003, Staff Geologist, German Environmental Protection Agency, Rheinfelden, Germany
2000-2001, NASA Space Grant Fellowship, Hawaii Space Consortium, Honolulu, HI, USA
Education and Certifications
2015, MARUM-IODP Center, University of Bremen, Germany, Ph.D. (Dr. rer. nat.)
2012 - 2014, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), Ph.D. study with Chris Reddy
2005, University of Bremen, Germany – M.S. Environmental and Marine Geology
2002, Bowdoin College, USA – B.A. Geology
2000 - 2001, (SOEST) School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, Hawaii
Science and Products
What a drag: Quantifying the global impact of chronic bottom trawling on continental shelf sediment What a drag: Quantifying the global impact of chronic bottom trawling on continental shelf sediment
Wave-driven sediment mobilization on a storm-controlled continental shelf (Northwest Iberia) Wave-driven sediment mobilization on a storm-controlled continental shelf (Northwest Iberia)
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
What a drag: Quantifying the global impact of chronic bottom trawling on continental shelf sediment What a drag: Quantifying the global impact of chronic bottom trawling on continental shelf sediment
Wave-driven sediment mobilization on a storm-controlled continental shelf (Northwest Iberia) Wave-driven sediment mobilization on a storm-controlled continental shelf (Northwest Iberia)
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.