To adapt to rising sea levels, coastal wetlands can migrate landward at the expense of adjacent freshwater wetlands and upland ecosystems, but migration can be hindered by natural and anthropogenic barriers. This photo shows marsh migration constrained by topographic and urban barriers in southern California.
Karen Thorne, Ph.D.
Dr. Karen Thorne is a Research Ecologist with the USGS Western Ecological Research Center,
Her research expertise is on coastal ecosystems and understanding ecosystem services, wetland ecology and restoration, impacts from inundation and storms, and nature-based solutions. She received her Ph.D. and MS from the University of California, Davis.
Dr. Thorne's interests lie in conservation and management issues surrounding coastal ecosystems within a changing environment and management landscape. The research she conducts is critical to understanding the role that coastal ecosystems provide, both environmentally and economically. The research she conducts specifically helps guide Federal, State, and local landowners and managers in planning for more resilient and adaptable habitats; assists in informing the impacts or benefits needed to maintain ecosystem values; and provides methods and tools that identify and help landowners and regulators improve the restoration needed to off-set anthropogenic impacts in coastal environments. Current research focuses include assessing flooding impacts to mangrove and marsh ecosystem processes. Also, understanding ecological processes for marsh, mangrove, and seagrass restoration to inform management in the U.S. and South Pacific islands. Her research is based on field data collection methods that can be used to inform decision-making for managing emerging concerns.
Professional Experience
Research Ecologist, USGS, Western Ecological Research Center, Davis Field Station, 2012 - present
Biologist, USGS, Western Ecological Research Center, San Francisco Bay Estuary Field Station, 2005 to 2012
Research Associate, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Fairbanks, AK, 2002 to 2005
Education and Certifications
PhD, Geography, Global Change, University of California, Davis, 2012
MS, Geography, Environmental Studies, University of California, Davis, 2008
BS, Wildlife, Fish, & Conservation Biology, University of California, Davis 2000
Affiliations and Memberships*
California Landscape Conservation Cooperative Science Team
Science and Products
Coastal Wetland Vulnerability to Climate Change and Sea-Level Rise: Understanding Ecological Thresholds and Ecosystem Transformations
Habitat Vulnerability to Climate Change: Identifying Climate Change Induced Mass Mortality Events Across Large Landscapes of the United States
Modeling vulnerability for San Francisco Bay estuary tidal marshes
Developing a Pacific Mangrove Monitoring Network (PACMAN) in Response to Sea Level Rise
Wetland Carbon Working Group: Improving Methodologies and Estimates of Carbon and Greenhouse Gas Flux in Wetlands
Sea-level Rise Vulnerability of Mangrove Forests in Micronesia and the Pacific
The Response of Coastal Wetlands to Sea-level Rise: Understanding how Macroscale Drivers Influence Local Processes and Feedbacks
The response of coastal wetlands to sea-level rise: Understanding how macroscale drivers influence local processes and feedbacks
The Impact of Sea-Level Rise on Coral Reef and Mangrove Interactions and the Resulting Coastal Flooding Hazards
Science to Inform the Management of Mangrove Ecosystems Undergoing Sea Level Rise at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, Sanibel Island, Florida
Webinar: Sea-Level Rise, El Niño, and Storm Effects on Coastal Tidal Marshes
Using Drone Imagery to Assess Impacts of the 2018 Carr Fire
Elevation Data Across San Francisco Bay-Delta Wetlands Elevation Data Across San Francisco Bay-Delta Wetlands
Projections of Elevation and Mangrove Species Cover under Sea-Level Rise across Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia Projections of Elevation and Mangrove Species Cover under Sea-Level Rise across Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia
A Compilation of Soil, Vegetation, Elevation and Bathymetry Attributes in San Pablo Bay Comparing Marsh Restorations using Beneficial Reuse of Dredged Material to Naturally Accreting Restorations, 2023-2025 A Compilation of Soil, Vegetation, Elevation and Bathymetry Attributes in San Pablo Bay Comparing Marsh Restorations using Beneficial Reuse of Dredged Material to Naturally Accreting Restorations, 2023-2025
Soil Properties of Tidal Marshes Across Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge, California Soil Properties of Tidal Marshes Across Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge, California
North American dataset of ecosystem properties in tidal saline wetlands—Canopy height, aboveground biomass, productivity, soil carbon density, and soil carbon accumulation North American dataset of ecosystem properties in tidal saline wetlands—Canopy height, aboveground biomass, productivity, soil carbon density, and soil carbon accumulation
Inter-and Intra-Annual Sediment Dynamics in Two Tidal Marshes: Deposition, Accretion, and Vegetation Data (ver. 2.0, June 2025) Inter-and Intra-Annual Sediment Dynamics in Two Tidal Marshes: Deposition, Accretion, and Vegetation Data (ver. 2.0, June 2025)
Surface Elevation Table and Marker Horizon Measurements Along the Pacific Coast (ver. 2.0, June 2025) Surface Elevation Table and Marker Horizon Measurements Along the Pacific Coast (ver. 2.0, June 2025)
Waterfowl Brood Drone Surveys from Suisun, California 2019 Waterfowl Brood Drone Surveys from Suisun, California 2019
UAS Whiskeytown UAS Whiskeytown
Soil Characteristics and Accretion Rates in Mangrove Forests across Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia Soil Characteristics and Accretion Rates in Mangrove Forests across Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia
Marsh Vegetation Surveys Across the San Francisco Bay Estuary, 2008-2018 Marsh Vegetation Surveys Across the San Francisco Bay Estuary, 2008-2018
Estuarine vegetated wetland change scenarios for estuaries in the conterminous United States, 1996–2019 Estuarine vegetated wetland change scenarios for estuaries in the conterminous United States, 1996–2019
To adapt to rising sea levels, coastal wetlands can migrate landward at the expense of adjacent freshwater wetlands and upland ecosystems, but migration can be hindered by natural and anthropogenic barriers. This photo shows marsh migration constrained by topographic and urban barriers in southern California.
video thumbnail: Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - Arrowhead Marsh
Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - Arrowhead Marsh
Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - Arrowhead MarshHow will sea level rise impact coastal ecosystems like salt marshes? Will plant species change and shift available habitat for local wildlife? Or will the marsh be completely inundated? USGS scientists are conducting extensive elevation and habitat surveys along the U.S. Pacific Coast, and using the data to model sea level rise impact for the next 100 years.
Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - Arrowhead Marsh
Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - Arrowhead MarshHow will sea level rise impact coastal ecosystems like salt marshes? Will plant species change and shift available habitat for local wildlife? Or will the marsh be completely inundated? USGS scientists are conducting extensive elevation and habitat surveys along the U.S. Pacific Coast, and using the data to model sea level rise impact for the next 100 years.
video thumbnail: Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - BlackJohn Marsh
Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - BlackJohn Marsh
Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - BlackJohn MarshHow will sea level rise impact coastal ecosystems like salt marshes? Will plant species change and shift available habitat for local wildlife? Or will the marsh be completely inundated? USGS scientists are conducting extensive elevation and habitat surveys along the U.S. Pacific Coast, and using the data to model sea level rise impact for the next 100 years.
Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - BlackJohn Marsh
Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - BlackJohn MarshHow will sea level rise impact coastal ecosystems like salt marshes? Will plant species change and shift available habitat for local wildlife? Or will the marsh be completely inundated? USGS scientists are conducting extensive elevation and habitat surveys along the U.S. Pacific Coast, and using the data to model sea level rise impact for the next 100 years.
video thumbnail: Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - China Camp State Park
Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - China Camp State Park
Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - China Camp State ParkHow will sea level rise impact coastal ecosystems like salt marshes? Will plant species change and shift available habitat for local wildlife? Or will the marsh be completely inundated? USGS scientists are conducting extensive elevation and habitat surveys along the U.S. Pacific Coast, and using the data to model sea level rise impact for the next 100 years.
Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - China Camp State Park
Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - China Camp State ParkHow will sea level rise impact coastal ecosystems like salt marshes? Will plant species change and shift available habitat for local wildlife? Or will the marsh be completely inundated? USGS scientists are conducting extensive elevation and habitat surveys along the U.S. Pacific Coast, and using the data to model sea level rise impact for the next 100 years.
video thumbnail: Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - Fagan Marsh
Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - Fagan Marsh
Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - Fagan MarshHow will sea level rise impact coastal ecosystems like salt marshes? Will plant species change and shift available habitat for local wildlife? Or will the marsh be completely inundated? USGS scientists are conducting extensive elevation and habitat surveys along the U.S. Pacific Coast, and using the data to model sea level rise impact for the next 100 years.
Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - Fagan Marsh
Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - Fagan MarshHow will sea level rise impact coastal ecosystems like salt marshes? Will plant species change and shift available habitat for local wildlife? Or will the marsh be completely inundated? USGS scientists are conducting extensive elevation and habitat surveys along the U.S. Pacific Coast, and using the data to model sea level rise impact for the next 100 years.
video thumbnail: Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - Cogswell Marsh
Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - Cogswell Marsh
Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - Cogswell MarshHow will sea level rise impact coastal ecosystems like salt marshes? Will plant species change and shift available habitat for local wildlife? Or will the marsh be completely inundated? USGS scientists are conducting extensive elevation and habitat surveys along the U.S. Pacific Coast, and using the data to model sea level rise impact for the next 100 years.
Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - Cogswell Marsh
Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - Cogswell MarshHow will sea level rise impact coastal ecosystems like salt marshes? Will plant species change and shift available habitat for local wildlife? Or will the marsh be completely inundated? USGS scientists are conducting extensive elevation and habitat surveys along the U.S. Pacific Coast, and using the data to model sea level rise impact for the next 100 years.
video thumbnail: Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - Petaluma Marsh
Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - Petaluma Marsh
Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - Petaluma MarshHow will sea level rise impact coastal ecosystems like salt marshes? Will plant species change and shift available habitat for local wildlife? Or will the marsh be completely inundated? USGS scientists are conducting extensive elevation and habitat surveys along the U.S. Pacific Coast, and using the data to model sea level rise impact for the next 100 years.
Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - Petaluma Marsh
Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - Petaluma MarshHow will sea level rise impact coastal ecosystems like salt marshes? Will plant species change and shift available habitat for local wildlife? Or will the marsh be completely inundated? USGS scientists are conducting extensive elevation and habitat surveys along the U.S. Pacific Coast, and using the data to model sea level rise impact for the next 100 years.
video thumbnail: Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - West San Pablo Bay Marsh
Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - West San Pablo Bay Marsh
Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - West San Pablo Bay MarshHow will sea level rise impact coastal ecosystems like salt marshes? Will plant species change and shift available habitat for local wildlife? Or will the marsh be completely inundated? USGS scientists are conducting extensive elevation and habitat surveys along the U.S. Pacific Coast, and using the data to model sea level rise impact for the next 100 years.
Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - West San Pablo Bay Marsh
Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - West San Pablo Bay MarshHow will sea level rise impact coastal ecosystems like salt marshes? Will plant species change and shift available habitat for local wildlife? Or will the marsh be completely inundated? USGS scientists are conducting extensive elevation and habitat surveys along the U.S. Pacific Coast, and using the data to model sea level rise impact for the next 100 years.
video thumbnail: Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - San Pablo Bay Strip Marsh
Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - San Pablo Bay Strip Marsh
Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - San Pablo Bay Strip MarshHow will sea level rise impact coastal ecosystems like salt marshes? Will plant species change and shift available habitat for local wildlife? Or will the marsh be completely inundated? USGS scientists are conducting extensive elevation and habitat surveys along the U.S. Pacific Coast, and using the data to model sea level rise impact for the next 100 years.
Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - San Pablo Bay Strip Marsh
Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - San Pablo Bay Strip MarshHow will sea level rise impact coastal ecosystems like salt marshes? Will plant species change and shift available habitat for local wildlife? Or will the marsh be completely inundated? USGS scientists are conducting extensive elevation and habitat surveys along the U.S. Pacific Coast, and using the data to model sea level rise impact for the next 100 years.
video thumbnail: Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - Corte Madera Marsh
Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - Corte Madera Marsh
Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - Corte Madera MarshHow will sea level rise impact coastal ecosystems like salt marshes? Will plant species change and shift available habitat for local wildlife? Or will the marsh be completely inundated? USGS scientists are conducting extensive elevation and habitat surveys along the U.S. Pacific Coast, and using the data to model sea level rise impact for the next 100 years.
Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - Corte Madera Marsh
Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - Corte Madera MarshHow will sea level rise impact coastal ecosystems like salt marshes? Will plant species change and shift available habitat for local wildlife? Or will the marsh be completely inundated? USGS scientists are conducting extensive elevation and habitat surveys along the U.S. Pacific Coast, and using the data to model sea level rise impact for the next 100 years.
video thumbnail: Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - Gambinini Marsh
Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - Gambinini Marsh
Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - Gambinini MarshHow will sea level rise impact coastal ecosystems like salt marshes? Will plant species change and shift available habitat for local wildlife? Or will the marsh be completely inundated? USGS scientists are conducting extensive elevation and habitat surveys along the U.S. Pacific Coast, and using the data to model sea level rise impact for the next 100 years.
Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - Gambinini Marsh
Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - Gambinini MarshHow will sea level rise impact coastal ecosystems like salt marshes? Will plant species change and shift available habitat for local wildlife? Or will the marsh be completely inundated? USGS scientists are conducting extensive elevation and habitat surveys along the U.S. Pacific Coast, and using the data to model sea level rise impact for the next 100 years.
video thumbnail: Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - Laumeister Marsh
Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - Laumeister Marsh
Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - Laumeister MarshHow will sea level rise impact coastal ecosystems like salt marshes? Will plant species change and shift available habitat for local wildlife? Or will the marsh be completely inundated? USGS scientists are conducting extensive elevation and habitat surveys along the U.S. Pacific Coast, and using the data to model sea level rise impact for the next 100 years.
Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - Laumeister Marsh
Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - Laumeister MarshHow will sea level rise impact coastal ecosystems like salt marshes? Will plant species change and shift available habitat for local wildlife? Or will the marsh be completely inundated? USGS scientists are conducting extensive elevation and habitat surveys along the U.S. Pacific Coast, and using the data to model sea level rise impact for the next 100 years.
video thumbnail: Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - Coon Island
Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - Coon Island
Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - Coon IslandHow will sea level rise impact coastal ecosystems like salt marshes? Will plant species change and shift available habitat for local wildlife? Or will the marsh be completely inundated? USGS scientists are conducting extensive elevation and habitat surveys along the U.S. Pacific Coast, and using the data to model sea level rise impact for the next 100 years.
Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - Coon Island
Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - Coon IslandHow will sea level rise impact coastal ecosystems like salt marshes? Will plant species change and shift available habitat for local wildlife? Or will the marsh be completely inundated? USGS scientists are conducting extensive elevation and habitat surveys along the U.S. Pacific Coast, and using the data to model sea level rise impact for the next 100 years.
Causal interpretations can be based on mechanistic knowledge Causal interpretations can be based on mechanistic knowledge
Comparison of creek and bay influences on salt marsh sediment budget and deposition patterns Comparison of creek and bay influences on salt marsh sediment budget and deposition patterns
Combining ecological and genomic diversity surveys to inform conservation and restoration of an endangered wetland plant, soft salty bird’s-beak (Chloropyron molle ssp. molle) Combining ecological and genomic diversity surveys to inform conservation and restoration of an endangered wetland plant, soft salty bird’s-beak (Chloropyron molle ssp. molle)
Multi-model comparison of salt marsh longevity under relative sea-level rise Multi-model comparison of salt marsh longevity under relative sea-level rise
Causal effects verses causal mechanisms: Two traditions with different requirements and contributions towards causal understanding Causal effects verses causal mechanisms: Two traditions with different requirements and contributions towards causal understanding
Ecological thresholds and transformations due to climate change: The role of abiotic stress Ecological thresholds and transformations due to climate change: The role of abiotic stress
Nature-based solutions could offset coastal squeeze of tidal wetlands from sea-level rise on the U.S. Pacific coast Nature-based solutions could offset coastal squeeze of tidal wetlands from sea-level rise on the U.S. Pacific coast
Surveying waterfowl broods in wetlands using aerial drones Surveying waterfowl broods in wetlands using aerial drones
When and where can coastal wetland restoration increase carbon sequestration as a natural climate solution? When and where can coastal wetland restoration increase carbon sequestration as a natural climate solution?
Projecting mangrove forest resilience to sea-level rise on a Pacific Island: Species dynamics and ecological thresholds Projecting mangrove forest resilience to sea-level rise on a Pacific Island: Species dynamics and ecological thresholds
Bay Miwok evening primrose: A new subspecies of Oenothera deltoides (Onagraceae) endemic to California Bay Miwok evening primrose: A new subspecies of Oenothera deltoides (Onagraceae) endemic to California
Learning from a high-severity fire event—Conditions following the 2018 Carr Fire at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area Learning from a high-severity fire event—Conditions following the 2018 Carr Fire at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area
Science and Products
Coastal Wetland Vulnerability to Climate Change and Sea-Level Rise: Understanding Ecological Thresholds and Ecosystem Transformations
Habitat Vulnerability to Climate Change: Identifying Climate Change Induced Mass Mortality Events Across Large Landscapes of the United States
Modeling vulnerability for San Francisco Bay estuary tidal marshes
Developing a Pacific Mangrove Monitoring Network (PACMAN) in Response to Sea Level Rise
Wetland Carbon Working Group: Improving Methodologies and Estimates of Carbon and Greenhouse Gas Flux in Wetlands
Sea-level Rise Vulnerability of Mangrove Forests in Micronesia and the Pacific
The Response of Coastal Wetlands to Sea-level Rise: Understanding how Macroscale Drivers Influence Local Processes and Feedbacks
The response of coastal wetlands to sea-level rise: Understanding how macroscale drivers influence local processes and feedbacks
The Impact of Sea-Level Rise on Coral Reef and Mangrove Interactions and the Resulting Coastal Flooding Hazards
Science to Inform the Management of Mangrove Ecosystems Undergoing Sea Level Rise at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, Sanibel Island, Florida
Webinar: Sea-Level Rise, El Niño, and Storm Effects on Coastal Tidal Marshes
Using Drone Imagery to Assess Impacts of the 2018 Carr Fire
Elevation Data Across San Francisco Bay-Delta Wetlands Elevation Data Across San Francisco Bay-Delta Wetlands
Projections of Elevation and Mangrove Species Cover under Sea-Level Rise across Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia Projections of Elevation and Mangrove Species Cover under Sea-Level Rise across Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia
A Compilation of Soil, Vegetation, Elevation and Bathymetry Attributes in San Pablo Bay Comparing Marsh Restorations using Beneficial Reuse of Dredged Material to Naturally Accreting Restorations, 2023-2025 A Compilation of Soil, Vegetation, Elevation and Bathymetry Attributes in San Pablo Bay Comparing Marsh Restorations using Beneficial Reuse of Dredged Material to Naturally Accreting Restorations, 2023-2025
Soil Properties of Tidal Marshes Across Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge, California Soil Properties of Tidal Marshes Across Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge, California
North American dataset of ecosystem properties in tidal saline wetlands—Canopy height, aboveground biomass, productivity, soil carbon density, and soil carbon accumulation North American dataset of ecosystem properties in tidal saline wetlands—Canopy height, aboveground biomass, productivity, soil carbon density, and soil carbon accumulation
Inter-and Intra-Annual Sediment Dynamics in Two Tidal Marshes: Deposition, Accretion, and Vegetation Data (ver. 2.0, June 2025) Inter-and Intra-Annual Sediment Dynamics in Two Tidal Marshes: Deposition, Accretion, and Vegetation Data (ver. 2.0, June 2025)
Surface Elevation Table and Marker Horizon Measurements Along the Pacific Coast (ver. 2.0, June 2025) Surface Elevation Table and Marker Horizon Measurements Along the Pacific Coast (ver. 2.0, June 2025)
Waterfowl Brood Drone Surveys from Suisun, California 2019 Waterfowl Brood Drone Surveys from Suisun, California 2019
UAS Whiskeytown UAS Whiskeytown
Soil Characteristics and Accretion Rates in Mangrove Forests across Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia Soil Characteristics and Accretion Rates in Mangrove Forests across Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia
Marsh Vegetation Surveys Across the San Francisco Bay Estuary, 2008-2018 Marsh Vegetation Surveys Across the San Francisco Bay Estuary, 2008-2018
Estuarine vegetated wetland change scenarios for estuaries in the conterminous United States, 1996–2019 Estuarine vegetated wetland change scenarios for estuaries in the conterminous United States, 1996–2019
To adapt to rising sea levels, coastal wetlands can migrate landward at the expense of adjacent freshwater wetlands and upland ecosystems, but migration can be hindered by natural and anthropogenic barriers. This photo shows marsh migration constrained by topographic and urban barriers in southern California.
To adapt to rising sea levels, coastal wetlands can migrate landward at the expense of adjacent freshwater wetlands and upland ecosystems, but migration can be hindered by natural and anthropogenic barriers. This photo shows marsh migration constrained by topographic and urban barriers in southern California.
video thumbnail: Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - Arrowhead Marsh
Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - Arrowhead Marsh
Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - Arrowhead MarshHow will sea level rise impact coastal ecosystems like salt marshes? Will plant species change and shift available habitat for local wildlife? Or will the marsh be completely inundated? USGS scientists are conducting extensive elevation and habitat surveys along the U.S. Pacific Coast, and using the data to model sea level rise impact for the next 100 years.
Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - Arrowhead Marsh
Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - Arrowhead MarshHow will sea level rise impact coastal ecosystems like salt marshes? Will plant species change and shift available habitat for local wildlife? Or will the marsh be completely inundated? USGS scientists are conducting extensive elevation and habitat surveys along the U.S. Pacific Coast, and using the data to model sea level rise impact for the next 100 years.
video thumbnail: Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - BlackJohn Marsh
Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - BlackJohn Marsh
Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - BlackJohn MarshHow will sea level rise impact coastal ecosystems like salt marshes? Will plant species change and shift available habitat for local wildlife? Or will the marsh be completely inundated? USGS scientists are conducting extensive elevation and habitat surveys along the U.S. Pacific Coast, and using the data to model sea level rise impact for the next 100 years.
Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - BlackJohn Marsh
Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - BlackJohn MarshHow will sea level rise impact coastal ecosystems like salt marshes? Will plant species change and shift available habitat for local wildlife? Or will the marsh be completely inundated? USGS scientists are conducting extensive elevation and habitat surveys along the U.S. Pacific Coast, and using the data to model sea level rise impact for the next 100 years.
video thumbnail: Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - China Camp State Park
Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - China Camp State Park
Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - China Camp State ParkHow will sea level rise impact coastal ecosystems like salt marshes? Will plant species change and shift available habitat for local wildlife? Or will the marsh be completely inundated? USGS scientists are conducting extensive elevation and habitat surveys along the U.S. Pacific Coast, and using the data to model sea level rise impact for the next 100 years.
Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - China Camp State Park
Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - China Camp State ParkHow will sea level rise impact coastal ecosystems like salt marshes? Will plant species change and shift available habitat for local wildlife? Or will the marsh be completely inundated? USGS scientists are conducting extensive elevation and habitat surveys along the U.S. Pacific Coast, and using the data to model sea level rise impact for the next 100 years.
video thumbnail: Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - Fagan Marsh
Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - Fagan Marsh
Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - Fagan MarshHow will sea level rise impact coastal ecosystems like salt marshes? Will plant species change and shift available habitat for local wildlife? Or will the marsh be completely inundated? USGS scientists are conducting extensive elevation and habitat surveys along the U.S. Pacific Coast, and using the data to model sea level rise impact for the next 100 years.
Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - Fagan Marsh
Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - Fagan MarshHow will sea level rise impact coastal ecosystems like salt marshes? Will plant species change and shift available habitat for local wildlife? Or will the marsh be completely inundated? USGS scientists are conducting extensive elevation and habitat surveys along the U.S. Pacific Coast, and using the data to model sea level rise impact for the next 100 years.
video thumbnail: Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - Cogswell Marsh
Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - Cogswell Marsh
Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - Cogswell MarshHow will sea level rise impact coastal ecosystems like salt marshes? Will plant species change and shift available habitat for local wildlife? Or will the marsh be completely inundated? USGS scientists are conducting extensive elevation and habitat surveys along the U.S. Pacific Coast, and using the data to model sea level rise impact for the next 100 years.
Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - Cogswell Marsh
Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - Cogswell MarshHow will sea level rise impact coastal ecosystems like salt marshes? Will plant species change and shift available habitat for local wildlife? Or will the marsh be completely inundated? USGS scientists are conducting extensive elevation and habitat surveys along the U.S. Pacific Coast, and using the data to model sea level rise impact for the next 100 years.
video thumbnail: Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - Petaluma Marsh
Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - Petaluma Marsh
Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - Petaluma MarshHow will sea level rise impact coastal ecosystems like salt marshes? Will plant species change and shift available habitat for local wildlife? Or will the marsh be completely inundated? USGS scientists are conducting extensive elevation and habitat surveys along the U.S. Pacific Coast, and using the data to model sea level rise impact for the next 100 years.
Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - Petaluma Marsh
Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - Petaluma MarshHow will sea level rise impact coastal ecosystems like salt marshes? Will plant species change and shift available habitat for local wildlife? Or will the marsh be completely inundated? USGS scientists are conducting extensive elevation and habitat surveys along the U.S. Pacific Coast, and using the data to model sea level rise impact for the next 100 years.
video thumbnail: Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - West San Pablo Bay Marsh
Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - West San Pablo Bay Marsh
Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - West San Pablo Bay MarshHow will sea level rise impact coastal ecosystems like salt marshes? Will plant species change and shift available habitat for local wildlife? Or will the marsh be completely inundated? USGS scientists are conducting extensive elevation and habitat surveys along the U.S. Pacific Coast, and using the data to model sea level rise impact for the next 100 years.
Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - West San Pablo Bay Marsh
Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - West San Pablo Bay MarshHow will sea level rise impact coastal ecosystems like salt marshes? Will plant species change and shift available habitat for local wildlife? Or will the marsh be completely inundated? USGS scientists are conducting extensive elevation and habitat surveys along the U.S. Pacific Coast, and using the data to model sea level rise impact for the next 100 years.
video thumbnail: Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - San Pablo Bay Strip Marsh
Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - San Pablo Bay Strip Marsh
Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - San Pablo Bay Strip MarshHow will sea level rise impact coastal ecosystems like salt marshes? Will plant species change and shift available habitat for local wildlife? Or will the marsh be completely inundated? USGS scientists are conducting extensive elevation and habitat surveys along the U.S. Pacific Coast, and using the data to model sea level rise impact for the next 100 years.
Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - San Pablo Bay Strip Marsh
Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - San Pablo Bay Strip MarshHow will sea level rise impact coastal ecosystems like salt marshes? Will plant species change and shift available habitat for local wildlife? Or will the marsh be completely inundated? USGS scientists are conducting extensive elevation and habitat surveys along the U.S. Pacific Coast, and using the data to model sea level rise impact for the next 100 years.
video thumbnail: Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - Corte Madera Marsh
Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - Corte Madera Marsh
Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - Corte Madera MarshHow will sea level rise impact coastal ecosystems like salt marshes? Will plant species change and shift available habitat for local wildlife? Or will the marsh be completely inundated? USGS scientists are conducting extensive elevation and habitat surveys along the U.S. Pacific Coast, and using the data to model sea level rise impact for the next 100 years.
Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - Corte Madera Marsh
Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - Corte Madera MarshHow will sea level rise impact coastal ecosystems like salt marshes? Will plant species change and shift available habitat for local wildlife? Or will the marsh be completely inundated? USGS scientists are conducting extensive elevation and habitat surveys along the U.S. Pacific Coast, and using the data to model sea level rise impact for the next 100 years.
video thumbnail: Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - Gambinini Marsh
Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - Gambinini Marsh
Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - Gambinini MarshHow will sea level rise impact coastal ecosystems like salt marshes? Will plant species change and shift available habitat for local wildlife? Or will the marsh be completely inundated? USGS scientists are conducting extensive elevation and habitat surveys along the U.S. Pacific Coast, and using the data to model sea level rise impact for the next 100 years.
Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - Gambinini Marsh
Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - Gambinini MarshHow will sea level rise impact coastal ecosystems like salt marshes? Will plant species change and shift available habitat for local wildlife? Or will the marsh be completely inundated? USGS scientists are conducting extensive elevation and habitat surveys along the U.S. Pacific Coast, and using the data to model sea level rise impact for the next 100 years.
video thumbnail: Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - Laumeister Marsh
Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - Laumeister Marsh
Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - Laumeister MarshHow will sea level rise impact coastal ecosystems like salt marshes? Will plant species change and shift available habitat for local wildlife? Or will the marsh be completely inundated? USGS scientists are conducting extensive elevation and habitat surveys along the U.S. Pacific Coast, and using the data to model sea level rise impact for the next 100 years.
Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - Laumeister Marsh
Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - Laumeister MarshHow will sea level rise impact coastal ecosystems like salt marshes? Will plant species change and shift available habitat for local wildlife? Or will the marsh be completely inundated? USGS scientists are conducting extensive elevation and habitat surveys along the U.S. Pacific Coast, and using the data to model sea level rise impact for the next 100 years.
video thumbnail: Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - Coon Island
Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - Coon Island
Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - Coon IslandHow will sea level rise impact coastal ecosystems like salt marshes? Will plant species change and shift available habitat for local wildlife? Or will the marsh be completely inundated? USGS scientists are conducting extensive elevation and habitat surveys along the U.S. Pacific Coast, and using the data to model sea level rise impact for the next 100 years.
Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - Coon Island
Sea-level Rise Scenario for San Francisco Bay Estuary - Coon IslandHow will sea level rise impact coastal ecosystems like salt marshes? Will plant species change and shift available habitat for local wildlife? Or will the marsh be completely inundated? USGS scientists are conducting extensive elevation and habitat surveys along the U.S. Pacific Coast, and using the data to model sea level rise impact for the next 100 years.
Causal interpretations can be based on mechanistic knowledge Causal interpretations can be based on mechanistic knowledge
Comparison of creek and bay influences on salt marsh sediment budget and deposition patterns Comparison of creek and bay influences on salt marsh sediment budget and deposition patterns
Combining ecological and genomic diversity surveys to inform conservation and restoration of an endangered wetland plant, soft salty bird’s-beak (Chloropyron molle ssp. molle) Combining ecological and genomic diversity surveys to inform conservation and restoration of an endangered wetland plant, soft salty bird’s-beak (Chloropyron molle ssp. molle)
Multi-model comparison of salt marsh longevity under relative sea-level rise Multi-model comparison of salt marsh longevity under relative sea-level rise
Causal effects verses causal mechanisms: Two traditions with different requirements and contributions towards causal understanding Causal effects verses causal mechanisms: Two traditions with different requirements and contributions towards causal understanding
Ecological thresholds and transformations due to climate change: The role of abiotic stress Ecological thresholds and transformations due to climate change: The role of abiotic stress
Nature-based solutions could offset coastal squeeze of tidal wetlands from sea-level rise on the U.S. Pacific coast Nature-based solutions could offset coastal squeeze of tidal wetlands from sea-level rise on the U.S. Pacific coast
Surveying waterfowl broods in wetlands using aerial drones Surveying waterfowl broods in wetlands using aerial drones
When and where can coastal wetland restoration increase carbon sequestration as a natural climate solution? When and where can coastal wetland restoration increase carbon sequestration as a natural climate solution?
Projecting mangrove forest resilience to sea-level rise on a Pacific Island: Species dynamics and ecological thresholds Projecting mangrove forest resilience to sea-level rise on a Pacific Island: Species dynamics and ecological thresholds
Bay Miwok evening primrose: A new subspecies of Oenothera deltoides (Onagraceae) endemic to California Bay Miwok evening primrose: A new subspecies of Oenothera deltoides (Onagraceae) endemic to California
Learning from a high-severity fire event—Conditions following the 2018 Carr Fire at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area Learning from a high-severity fire event—Conditions following the 2018 Carr Fire at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area
*Disclaimer: Listing outside positions with professional scientific organizations on this Staff Profile are for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement of those professional scientific organizations or their activities by the USGS, Department of the Interior, or U.S. Government