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Kimberly Yates, Ph.D. (Former Employee)

Science and Products

Map of a coastal area with areas defining where coral reef damage occurred and the resulting damage estimates.

Quantifying Flood Risk and Reef Risk Reduction Benefits in Florida and Puerto Rico: The Consequences of Hurricane Damage, Long-term Degradation, and Restoration Opportunities

Coastal flooding and erosion from extreme weather events affect thousands of vulnerable coastal communities; the impacts of coastal flooding are predicted to worsen during this century because of population growth and climate change. Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017 were particularly devasting to humans and natural communities. The coral reefs off the State of Florida and the Commonwealth of...
By
Natural Hazards Mission Area, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Hurricane Irma, Hurricane Maria, Hurricanes
Quantifying Flood Risk and Reef Risk Reduction Benefits in Florida and Puerto Rico: The Consequences of Hurricane Damage, Long-term Degradation, and Restoration Opportunities

Quantifying Flood Risk and Reef Risk Reduction Benefits in Florida and Puerto Rico: The Consequences of Hurricane Damage, Long-term Degradation, and Restoration Opportunities

Coastal flooding and erosion from extreme weather events affect thousands of vulnerable coastal communities; the impacts of coastal flooding are predicted to worsen during this century because of population growth and climate change. Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017 were particularly devasting to humans and natural communities. The coral reefs off the State of Florida and the Commonwealth of...
Learn More
Image: Flat Cays, U.S. Virgin Islands Coral Reef

Coral Reef Ecosystem Studies (CREST)

The specific objectives of this project are to identify and describe the processes that are important in determining rates of coral-reef construction. How quickly the skeletons of calcifying organisms accumulate to form massive barrier-reef structure is determined by processes of both construction (how fast organisms grow and reproduce) and destruction (how fast reefs break down by mechanical...
By
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, Coral Microbial Ecology Laboratory
Coral Reef Ecosystem Studies (CREST)

Coral Reef Ecosystem Studies (CREST)

The specific objectives of this project are to identify and describe the processes that are important in determining rates of coral-reef construction. How quickly the skeletons of calcifying organisms accumulate to form massive barrier-reef structure is determined by processes of both construction (how fast organisms grow and reproduce) and destruction (how fast reefs break down by mechanical...
Learn More
relationship between biology, chemistry, and physical and environmental processes in understanding ocean acidification

Coral Reef Seafloor Erosion and Coastal Hazards

Synchronized field work focused on geochemistry, geology, and metabolic processes overlaid on a habitat map of an entire reef to produce a synoptic overview of reef processes that contribute to carbonate precipitation and dissolution.
By
Natural Hazards Mission Area, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center
Coral Reef Seafloor Erosion and Coastal Hazards

Coral Reef Seafloor Erosion and Coastal Hazards

Synchronized field work focused on geochemistry, geology, and metabolic processes overlaid on a habitat map of an entire reef to produce a synoptic overview of reef processes that contribute to carbonate precipitation and dissolution.
Learn More
Submersible Habitat for Analyzing Reef Quality on the seafloor

Coral Reef Community Calcification and Metabolism

This task focuses on forecasting and hind-casting the future and past response of coral reef calcification and growth to changes in seawater carbonate chemistry from pre-industrial time to the year 2100.
By
St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center
Coral Reef Community Calcification and Metabolism

Coral Reef Community Calcification and Metabolism

This task focuses on forecasting and hind-casting the future and past response of coral reef calcification and growth to changes in seawater carbonate chemistry from pre-industrial time to the year 2100.
Learn More
Filter Total Items: 70

Seafloor Elevation and Volume Change along the Upper Florida Keys Reef Tract: 1934 to 2002 and 2002 to 2016 Seafloor Elevation and Volume Change along the Upper Florida Keys Reef Tract: 1934 to 2002 and 2002 to 2016

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center (SPCMSC) conducted research to quantify bathymetric changes in the Northern Florida Keys from Triumph Reef to Pickles Reef during two time periods, 1934 to 2002 and 2002 to 2016, within a 234.2 square-kilometer area. USGS staff calculated changes in seafloor elevation for both time periods using historical
By
St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center

Underwater Photogrammetry Products of Looe Key, Florida From Images Acquired Using the SQUID-5 System in July 2022 Underwater Photogrammetry Products of Looe Key, Florida From Images Acquired Using the SQUID-5 System in July 2022

Underwater images were collected using a towed-surface vehicle with multiple downward-looking underwater cameras developed by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The system is named the Structure-from-Motion (SfM) Quantitative Underwater Imaging Device with Five Cameras (SQUID-5). The raw images and associated navigation data were collected at Looe key, a coral reef located within the...
By
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center

Underwater Photogrammetry Products of Big Pine Ledge, Florida From Images Acquired Using the SQUID-5 System in July 2022 Underwater Photogrammetry Products of Big Pine Ledge, Florida From Images Acquired Using the SQUID-5 System in July 2022

Underwater images were collected using a towed-surface vehicle with multiple downward-looking underwater cameras developed by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The system is named the Structure-from-Motion (SfM) Quantitative Underwater Imaging Device with Five Cameras (SQUID-5). The raw images and associated navigation data were collected at Big Pine Ledge, a coral reef located within...
By
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center

Underwater Photogrammetry Products of Summerland Ledge, Florida From Images Acquired Using the SQUID-5 System in July 2022 Underwater Photogrammetry Products of Summerland Ledge, Florida From Images Acquired Using the SQUID-5 System in July 2022

Underwater images were collected using a towed-surface vehicle with multiple downward-looking underwater cameras developed by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The system is named the Structure-from-Motion (SfM) Quantitative Underwater Imaging Device with Five Cameras (SQUID-5). The raw images and associated navigation data were collected at Summerland Ledge, a coral reef located within...
By
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center

Underwater photogrammetry products of Big Pine Ledge, Florida from images acquired using the SQUID-5 system in July 2021 Underwater photogrammetry products of Big Pine Ledge, Florida from images acquired using the SQUID-5 system in July 2021

Underwater images were collected using a towed-surface vehicle with multiple downward-looking underwater cameras developed by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The system is named the Structure-from-Motion (SfM) Quantitative Underwater Imaging Device with Five Cameras (SQUID-5). The raw images and associated navigation data were collected at Big Pine Ledge, a coral reef located within...
By
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center

CO2 System Measurements in Hillsborough River, Florida CO2 System Measurements in Hillsborough River, Florida

This dataset contains CO2 system data collected by scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center to investigate the effects of HgCl2 on low salinity organic rich estuarine water samples in the Tampa Bay estuary located in west central Florida. Discrete water samples were collected on January 26, 2022, from two 30L Niskin bottles that...
By
Environmental Health Program, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, St. Petersburg Carbon Analytical Laboratory

Overlapping seabed images and location data acquired using the SQUID-5 system at Looe Key, Florida, in July 2021, with structure-from-motion derived point cloud, digital elevation model and orthomosaic of submerged topography Overlapping seabed images and location data acquired using the SQUID-5 system at Looe Key, Florida, in July 2021, with structure-from-motion derived point cloud, digital elevation model and orthomosaic of submerged topography

Underwater images were collected using a towed-surface vehicle with multiple downward-looking underwater cameras developed by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The system is named the Structure-from-Motion (SfM) Quantitative Underwater Imaging Device with Five Cameras (SQUID-5). The raw images and associated navigation data were collected at Looe Key, a coral reef located within the...
By
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center

Overlapping seabed images and location data acquired using the SQUID-5 system at Eastern Dry Rocks coral reef, Florida, in May 2021, with derived point cloud, digital elevation model and orthomosaic of submerged topography Overlapping seabed images and location data acquired using the SQUID-5 system at Eastern Dry Rocks coral reef, Florida, in May 2021, with derived point cloud, digital elevation model and orthomosaic of submerged topography

Underwater images were collected using a towed-surface vehicle with multiple downward-looking underwater cameras developed by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The system is named the Structure-from-Motion (SfM) Quantitative Underwater Imaging Device with Five Cameras (SQUID-5). The raw images and associated navigation data were collected at Eastern Dry Rocks, a coral reef located...
By
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center

Time Series of Autonomous Carbonate System Parameter Measurements in Middle Tampa Bay, Florida, USA Time Series of Autonomous Carbonate System Parameter Measurements in Middle Tampa Bay, Florida, USA

This data set contains time series measurements of carbonate system parameters including water temperature (degrees C), pressure (dbars), salinity, pHT (pH on the total scale), carbon dioxide (ppm), dissolved oxygen (milligrams/L), and photosynthetically active radiation (microEinsteins). These data were collected in Middle Tampa Bay, Florida, by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) St...
By
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center

Projected Seafloor Elevation Change and Relative Sea Level Rise along the Florida Reef Tract from Miami to Boca Chica Key 25, 50, 75, and 100 Years from 2016 Projected Seafloor Elevation Change and Relative Sea Level Rise along the Florida Reef Tract from Miami to Boca Chica Key 25, 50, 75, and 100 Years from 2016

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center conducted research to quantify bathymetric changes along the Florida Reef Tract (FRT) from Miami to Boca Chica Key, Florida. Changes in seafloor elevation were calculated from the 1930s to 2016 using digitized hydrographic sheet sounding data and light detection and ranging (lidar)-derived digital...
By
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Recovery Activities

Projected Seafloor Elevation Change and Relative Sea Level Rise Near St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands 25, 50, 75, and 100 Years from 2014 Projected Seafloor Elevation Change and Relative Sea Level Rise Near St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands 25, 50, 75, and 100 Years from 2014

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center conducted research to quantify bathymetric changes near St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. Changes in seafloor elevation were calculated using historical bathymetric point data from the 1960s and 1970s (see Yates and others, 2017a) and light detection and ranging (lidar)-derived elevation data acquired in...
By
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center

Projected Seafloor Elevation Change and Relative Sea Level Rise Surrounding Maui, Hawaii 25, 50, 75, and 100 Years from 1999 Projected Seafloor Elevation Change and Relative Sea Level Rise Surrounding Maui, Hawaii 25, 50, 75, and 100 Years from 1999

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center conducted research to quantify bathymetric changes surrounding Maui, Hawaii. Changes in seafloor elevation were calculated using historical bathymetric point data from the 1960s (see Yates and others, 2017a) and light detection and ranging (lidar)-derived data acquired in 1999 (NOAA, 2013) using methods...
By
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center
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Filter Total Items: 70

Long- versus short-term changes in seafloor elevation and volume of the Upper Florida Keys Reef Tract: 1935–2002 and 2002–2016 Long- versus short-term changes in seafloor elevation and volume of the Upper Florida Keys Reef Tract: 1935–2002 and 2002–2016

Coral reefs provide immense ecosystem and economic value, supporting biodiversity, fisheries, tourism, and coastal protection worth billions annually. However, widespread degradation from thermal stress, storms, disease, and human impacts has caused significant coral cover and reef structure loss, increasing coastal vulnerability and economic risks. While coral loss is well-documented...
Authors
Selena Anne-Marie Johnson, David G. Zawada, Kimberly Yates, Connor Monroe Jenkins
By
St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center

Coral reef protection may help avert risks to people, property, and economic activity caused by projected reef degradation Coral reef protection may help avert risks to people, property, and economic activity caused by projected reef degradation

Degradation of coral reefs over the past several decades has caused regional-scale erosion of the shallow seafloor that serves as a protective barrier against coastal hazards along southeast Florida, USA. How future change in coral reefs may affect coastal flooding, however, has been less attended than other factors contributing to increasing risks such as sea-level rise and more intense...
Authors
Curt D. Storlazzi, Borja Reguero, Kimberly Yates, Kristen Alkins, James B. Shope, Camila Gaido-Lasserre, Theresa Fregoso, Michael W. Beck
By
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center

Impact of Hurricane Irma on coral reef sediment redistribution at Looe Key Reef, Florida, USA Impact of Hurricane Irma on coral reef sediment redistribution at Looe Key Reef, Florida, USA

Understanding event-driven sediment transport in coral reef environments is essential to assessing impacts on reef species, habitats, restoration, and mitigation, yet a global knowledge gap remains due to limited quantitative studies. Hurricane Irma made landfall in the Lower Florida Keys with sustained 209 km h−1 winds and waves greater than 8 m on 10 September 2017, directly impacting...
Authors
Kimberly Yates, Zachery Fehr, Selena Anne-Marie Johnson, David G. Zawada
By
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, Hurricane Irma

Nutrient and carbonate chemistry patterns associated with Karenia brevis blooms in three West Florida Shelf estuaries 2020-2023 Nutrient and carbonate chemistry patterns associated with Karenia brevis blooms in three West Florida Shelf estuaries 2020-2023

Ocean acidification (OA) driven by eutrophication, riverine discharge, and other threats from local population growth that affect the inorganic carbonate system is already affecting the eastern Gulf of Mexico. Long-term declines in pH of ~ -0.001 pH units yr-1 have been observed in many southwest Florida estuaries over the past few decades. Coastal and estuarine waters of southwest...
Authors
Emily R. Hall, Kimberly Yates, Katherine A. Hubbard, Matt Garrett, Jessica Frankle
By
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center

An assessment of HgII to preserve carbonate system parameters in organic-rich estuarine waters An assessment of HgII to preserve carbonate system parameters in organic-rich estuarine waters

This work assesses the effectiveness of sample preservation techniques for measurements of pHT (total scale), total dissolved inorganic carbon (CT), and total alkalinity (AT) in organic-rich estuarine waters as well as the internal consistency of measurements and calculations (e.g., AT, pHT, and CT) in these waters. Using mercuric chloride (HgCl2)-treated and untreated water samples...
Authors
Christopher Moore, Robert H. Byrne, Kimberly Yates
By
Environmental Health Program, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, St. Petersburg Carbon Analytical Laboratory

Coastal acidification trends and controls in a subtropical estuary, Tampa Bay, Florida USA Coastal acidification trends and controls in a subtropical estuary, Tampa Bay, Florida USA

Many coastal estuaries have experienced declines in pH over the past few decades due to coastal acidification. However, mean monthly water column pH values (collected during daylight hours) have increased in Tampa Bay, Florida over recent decades concurrent with seagrass recovery. We measured changes in carbonate system and water quality variables in Tampa Bay and the near-coastal Gulf...
Authors
Kimberly K. Yates, Christopher Moore, Mitchell K Lemon, Ryan P. Moyer, David A. Tomasko, R. Masserini, Edward T. Sherwood
By
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center

Increasing hypoxia on global coral reefs under ocean warming Increasing hypoxia on global coral reefs under ocean warming

Ocean deoxygenation is predicted to threaten marine ecosystems globally. However, current and future oxygen concentrations and the occurrence of hypoxic events on coral reefs remain underexplored. Here, using autonomous sensor data to explore oxygen variability and hypoxia exposure at 32 representative reef sites, we reveal that hypoxia is already pervasive on many reefs. Eighty-four...
Authors
Ariel K. Pezner, Travis A. Courtney, Hannah Barkley, Wen-Chen Chou, Hui-Chuan Chu, Samanth M. Clements, Tyler Cyronak, Michael D. DeGrandpre, Samuel A.H. Kekuewa, David I Kline, Yi-Bei Liang, Todd R. Martz, Satoshi Mitarai, Heather N. Page, Max S. Rintoul, Jennifer E. Smith, Keryea Soong, Yuichiro Takeshita, Martin Tresguerres, Yi Wei, Kimberly K. Yates, Andreas J Andersson
By
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center

Ocean acidification in the Gulf of Mexico: Drivers, impacts, and unknowns Ocean acidification in the Gulf of Mexico: Drivers, impacts, and unknowns

Ocean acidification (OA) has resulted in global-scale changes in ocean chemistry, which can disturb marine organisms and ecosystems. Despite its extensively populated coastline, many marine-dependent communities, and valuable economies, the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) remains a relatively understudied region with respect to acidification. In general, the warm waters of the GOM are better...
Authors
Emily Osborne, Xinping Hu, E. R. Hall, Kimberly K. Yates, Jennifer Vreeland-Dawson, Katie Shamberger, Leticia Barbero, J. Martin Hernandez-Ayon, Fabian Gomez, Tacey Hicks, Yuan-Yuan Xu, Melissa R. McCutcheon, Michael Acquafredda, Cecilia Chapa-Balcorta, Orion Norzagaray, Denis Pierrot, Alain Munoz-Caravaca, Kerri L. Dobson, N. Williams, N. N. Rabalais, Padmanava Dash
By
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, Gulf of America

Subsampling large-scale digital elevation models to expedite geospatial analyses in coastal regions Subsampling large-scale digital elevation models to expedite geospatial analyses in coastal regions

Large-area, high-resolution digital elevation models (DEMs) created from light detection and ranging (LIDAR) and/or multibeam echosounder data sets are commonly used in many scientific disciplines. These DEMs can span thousands of square kilometers, typically with a spatial resolution of 1 m or finer, and can be difficult to process and analyze without specialized computers and software...
Authors
Kelly Ann Murphy, David G. Zawada, Kimberly K. Yates
By
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center

Biology: Integrating core to essential variables (Bio-ICE) task team report for hard corals Biology: Integrating core to essential variables (Bio-ICE) task team report for hard corals

The Interagency Ocean Observation Committee (IOOC) is chartered by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) Subcommittee on Ocean Science and Technology (SOST). The purpose of the IOOC is to advise, assist, and make recommendations to the SOST on matters related to ocean observations via task teams such as the Biology - Integrating Core to Essential Variables (Bio...
Authors
E. K. Towle, Abigail Benson, Matt Biddle, Sarah Bingo, Kaitlyn Brucker, Gabrielle Canonico, Maggie Chory, Kruit Desai, Masha Edmondson, Miguel Figuerola, Christina Horstmann, Susan K Jackson, Jen Koss, J. Landrum, Kathryn Lohr, Laura Lorenzoni, Anderson Mayfield, Brian Melzin, Frank Muller-Karger, Sarah O’Conner, Deb Santavy, Curt D. Storlazzi, Anna Toline, Juan Torres-Perez, Kimberly K. Yates
By
Science Synthesis, Analysis, and Research Program, Science Analytics and Synthesis (SAS), Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center

Rigorously valuing the impact of projected coral reef degradation on coastal hazard risk in Florida Rigorously valuing the impact of projected coral reef degradation on coastal hazard risk in Florida

The degradation of coastal habitats, particularly coral reefs, raises risks by increasing the exposure of coastal communities to flooding hazards. In the United States, the physical protective services provided by coral reefs were recently assessed, in social and economic terms, with the annual protection provided by U.S. coral reefs off the coast of the State of Florida estimated to be...
Authors
Curt D. Storlazzi, Borja G. Reguero, Kimberly K. Yates, Kristen A. Cumming, Aaron Cole, James B. Shope, Camila Gaido L., David G. Zawada, Stephanie R. Arsenault, Zachery W. Fehr, Barry A. Nickel, Michael W. Beck
By
Natural Hazards Mission Area, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, Hurricanes

Integrating high-resolution coastal acidification monitoring data across seven United States estuaries Integrating high-resolution coastal acidification monitoring data across seven United States estuaries

Beginning in 2015, the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) National Estuary Program (NEP) started a collaboration with partners in seven estuaries along the East Coast (Barnegat Bay; Casco Bay), West Coast (Santa Monica Bay; San Francisco Bay; Tillamook Bay), and the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) Coast (Tampa Bay; Mission-Aransas Estuary) of the United States to expand the use...
Authors
Nicholas A Rosenau, Holly Galavotti, Kimberly K. Yates, Curtis Bohlen, Christopher W. Hunt, Matthew Liebman, A Cheryl Brown, Stephen R. Pacella, John L. Largier, Karina Nielsen, Xinping Hu, Melissa McCutcheon, James Vasslides, Matthew Poach, Tom Ford, Karina Johnston, Alex Steele
By
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, Gulf of America

Science and Products

Map of a coastal area with areas defining where coral reef damage occurred and the resulting damage estimates.

Quantifying Flood Risk and Reef Risk Reduction Benefits in Florida and Puerto Rico: The Consequences of Hurricane Damage, Long-term Degradation, and Restoration Opportunities

Coastal flooding and erosion from extreme weather events affect thousands of vulnerable coastal communities; the impacts of coastal flooding are predicted to worsen during this century because of population growth and climate change. Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017 were particularly devasting to humans and natural communities. The coral reefs off the State of Florida and the Commonwealth of...
By
Natural Hazards Mission Area, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Hurricane Irma, Hurricane Maria, Hurricanes
Quantifying Flood Risk and Reef Risk Reduction Benefits in Florida and Puerto Rico: The Consequences of Hurricane Damage, Long-term Degradation, and Restoration Opportunities

Quantifying Flood Risk and Reef Risk Reduction Benefits in Florida and Puerto Rico: The Consequences of Hurricane Damage, Long-term Degradation, and Restoration Opportunities

Coastal flooding and erosion from extreme weather events affect thousands of vulnerable coastal communities; the impacts of coastal flooding are predicted to worsen during this century because of population growth and climate change. Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017 were particularly devasting to humans and natural communities. The coral reefs off the State of Florida and the Commonwealth of...
Learn More
Image: Flat Cays, U.S. Virgin Islands Coral Reef

Coral Reef Ecosystem Studies (CREST)

The specific objectives of this project are to identify and describe the processes that are important in determining rates of coral-reef construction. How quickly the skeletons of calcifying organisms accumulate to form massive barrier-reef structure is determined by processes of both construction (how fast organisms grow and reproduce) and destruction (how fast reefs break down by mechanical...
By
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, Coral Microbial Ecology Laboratory
Coral Reef Ecosystem Studies (CREST)

Coral Reef Ecosystem Studies (CREST)

The specific objectives of this project are to identify and describe the processes that are important in determining rates of coral-reef construction. How quickly the skeletons of calcifying organisms accumulate to form massive barrier-reef structure is determined by processes of both construction (how fast organisms grow and reproduce) and destruction (how fast reefs break down by mechanical...
Learn More
relationship between biology, chemistry, and physical and environmental processes in understanding ocean acidification

Coral Reef Seafloor Erosion and Coastal Hazards

Synchronized field work focused on geochemistry, geology, and metabolic processes overlaid on a habitat map of an entire reef to produce a synoptic overview of reef processes that contribute to carbonate precipitation and dissolution.
By
Natural Hazards Mission Area, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center
Coral Reef Seafloor Erosion and Coastal Hazards

Coral Reef Seafloor Erosion and Coastal Hazards

Synchronized field work focused on geochemistry, geology, and metabolic processes overlaid on a habitat map of an entire reef to produce a synoptic overview of reef processes that contribute to carbonate precipitation and dissolution.
Learn More
Submersible Habitat for Analyzing Reef Quality on the seafloor

Coral Reef Community Calcification and Metabolism

This task focuses on forecasting and hind-casting the future and past response of coral reef calcification and growth to changes in seawater carbonate chemistry from pre-industrial time to the year 2100.
By
St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center
Coral Reef Community Calcification and Metabolism

Coral Reef Community Calcification and Metabolism

This task focuses on forecasting and hind-casting the future and past response of coral reef calcification and growth to changes in seawater carbonate chemistry from pre-industrial time to the year 2100.
Learn More
Filter Total Items: 70

Seafloor Elevation and Volume Change along the Upper Florida Keys Reef Tract: 1934 to 2002 and 2002 to 2016 Seafloor Elevation and Volume Change along the Upper Florida Keys Reef Tract: 1934 to 2002 and 2002 to 2016

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center (SPCMSC) conducted research to quantify bathymetric changes in the Northern Florida Keys from Triumph Reef to Pickles Reef during two time periods, 1934 to 2002 and 2002 to 2016, within a 234.2 square-kilometer area. USGS staff calculated changes in seafloor elevation for both time periods using historical
By
St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center

Underwater Photogrammetry Products of Looe Key, Florida From Images Acquired Using the SQUID-5 System in July 2022 Underwater Photogrammetry Products of Looe Key, Florida From Images Acquired Using the SQUID-5 System in July 2022

Underwater images were collected using a towed-surface vehicle with multiple downward-looking underwater cameras developed by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The system is named the Structure-from-Motion (SfM) Quantitative Underwater Imaging Device with Five Cameras (SQUID-5). The raw images and associated navigation data were collected at Looe key, a coral reef located within the...
By
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center

Underwater Photogrammetry Products of Big Pine Ledge, Florida From Images Acquired Using the SQUID-5 System in July 2022 Underwater Photogrammetry Products of Big Pine Ledge, Florida From Images Acquired Using the SQUID-5 System in July 2022

Underwater images were collected using a towed-surface vehicle with multiple downward-looking underwater cameras developed by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The system is named the Structure-from-Motion (SfM) Quantitative Underwater Imaging Device with Five Cameras (SQUID-5). The raw images and associated navigation data were collected at Big Pine Ledge, a coral reef located within...
By
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center

Underwater Photogrammetry Products of Summerland Ledge, Florida From Images Acquired Using the SQUID-5 System in July 2022 Underwater Photogrammetry Products of Summerland Ledge, Florida From Images Acquired Using the SQUID-5 System in July 2022

Underwater images were collected using a towed-surface vehicle with multiple downward-looking underwater cameras developed by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The system is named the Structure-from-Motion (SfM) Quantitative Underwater Imaging Device with Five Cameras (SQUID-5). The raw images and associated navigation data were collected at Summerland Ledge, a coral reef located within...
By
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center

Underwater photogrammetry products of Big Pine Ledge, Florida from images acquired using the SQUID-5 system in July 2021 Underwater photogrammetry products of Big Pine Ledge, Florida from images acquired using the SQUID-5 system in July 2021

Underwater images were collected using a towed-surface vehicle with multiple downward-looking underwater cameras developed by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The system is named the Structure-from-Motion (SfM) Quantitative Underwater Imaging Device with Five Cameras (SQUID-5). The raw images and associated navigation data were collected at Big Pine Ledge, a coral reef located within...
By
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center

CO2 System Measurements in Hillsborough River, Florida CO2 System Measurements in Hillsborough River, Florida

This dataset contains CO2 system data collected by scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center to investigate the effects of HgCl2 on low salinity organic rich estuarine water samples in the Tampa Bay estuary located in west central Florida. Discrete water samples were collected on January 26, 2022, from two 30L Niskin bottles that...
By
Environmental Health Program, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, St. Petersburg Carbon Analytical Laboratory

Overlapping seabed images and location data acquired using the SQUID-5 system at Looe Key, Florida, in July 2021, with structure-from-motion derived point cloud, digital elevation model and orthomosaic of submerged topography Overlapping seabed images and location data acquired using the SQUID-5 system at Looe Key, Florida, in July 2021, with structure-from-motion derived point cloud, digital elevation model and orthomosaic of submerged topography

Underwater images were collected using a towed-surface vehicle with multiple downward-looking underwater cameras developed by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The system is named the Structure-from-Motion (SfM) Quantitative Underwater Imaging Device with Five Cameras (SQUID-5). The raw images and associated navigation data were collected at Looe Key, a coral reef located within the...
By
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center

Overlapping seabed images and location data acquired using the SQUID-5 system at Eastern Dry Rocks coral reef, Florida, in May 2021, with derived point cloud, digital elevation model and orthomosaic of submerged topography Overlapping seabed images and location data acquired using the SQUID-5 system at Eastern Dry Rocks coral reef, Florida, in May 2021, with derived point cloud, digital elevation model and orthomosaic of submerged topography

Underwater images were collected using a towed-surface vehicle with multiple downward-looking underwater cameras developed by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The system is named the Structure-from-Motion (SfM) Quantitative Underwater Imaging Device with Five Cameras (SQUID-5). The raw images and associated navigation data were collected at Eastern Dry Rocks, a coral reef located...
By
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center

Time Series of Autonomous Carbonate System Parameter Measurements in Middle Tampa Bay, Florida, USA Time Series of Autonomous Carbonate System Parameter Measurements in Middle Tampa Bay, Florida, USA

This data set contains time series measurements of carbonate system parameters including water temperature (degrees C), pressure (dbars), salinity, pHT (pH on the total scale), carbon dioxide (ppm), dissolved oxygen (milligrams/L), and photosynthetically active radiation (microEinsteins). These data were collected in Middle Tampa Bay, Florida, by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) St...
By
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center

Projected Seafloor Elevation Change and Relative Sea Level Rise along the Florida Reef Tract from Miami to Boca Chica Key 25, 50, 75, and 100 Years from 2016 Projected Seafloor Elevation Change and Relative Sea Level Rise along the Florida Reef Tract from Miami to Boca Chica Key 25, 50, 75, and 100 Years from 2016

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center conducted research to quantify bathymetric changes along the Florida Reef Tract (FRT) from Miami to Boca Chica Key, Florida. Changes in seafloor elevation were calculated from the 1930s to 2016 using digitized hydrographic sheet sounding data and light detection and ranging (lidar)-derived digital...
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Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Recovery Activities

Projected Seafloor Elevation Change and Relative Sea Level Rise Near St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands 25, 50, 75, and 100 Years from 2014 Projected Seafloor Elevation Change and Relative Sea Level Rise Near St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands 25, 50, 75, and 100 Years from 2014

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center conducted research to quantify bathymetric changes near St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. Changes in seafloor elevation were calculated using historical bathymetric point data from the 1960s and 1970s (see Yates and others, 2017a) and light detection and ranging (lidar)-derived elevation data acquired in...
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Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center

Projected Seafloor Elevation Change and Relative Sea Level Rise Surrounding Maui, Hawaii 25, 50, 75, and 100 Years from 1999 Projected Seafloor Elevation Change and Relative Sea Level Rise Surrounding Maui, Hawaii 25, 50, 75, and 100 Years from 1999

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center conducted research to quantify bathymetric changes surrounding Maui, Hawaii. Changes in seafloor elevation were calculated using historical bathymetric point data from the 1960s (see Yates and others, 2017a) and light detection and ranging (lidar)-derived data acquired in 1999 (NOAA, 2013) using methods...
By
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center
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Long- versus short-term changes in seafloor elevation and volume of the Upper Florida Keys Reef Tract: 1935–2002 and 2002–2016 Long- versus short-term changes in seafloor elevation and volume of the Upper Florida Keys Reef Tract: 1935–2002 and 2002–2016

Coral reefs provide immense ecosystem and economic value, supporting biodiversity, fisheries, tourism, and coastal protection worth billions annually. However, widespread degradation from thermal stress, storms, disease, and human impacts has caused significant coral cover and reef structure loss, increasing coastal vulnerability and economic risks. While coral loss is well-documented...
Authors
Selena Anne-Marie Johnson, David G. Zawada, Kimberly Yates, Connor Monroe Jenkins
By
St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center

Coral reef protection may help avert risks to people, property, and economic activity caused by projected reef degradation Coral reef protection may help avert risks to people, property, and economic activity caused by projected reef degradation

Degradation of coral reefs over the past several decades has caused regional-scale erosion of the shallow seafloor that serves as a protective barrier against coastal hazards along southeast Florida, USA. How future change in coral reefs may affect coastal flooding, however, has been less attended than other factors contributing to increasing risks such as sea-level rise and more intense...
Authors
Curt D. Storlazzi, Borja Reguero, Kimberly Yates, Kristen Alkins, James B. Shope, Camila Gaido-Lasserre, Theresa Fregoso, Michael W. Beck
By
Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center

Impact of Hurricane Irma on coral reef sediment redistribution at Looe Key Reef, Florida, USA Impact of Hurricane Irma on coral reef sediment redistribution at Looe Key Reef, Florida, USA

Understanding event-driven sediment transport in coral reef environments is essential to assessing impacts on reef species, habitats, restoration, and mitigation, yet a global knowledge gap remains due to limited quantitative studies. Hurricane Irma made landfall in the Lower Florida Keys with sustained 209 km h−1 winds and waves greater than 8 m on 10 September 2017, directly impacting...
Authors
Kimberly Yates, Zachery Fehr, Selena Anne-Marie Johnson, David G. Zawada
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Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, Hurricane Irma

Nutrient and carbonate chemistry patterns associated with Karenia brevis blooms in three West Florida Shelf estuaries 2020-2023 Nutrient and carbonate chemistry patterns associated with Karenia brevis blooms in three West Florida Shelf estuaries 2020-2023

Ocean acidification (OA) driven by eutrophication, riverine discharge, and other threats from local population growth that affect the inorganic carbonate system is already affecting the eastern Gulf of Mexico. Long-term declines in pH of ~ -0.001 pH units yr-1 have been observed in many southwest Florida estuaries over the past few decades. Coastal and estuarine waters of southwest...
Authors
Emily R. Hall, Kimberly Yates, Katherine A. Hubbard, Matt Garrett, Jessica Frankle
By
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center

An assessment of HgII to preserve carbonate system parameters in organic-rich estuarine waters An assessment of HgII to preserve carbonate system parameters in organic-rich estuarine waters

This work assesses the effectiveness of sample preservation techniques for measurements of pHT (total scale), total dissolved inorganic carbon (CT), and total alkalinity (AT) in organic-rich estuarine waters as well as the internal consistency of measurements and calculations (e.g., AT, pHT, and CT) in these waters. Using mercuric chloride (HgCl2)-treated and untreated water samples...
Authors
Christopher Moore, Robert H. Byrne, Kimberly Yates
By
Environmental Health Program, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, St. Petersburg Carbon Analytical Laboratory

Coastal acidification trends and controls in a subtropical estuary, Tampa Bay, Florida USA Coastal acidification trends and controls in a subtropical estuary, Tampa Bay, Florida USA

Many coastal estuaries have experienced declines in pH over the past few decades due to coastal acidification. However, mean monthly water column pH values (collected during daylight hours) have increased in Tampa Bay, Florida over recent decades concurrent with seagrass recovery. We measured changes in carbonate system and water quality variables in Tampa Bay and the near-coastal Gulf...
Authors
Kimberly K. Yates, Christopher Moore, Mitchell K Lemon, Ryan P. Moyer, David A. Tomasko, R. Masserini, Edward T. Sherwood
By
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center

Increasing hypoxia on global coral reefs under ocean warming Increasing hypoxia on global coral reefs under ocean warming

Ocean deoxygenation is predicted to threaten marine ecosystems globally. However, current and future oxygen concentrations and the occurrence of hypoxic events on coral reefs remain underexplored. Here, using autonomous sensor data to explore oxygen variability and hypoxia exposure at 32 representative reef sites, we reveal that hypoxia is already pervasive on many reefs. Eighty-four...
Authors
Ariel K. Pezner, Travis A. Courtney, Hannah Barkley, Wen-Chen Chou, Hui-Chuan Chu, Samanth M. Clements, Tyler Cyronak, Michael D. DeGrandpre, Samuel A.H. Kekuewa, David I Kline, Yi-Bei Liang, Todd R. Martz, Satoshi Mitarai, Heather N. Page, Max S. Rintoul, Jennifer E. Smith, Keryea Soong, Yuichiro Takeshita, Martin Tresguerres, Yi Wei, Kimberly K. Yates, Andreas J Andersson
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Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center

Ocean acidification in the Gulf of Mexico: Drivers, impacts, and unknowns Ocean acidification in the Gulf of Mexico: Drivers, impacts, and unknowns

Ocean acidification (OA) has resulted in global-scale changes in ocean chemistry, which can disturb marine organisms and ecosystems. Despite its extensively populated coastline, many marine-dependent communities, and valuable economies, the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) remains a relatively understudied region with respect to acidification. In general, the warm waters of the GOM are better...
Authors
Emily Osborne, Xinping Hu, E. R. Hall, Kimberly K. Yates, Jennifer Vreeland-Dawson, Katie Shamberger, Leticia Barbero, J. Martin Hernandez-Ayon, Fabian Gomez, Tacey Hicks, Yuan-Yuan Xu, Melissa R. McCutcheon, Michael Acquafredda, Cecilia Chapa-Balcorta, Orion Norzagaray, Denis Pierrot, Alain Munoz-Caravaca, Kerri L. Dobson, N. Williams, N. N. Rabalais, Padmanava Dash
By
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, Gulf of America

Subsampling large-scale digital elevation models to expedite geospatial analyses in coastal regions Subsampling large-scale digital elevation models to expedite geospatial analyses in coastal regions

Large-area, high-resolution digital elevation models (DEMs) created from light detection and ranging (LIDAR) and/or multibeam echosounder data sets are commonly used in many scientific disciplines. These DEMs can span thousands of square kilometers, typically with a spatial resolution of 1 m or finer, and can be difficult to process and analyze without specialized computers and software...
Authors
Kelly Ann Murphy, David G. Zawada, Kimberly K. Yates
By
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center

Biology: Integrating core to essential variables (Bio-ICE) task team report for hard corals Biology: Integrating core to essential variables (Bio-ICE) task team report for hard corals

The Interagency Ocean Observation Committee (IOOC) is chartered by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) Subcommittee on Ocean Science and Technology (SOST). The purpose of the IOOC is to advise, assist, and make recommendations to the SOST on matters related to ocean observations via task teams such as the Biology - Integrating Core to Essential Variables (Bio...
Authors
E. K. Towle, Abigail Benson, Matt Biddle, Sarah Bingo, Kaitlyn Brucker, Gabrielle Canonico, Maggie Chory, Kruit Desai, Masha Edmondson, Miguel Figuerola, Christina Horstmann, Susan K Jackson, Jen Koss, J. Landrum, Kathryn Lohr, Laura Lorenzoni, Anderson Mayfield, Brian Melzin, Frank Muller-Karger, Sarah O’Conner, Deb Santavy, Curt D. Storlazzi, Anna Toline, Juan Torres-Perez, Kimberly K. Yates
By
Science Synthesis, Analysis, and Research Program, Science Analytics and Synthesis (SAS), Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center

Rigorously valuing the impact of projected coral reef degradation on coastal hazard risk in Florida Rigorously valuing the impact of projected coral reef degradation on coastal hazard risk in Florida

The degradation of coastal habitats, particularly coral reefs, raises risks by increasing the exposure of coastal communities to flooding hazards. In the United States, the physical protective services provided by coral reefs were recently assessed, in social and economic terms, with the annual protection provided by U.S. coral reefs off the coast of the State of Florida estimated to be...
Authors
Curt D. Storlazzi, Borja G. Reguero, Kimberly K. Yates, Kristen A. Cumming, Aaron Cole, James B. Shope, Camila Gaido L., David G. Zawada, Stephanie R. Arsenault, Zachery W. Fehr, Barry A. Nickel, Michael W. Beck
By
Natural Hazards Mission Area, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, Hurricanes

Integrating high-resolution coastal acidification monitoring data across seven United States estuaries Integrating high-resolution coastal acidification monitoring data across seven United States estuaries

Beginning in 2015, the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) National Estuary Program (NEP) started a collaboration with partners in seven estuaries along the East Coast (Barnegat Bay; Casco Bay), West Coast (Santa Monica Bay; San Francisco Bay; Tillamook Bay), and the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) Coast (Tampa Bay; Mission-Aransas Estuary) of the United States to expand the use...
Authors
Nicholas A Rosenau, Holly Galavotti, Kimberly K. Yates, Curtis Bohlen, Christopher W. Hunt, Matthew Liebman, A Cheryl Brown, Stephen R. Pacella, John L. Largier, Karina Nielsen, Xinping Hu, Melissa McCutcheon, James Vasslides, Matthew Poach, Tom Ford, Karina Johnston, Alex Steele
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Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, Gulf of America

*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

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