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Monica Palaseanu-Lovejoy, PhD

Monica Palaseanu-Lovejoy is a Research Geographer at GMEG Science Center. Since joining the USGS in 2006, Monica has devoted her career to studying coastal environments and more. Presently her research focuses on erosion and landslides in coastal cliffs and bluffs, structure from motion using satellite imagery, and satellite derived bathymetry.

Monica has a BS and MS in Geology and Geophysics from the University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania, a MS in Environmental
Science and Policy from the University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, and a PhD in Geography from the University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom. Monica has devoted her career to studying coastal environments and specializes in spatial statistics and exploratory data analysis, GIS technologies, remote sensing, primarily lidar, satellite imagery and structure-from-motion, and geospatial data.

Monica has investigated and analyzed impacts of extreme storm events in the Gulf of Mexico, focusing on land loss, vulnerability and sea-level rise, as well as sea cliffs / bluff erosion and episodic land-slides in California and northern slope of Alaska. Currently she is a task lead for the USGS Coastal National Elevation Database (CoNED) Applications Project.

Her research focus is environmental modelling, with a specialization in exploratory spatial data analysis, spatial statistics and modelling, Monte Carlo simulation and Bayesian modelling, pattern and cluster analysis as well as GIS, and remote sensing, including lidar and structure-from-motion. One of her strengths is population distribution analysis and linking patterns and trends to probable factors influencing or generating the data.

CURRENT RESEARCH FOCUS

  • Coastal geomorphology, erosion, sea-level rise, land loss, impact of extreme storm events
  • Structure-from-motion photogrammetry as alternative for mapping topography in remote areas, and rapid response to extreme events
  • Vegetation analysis and metrics extraction using discrete and wave-form lidar point clouds
  • Societal costs of sea level rise inundation

Professional Experience

  • 2018-present: Research Geographer, Geology, Mineralogy, Energy, Geophysics (GMEG) Science Center, U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, VA.

  • 2012-2018: Research Geographer, Eastern Geographic Science Center, U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, VA.

  • 2006-2012: Contractor; Physical Scientist, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, U.S. Geological Survey, St. Petersburg, FL

  • 2005-2006: Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Florida, Research and Education Center, IFAS, Ft. Lauderdale, FL

  • 2003-2005: Environmental Scientist, Greater Manchester Geological Unit, Manchester, United Kingdom

  • 1997-1998: Director Assistant, United Nations Development Program, National Centre for Sustainable Development, Bucharest, Romania

  • 1992-1997: Curator and Research Assistant, Bucharest University, Faculty of Geology and Geophysics, Bucharest, Romania

  • 1990-1992: Engineer Geologist, S.C. Prospectiuni S.A., Hydrocarbons Geological Survey, Bucharest, Romania

Education and Certifications

  • Ph.D. 2005, Geography, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom

  • MSc. 2001, Environmental Science and Policy, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL

  • J. William Fulbright Scholar (1999 -2000), University of South Florida, Tampa, FL

  • BS. and MSc., 1990, Geology and Geophysics, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania

Science and Products

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Great Lakes Geologic Mapping Task 3

Task 3-Coastal Transect Mapping and Landform Change

The area encompassed by Task 3 includes various coastal regions of the Great Lakes, with initial focus on several sites with coastal erosion hazards along the east margin of Lake Michigan. The objectives of Task 3 are listed as follows: 1) Improve automatic procedures of extracting cliff tops and toes; 2) Conduct sensitivity assessment of the automatic procedure of extracting cliff tops and toes...
By
Florence Bascom Geoscience Center
link

Task 3-Coastal Transect Mapping and Landform Change

The area encompassed by Task 3 includes various coastal regions of the Great Lakes, with initial focus on several sites with coastal erosion hazards along the east margin of Lake Michigan. The objectives of Task 3 are listed as follows: 1) Improve automatic procedures of extracting cliff tops and toes; 2) Conduct sensitivity assessment of the automatic procedure of extracting cliff tops and toes...
Learn More
link
Structure From Motion.Majuro, Republic of Marshall Islands

Structure From Motion

Coastal topographic and bathymetric (topobathymetric) data with high spatial resolution (1-meter or better) and high vertical accuracy are needed to assess the vulnerability of Pacific Islands to climate change impacts, including sea-level rise. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reports, low-lying atolls in the Pacific Ocean are extremely vulnerable to king tide events...
By
Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center , Coastal National Elevation Database (CoNED) Applications Project
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Structure From Motion

Coastal topographic and bathymetric (topobathymetric) data with high spatial resolution (1-meter or better) and high vertical accuracy are needed to assess the vulnerability of Pacific Islands to climate change impacts, including sea-level rise. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reports, low-lying atolls in the Pacific Ocean are extremely vulnerable to king tide events...
Learn More
link
Coastal Changes and Impacts CoNED Levee Crest

Levee Crest Elevation Profiles

This study explores the feasibility of using high-resolution digital elevation models (DEMs) constructed from airborne light detection and ranging (lidar) surveys to develop an automated procedure to extract levee longitudinal elevation profiles for both federal levees in Atchafalaya Basin and local levees in Lafourche Parish, south Louisiana. This approach can successfully accommodate abrupt...
By
Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center , Coastal National Elevation Database (CoNED) Applications Project
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Levee Crest Elevation Profiles

This study explores the feasibility of using high-resolution digital elevation models (DEMs) constructed from airborne light detection and ranging (lidar) surveys to develop an automated procedure to extract levee longitudinal elevation profiles for both federal levees in Atchafalaya Basin and local levees in Lafourche Parish, south Louisiana. This approach can successfully accommodate abrupt...
Learn More
link
Cliff Metric Development and Analysis

Cliff Metric Development and Analysis

Seacliff erosion is a serious hazard with implications for coastal management, infrastructure, and residential dwellings; seacliff erosion is often estimated using successive hand digitized cliff tops or bases to assess cliff retreat. Traditionally the recession of the cliff top or cliff base is obtained from aerial photographs, topographic maps, or in situ surveys. The availability of high...
By
Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center , Coastal National Elevation Database (CoNED) Applications Project
link

Cliff Metric Development and Analysis

Seacliff erosion is a serious hazard with implications for coastal management, infrastructure, and residential dwellings; seacliff erosion is often estimated using successive hand digitized cliff tops or bases to assess cliff retreat. Traditionally the recession of the cliff top or cliff base is obtained from aerial photographs, topographic maps, or in situ surveys. The availability of high...
Learn More
link
USGS science for a changing world logo

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

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

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

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

Collecting Elevation Data to Understand Climate Change Effects in the Marshall Islands

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reports that low-lying atolls (ring-shaped islands or island chains made of coral) in the Pacific Ocean are extremely vulnerable to high tide events (“king tides”), storm surge, tsunamis, and sea-level rise. The Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) spreads over 29 atolls and has a population of over 50,000 people with homes and communities that may b
By
Climate Adaptation Science Centers
link

Collecting Elevation Data to Understand Climate Change Effects in the Marshall Islands

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reports that low-lying atolls (ring-shaped islands or island chains made of coral) in the Pacific Ocean are extremely vulnerable to high tide events (“king tides”), storm surge, tsunamis, and sea-level rise. The Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) spreads over 29 atolls and has a population of over 50,000 people with homes and communities that may b
Learn More

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

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

Digital photographs using a remotely piloted unoccupied aerial system and derived point clouds for bluffs in Ludington, MI, July 11, 2019, and July 14, 2021

Images were collected using a remotely piloted unoccupied aerial system (UAS) over the bluffs of the eastern shore of Lake Michigan in Ludington rural area, Mason County, MI. Images were collected in two separate surveys conducted on July 11, 2019, and July 14, 2021, using a DJI Phantom 3 and 4 PRO commercial UAS respectively operated by the University of Toledo. The images cover an extent between
By
Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center

Digital photographs using a remotely piloted unoccupied aerial system and derived point clouds for bluffs in St. Joseph, MI, July 8, 2019 and July 13, 2021

Images were collected using a remotely piloted unoccupied aerial system (UAS) over the bluffs of the eastern shore of Lake Michigan in St. Joseph rural residential area, Berrien County, MI. Images were collected in two separate surveys conducted on July 8, 2019, and July 13, 2021, using a DJI Phantom 3 and 4 PRO commercial UAS respectively operated by the University of Toledo. The images cover an
By
Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center

Structure-from-Motion photos and derived point clouds from bluffs in Miami Park, MI, July 19, 2021

Images were collected using a remotely piloted unoccupied aerial system over the bluffs of the eastern shore of Lake Michigan in Miami Park rural residential area, Allegan County, MI. Images were collected on July 19, 2021, by Richard Becker, University of Toledo, and cover an extent between south of Lakestone Dr. to the north, and south of A St. to the south. Images were collected to monitor acti
By
Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center

Chesapeake Bay Region Virginia River Bluff and Wetland Extent Mapping

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

Structure-from-Motion photos and derived point clouds from bluffs, Miami Park, MI, 2019

Images were collected using an unmanned aerial system over the bluffs of eastern shore of Lake Michigan in Miami Park rural residential area, Allegan County, MI. Images were collected in four separate instances on July 9, August 10, September 1, and October 18, 2019 and cover similar extent. Images were collected to monitor active bluff erosion in the area. The images are presented here in zipped
By
Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center

Digital Surface Model of Mt. Etna, Italy, derived from 2015 Pleiades Satellite Imagery

A high-resolution, high vertical accuracy Digital Surface Model (DSM) of Mt. Etna was derived from Pleiades satellite data using the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Ames Stereo Pipeline (ASP) tool set (https://ti.arc.nasa.gov/tech/asr/groups/intelligent-robotics/ngt/stereo/). The NASA Ames Stereo Pipeline (ASP) is a suite of free and open source automated geodesy and stereogra
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Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center

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

The Majuro Atoll inundation grids are useful for characterizing and quantifying inundation exposure and related vulnerability of the atoll's low-relief lands and their population, buildings, infrastructure, and natural resources. The grids represent various scenarios of inundation and different approaches to mapping the inundation levels. The inundation scenarios include static inundation (without
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Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center

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

Located in the western Pacific Ocean, Majuro is a large coral atoll consisting of a large, central narrow land mass and remote islands that are part of the Republic of the Marshall Islands. The waters surrounding the Majuro Atoll land areas are relatively shallow with poorly mapped bathymetry. However, the Pacific Ocean on the exterior of the coral atoll and the lagoon within its interior consist
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Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center , Coastal National Elevation Database (CoNED) Applications Project

Land area change analysis following hurricane impacts in Delacroix, Louisiana, 2004--2009

The purpose of this project is to provide improved estimates of Louisiana wetland land loss due to hurricane impacts between 2004 and 2009 based upon a change detection mapping analysis that incorporates pre- and post-landfall (Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Gustav, and Ike) fractional water classification of a combination of high resolution (QuickBird, IKONOS and Geoeye-1) and medium resolution (Lands
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Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, Hurricanes

Land area change and fractional water maps in the Chenier Plain, Louisiana, following Hurricane Rita (2005)

In this study, we estimated the changes in land and water coverage of a 1,961-square-kilometer (km2) area in Louisiana's Chenier Plain. The study area is roughly centered on the Sabine National Wildlife Refuge, which was impacted by Hurricane Rita on September 24, 2005. The objective of this study is twofold: (1) to provide pre- and post-Hurricane Rita moderate-resolution (30-meter (m)) fractional
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Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, Hurricanes
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Filter Total Items: 25

SaTSeaD: Satellite Triangulated Sea Depth open-source bathymetry module for NASA Ames Stereo Pipeline

We developed the first-ever bathymetric module for the NASA Ames Stereo Pipeline (ASP) open-source topographic software called Satellite Triangulated Sea Depth, or SaTSeaD, to derive nearshore bathymetry from stereo imagery. Correct bathymetry measurements depend on water surface elevation, and whereas previous methods considered the water surface horizontal, our bathymetric module accounts for th
Authors
Monica Palaseanu-Lovejoy, Oleg Alexandrov, Jeffrey J. Danielson, Curt Storlazzi
By
Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center , Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center

The 2022 Hunga-Tonga megatsunami: Near-field simulation of a once-in-a-century event

The Hunga Tonga–Hunga Ha’apai (HTHH) volcanic eruption in January 2022 generated catastrophic tsunami and contends for the largest natural explosion in more than a century. The main island, Tongatapu, suffered waves up to 17 m, and Tofua Island suffered waves up to 45 m, comfortably placing HTHH in the “megatsunami” league. We present a tsunami simulation of the Tongan Archipelago calibrated by fi
Authors
Sam Purkis, Steven N Ward, Nathan M. Fitzpatrick, James B. Garvin, Dan Slayback, Shane J. Cronin, Monica Palaseanu-Lovejoy, Alexandra Dempsey
By
Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center

iBluff: An open-source R package for geomorphic analysis of coastal bluffs/cliffs

The R package iBluff is designed for coastal bluffs/bluffs morphological analysis and offers an automatic and reproducible alternative to identify bluff edges using a bare earth digital elevation model (DEM) instead of hand digitizing. This package extracts elevation profiles along automatically identified transects on the bluff-face, bluff top, toe, secondary inflections, relative concavity/conve
Authors
Monica Palaseanu-Lovejoy
By
Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center

Remote sensing application for landslide detection, monitoring along eastern Lake Michigan (Miami Park, MI)

We assessed the nature and spatial and temporal patterns of deformation over the Miami Park bluffs on the eastern margin of Lake Michigan and investigated the factors controlling its observed deformation. Our approach involved the following steps: (1) extracting bluff deformation rates (velocities along the line of sight of the satellite) using a stack of Sentinel-1A radar imagery in ascending acq
Authors
Guzalay Sataer, Mohamed Sultan, Mustafa Kemal Emil, John A. Yellich, Monica Palaseanu-Lovejoy, Richard Becker, Esayas Gebremichael, Karem Abdelmohsen
By
Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center

Ten years of volcanic activity at Mt Etna: High-resolution mapping and accurate quantification of the morphological changes by Pleiades and Lidar data

The topography of Mt. Etna, Italy, is subjected to continuous modifications depending on intensity and magnitude of eruptions that frequently occur at the volcano summit and flanks. In order to make high-resolution maps of morphological changes and accurately calculate the overall volume of the erupted products (e.g., lava flows, tephra fall out, scoriae cones) in ten years, we have compared the a
Authors
Marina Bisson, Claudia Spinetti, Daniele Andronico, Monica Palaseanu-Lovejoy, Maria Fabrizia Buongiorno, Oleg Alexandrov, Thomas Cecere
By
Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center

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

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

High-resolution and accurate topography reconstruction of Mount Etna from Pleiades satellite data

The areas characterized by dynamic and rapid morphological changes need accurate topography information with frequent updates, especially if these are populated and involve infrastructures. This is particularly true in active volcanic areas such as Mount (Mt.) Etna, located in the northeastern portion of Sicily, Italy. The Mt. Etna volcano is periodically characterized by explosive and effusive er
Authors
Monica Palaseanu-Lovejoy, Marina Bisson, Claudia Spinetti, Maria Fabrizia Buongiorno, Oleg Alexandrov, Thomas Cecere
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Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center

The Appalachian Geo-STEM Camp: Learning about geology through experiential adventure recreation

The inaugural Appalachian Geo-STEM Camp (AGC) was a partnership between West Virginia University (WVU), the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the West Virginia Geological and Economic Survey (WVGES). Designed to engage high school students in geoscience-oriented Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) activities through adventure-based outdoor recreation, the inaugural AGC took pl
Authors
Robert Burns, Mark W. Carter, John Brock, Jonas Leveque, Emily Bunse, Monica Palaseanu-Lovejoy, Gerald F. Guala, Nathan Harlan, Mitchel Blake, Jasmine Moreira, Jim Britton, Kenny Ashton, Barnes Nugent, Michael Marketti
By
Natural Hazards Mission Area, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center, Florence Bascom Geoscience Center

Coastal National Elevation Database

The Coastal National Elevation Database (CoNED) Applications Project develops enhanced topographic (land elevation) and bathymetric (water depth) datasets that serve as valuable resources for coastal hazards research (Danielson and others, 2016; Thatcher and others, 2016). These datasets are used widely for mapping inundation zones from riverine flood events, hurricanes, and sea-level rise and for
Authors
Jeffrey J. Danielson, Sandra K. Poppenga, Dean J. Tyler, Monica Palaseanu-Lovejoy, Dean B. Gesch
By
Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center , Coastal National Elevation Database (CoNED) Applications Project

Evaluating the potential for near-shore bathymetry on the Majuro Atoll, Republic of the Marshall Islands, using Landsat 8 and WorldView-3 imagery

Satellite-derived near-shore bathymetry (SDB) is becoming an increasingly important method for assessing vulnerability to climate change and natural hazards in low-lying atolls of the northern tropical Pacific Ocean. Satellite imagery has become a cost-effective means for mapping near-shore bathymetry because ships cannot collect soundings safely while operating close to the shore. Also, green las
Authors
Sandra K. Poppenga, Monica Palaseanu-Lovejoy, Dean B. Gesch, Jeffrey J. Danielson, Dean J. Tyler
By
Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center , Coastal National Elevation Database (CoNED) Applications Project

One-meter topobathymetric digital elevation model for Majuro Atoll, Republic of the Marshall Islands, 1944 to 2016

Atoll and island coastal communities are highly exposed to sea-level rise, tsunamis, storm surges, rogue waves, king tides, and the occasional combination of multiple factors, such as high regional sea levels, extreme high local tides, and unusually strong wave set-up. The elevation of most of these atolls averages just under 3 meters (m), with many areas roughly at sea level. The lack of high-res
Authors
Monica Palaseanu-Lovejoy, Sandra K. Poppenga, Jeffrey J. Danielson, Dean J. Tyler, Dean B. Gesch, Maria Kottermair, Andrea Jalandoni, Edward Carlson, Cindy A. Thatcher, Matthew M. Barbee
By
Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center , Coastal National Elevation Database (CoNED) Applications Project

Creating a Coastal National Elevation Database (CoNED) for science and conservation applications

The U.S. Geological Survey is creating the Coastal National Elevation Database, an expanding set of topobathymetric elevation models that extend seamlessly across coastal regions of high societal or ecological significance in the United States that are undergoing rapid change or are threatened by inundation hazards. Topobathymetric elevation models are raster datasets useful for inundation predict
Authors
Cindy A. Thatcher, John Brock, Jeffrey J. Danielson, Sandra K. Poppenga, Dean B. Gesch, Monica Palaseanu-Lovejoy, John Barras, Gayla A. Evans, Ann Gibbs
By
Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center , Coastal Changes and Impacts, Coastal National Elevation Database (CoNED) Applications Project

iBluff - Geomorphic Analysis of Coastal Bluffs/Cliffs

The iBluff package in the R language provides an environment to conduct morphological analysis of coastal bluffs / cliffs and offers an automatic and reproducible alternative of identifying top and toe instead of hand digitizing. This package extracts elevation profiles along automatically identified pseudo-perpendicular transects on the bluff face, bluff/cliff top, toe, secondary inflections, rel
By
Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center

Science and Products

link
Great Lakes Geologic Mapping Task 3

Task 3-Coastal Transect Mapping and Landform Change

The area encompassed by Task 3 includes various coastal regions of the Great Lakes, with initial focus on several sites with coastal erosion hazards along the east margin of Lake Michigan. The objectives of Task 3 are listed as follows: 1) Improve automatic procedures of extracting cliff tops and toes; 2) Conduct sensitivity assessment of the automatic procedure of extracting cliff tops and toes...
By
Florence Bascom Geoscience Center
link

Task 3-Coastal Transect Mapping and Landform Change

The area encompassed by Task 3 includes various coastal regions of the Great Lakes, with initial focus on several sites with coastal erosion hazards along the east margin of Lake Michigan. The objectives of Task 3 are listed as follows: 1) Improve automatic procedures of extracting cliff tops and toes; 2) Conduct sensitivity assessment of the automatic procedure of extracting cliff tops and toes...
Learn More
link
Structure From Motion.Majuro, Republic of Marshall Islands

Structure From Motion

Coastal topographic and bathymetric (topobathymetric) data with high spatial resolution (1-meter or better) and high vertical accuracy are needed to assess the vulnerability of Pacific Islands to climate change impacts, including sea-level rise. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reports, low-lying atolls in the Pacific Ocean are extremely vulnerable to king tide events...
By
Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center , Coastal National Elevation Database (CoNED) Applications Project
link

Structure From Motion

Coastal topographic and bathymetric (topobathymetric) data with high spatial resolution (1-meter or better) and high vertical accuracy are needed to assess the vulnerability of Pacific Islands to climate change impacts, including sea-level rise. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reports, low-lying atolls in the Pacific Ocean are extremely vulnerable to king tide events...
Learn More
link
Coastal Changes and Impacts CoNED Levee Crest

Levee Crest Elevation Profiles

This study explores the feasibility of using high-resolution digital elevation models (DEMs) constructed from airborne light detection and ranging (lidar) surveys to develop an automated procedure to extract levee longitudinal elevation profiles for both federal levees in Atchafalaya Basin and local levees in Lafourche Parish, south Louisiana. This approach can successfully accommodate abrupt...
By
Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center , Coastal National Elevation Database (CoNED) Applications Project
link

Levee Crest Elevation Profiles

This study explores the feasibility of using high-resolution digital elevation models (DEMs) constructed from airborne light detection and ranging (lidar) surveys to develop an automated procedure to extract levee longitudinal elevation profiles for both federal levees in Atchafalaya Basin and local levees in Lafourche Parish, south Louisiana. This approach can successfully accommodate abrupt...
Learn More
link
Cliff Metric Development and Analysis

Cliff Metric Development and Analysis

Seacliff erosion is a serious hazard with implications for coastal management, infrastructure, and residential dwellings; seacliff erosion is often estimated using successive hand digitized cliff tops or bases to assess cliff retreat. Traditionally the recession of the cliff top or cliff base is obtained from aerial photographs, topographic maps, or in situ surveys. The availability of high...
By
Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center , Coastal National Elevation Database (CoNED) Applications Project
link

Cliff Metric Development and Analysis

Seacliff erosion is a serious hazard with implications for coastal management, infrastructure, and residential dwellings; seacliff erosion is often estimated using successive hand digitized cliff tops or bases to assess cliff retreat. Traditionally the recession of the cliff top or cliff base is obtained from aerial photographs, topographic maps, or in situ surveys. The availability of high...
Learn More
link
USGS science for a changing world logo

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

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

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

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

Collecting Elevation Data to Understand Climate Change Effects in the Marshall Islands

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reports that low-lying atolls (ring-shaped islands or island chains made of coral) in the Pacific Ocean are extremely vulnerable to high tide events (“king tides”), storm surge, tsunamis, and sea-level rise. The Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) spreads over 29 atolls and has a population of over 50,000 people with homes and communities that may b
By
Climate Adaptation Science Centers
link

Collecting Elevation Data to Understand Climate Change Effects in the Marshall Islands

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reports that low-lying atolls (ring-shaped islands or island chains made of coral) in the Pacific Ocean are extremely vulnerable to high tide events (“king tides”), storm surge, tsunamis, and sea-level rise. The Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) spreads over 29 atolls and has a population of over 50,000 people with homes and communities that may b
Learn More

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

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

Digital photographs using a remotely piloted unoccupied aerial system and derived point clouds for bluffs in Ludington, MI, July 11, 2019, and July 14, 2021

Images were collected using a remotely piloted unoccupied aerial system (UAS) over the bluffs of the eastern shore of Lake Michigan in Ludington rural area, Mason County, MI. Images were collected in two separate surveys conducted on July 11, 2019, and July 14, 2021, using a DJI Phantom 3 and 4 PRO commercial UAS respectively operated by the University of Toledo. The images cover an extent between
By
Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center

Digital photographs using a remotely piloted unoccupied aerial system and derived point clouds for bluffs in St. Joseph, MI, July 8, 2019 and July 13, 2021

Images were collected using a remotely piloted unoccupied aerial system (UAS) over the bluffs of the eastern shore of Lake Michigan in St. Joseph rural residential area, Berrien County, MI. Images were collected in two separate surveys conducted on July 8, 2019, and July 13, 2021, using a DJI Phantom 3 and 4 PRO commercial UAS respectively operated by the University of Toledo. The images cover an
By
Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center

Structure-from-Motion photos and derived point clouds from bluffs in Miami Park, MI, July 19, 2021

Images were collected using a remotely piloted unoccupied aerial system over the bluffs of the eastern shore of Lake Michigan in Miami Park rural residential area, Allegan County, MI. Images were collected on July 19, 2021, by Richard Becker, University of Toledo, and cover an extent between south of Lakestone Dr. to the north, and south of A St. to the south. Images were collected to monitor acti
By
Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center

Chesapeake Bay Region Virginia River Bluff and Wetland Extent Mapping

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

Structure-from-Motion photos and derived point clouds from bluffs, Miami Park, MI, 2019

Images were collected using an unmanned aerial system over the bluffs of eastern shore of Lake Michigan in Miami Park rural residential area, Allegan County, MI. Images were collected in four separate instances on July 9, August 10, September 1, and October 18, 2019 and cover similar extent. Images were collected to monitor active bluff erosion in the area. The images are presented here in zipped
By
Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center

Digital Surface Model of Mt. Etna, Italy, derived from 2015 Pleiades Satellite Imagery

A high-resolution, high vertical accuracy Digital Surface Model (DSM) of Mt. Etna was derived from Pleiades satellite data using the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Ames Stereo Pipeline (ASP) tool set (https://ti.arc.nasa.gov/tech/asr/groups/intelligent-robotics/ngt/stereo/). The NASA Ames Stereo Pipeline (ASP) is a suite of free and open source automated geodesy and stereogra
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Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center

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

The Majuro Atoll inundation grids are useful for characterizing and quantifying inundation exposure and related vulnerability of the atoll's low-relief lands and their population, buildings, infrastructure, and natural resources. The grids represent various scenarios of inundation and different approaches to mapping the inundation levels. The inundation scenarios include static inundation (without
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Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center

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

Located in the western Pacific Ocean, Majuro is a large coral atoll consisting of a large, central narrow land mass and remote islands that are part of the Republic of the Marshall Islands. The waters surrounding the Majuro Atoll land areas are relatively shallow with poorly mapped bathymetry. However, the Pacific Ocean on the exterior of the coral atoll and the lagoon within its interior consist
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Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center , Coastal National Elevation Database (CoNED) Applications Project

Land area change analysis following hurricane impacts in Delacroix, Louisiana, 2004--2009

The purpose of this project is to provide improved estimates of Louisiana wetland land loss due to hurricane impacts between 2004 and 2009 based upon a change detection mapping analysis that incorporates pre- and post-landfall (Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Gustav, and Ike) fractional water classification of a combination of high resolution (QuickBird, IKONOS and Geoeye-1) and medium resolution (Lands
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Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, Hurricanes

Land area change and fractional water maps in the Chenier Plain, Louisiana, following Hurricane Rita (2005)

In this study, we estimated the changes in land and water coverage of a 1,961-square-kilometer (km2) area in Louisiana's Chenier Plain. The study area is roughly centered on the Sabine National Wildlife Refuge, which was impacted by Hurricane Rita on September 24, 2005. The objective of this study is twofold: (1) to provide pre- and post-Hurricane Rita moderate-resolution (30-meter (m)) fractional
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Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, Hurricanes
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SaTSeaD: Satellite Triangulated Sea Depth open-source bathymetry module for NASA Ames Stereo Pipeline

We developed the first-ever bathymetric module for the NASA Ames Stereo Pipeline (ASP) open-source topographic software called Satellite Triangulated Sea Depth, or SaTSeaD, to derive nearshore bathymetry from stereo imagery. Correct bathymetry measurements depend on water surface elevation, and whereas previous methods considered the water surface horizontal, our bathymetric module accounts for th
Authors
Monica Palaseanu-Lovejoy, Oleg Alexandrov, Jeffrey J. Danielson, Curt Storlazzi
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Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center , Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center

The 2022 Hunga-Tonga megatsunami: Near-field simulation of a once-in-a-century event

The Hunga Tonga–Hunga Ha’apai (HTHH) volcanic eruption in January 2022 generated catastrophic tsunami and contends for the largest natural explosion in more than a century. The main island, Tongatapu, suffered waves up to 17 m, and Tofua Island suffered waves up to 45 m, comfortably placing HTHH in the “megatsunami” league. We present a tsunami simulation of the Tongan Archipelago calibrated by fi
Authors
Sam Purkis, Steven N Ward, Nathan M. Fitzpatrick, James B. Garvin, Dan Slayback, Shane J. Cronin, Monica Palaseanu-Lovejoy, Alexandra Dempsey
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Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center

iBluff: An open-source R package for geomorphic analysis of coastal bluffs/cliffs

The R package iBluff is designed for coastal bluffs/bluffs morphological analysis and offers an automatic and reproducible alternative to identify bluff edges using a bare earth digital elevation model (DEM) instead of hand digitizing. This package extracts elevation profiles along automatically identified transects on the bluff-face, bluff top, toe, secondary inflections, relative concavity/conve
Authors
Monica Palaseanu-Lovejoy
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Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center

Remote sensing application for landslide detection, monitoring along eastern Lake Michigan (Miami Park, MI)

We assessed the nature and spatial and temporal patterns of deformation over the Miami Park bluffs on the eastern margin of Lake Michigan and investigated the factors controlling its observed deformation. Our approach involved the following steps: (1) extracting bluff deformation rates (velocities along the line of sight of the satellite) using a stack of Sentinel-1A radar imagery in ascending acq
Authors
Guzalay Sataer, Mohamed Sultan, Mustafa Kemal Emil, John A. Yellich, Monica Palaseanu-Lovejoy, Richard Becker, Esayas Gebremichael, Karem Abdelmohsen
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Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center

Ten years of volcanic activity at Mt Etna: High-resolution mapping and accurate quantification of the morphological changes by Pleiades and Lidar data

The topography of Mt. Etna, Italy, is subjected to continuous modifications depending on intensity and magnitude of eruptions that frequently occur at the volcano summit and flanks. In order to make high-resolution maps of morphological changes and accurately calculate the overall volume of the erupted products (e.g., lava flows, tephra fall out, scoriae cones) in ten years, we have compared the a
Authors
Marina Bisson, Claudia Spinetti, Daniele Andronico, Monica Palaseanu-Lovejoy, Maria Fabrizia Buongiorno, Oleg Alexandrov, Thomas Cecere
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Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center

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

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

High-resolution and accurate topography reconstruction of Mount Etna from Pleiades satellite data

The areas characterized by dynamic and rapid morphological changes need accurate topography information with frequent updates, especially if these are populated and involve infrastructures. This is particularly true in active volcanic areas such as Mount (Mt.) Etna, located in the northeastern portion of Sicily, Italy. The Mt. Etna volcano is periodically characterized by explosive and effusive er
Authors
Monica Palaseanu-Lovejoy, Marina Bisson, Claudia Spinetti, Maria Fabrizia Buongiorno, Oleg Alexandrov, Thomas Cecere
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Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center

The Appalachian Geo-STEM Camp: Learning about geology through experiential adventure recreation

The inaugural Appalachian Geo-STEM Camp (AGC) was a partnership between West Virginia University (WVU), the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the West Virginia Geological and Economic Survey (WVGES). Designed to engage high school students in geoscience-oriented Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) activities through adventure-based outdoor recreation, the inaugural AGC took pl
Authors
Robert Burns, Mark W. Carter, John Brock, Jonas Leveque, Emily Bunse, Monica Palaseanu-Lovejoy, Gerald F. Guala, Nathan Harlan, Mitchel Blake, Jasmine Moreira, Jim Britton, Kenny Ashton, Barnes Nugent, Michael Marketti
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Natural Hazards Mission Area, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center, Florence Bascom Geoscience Center

Coastal National Elevation Database

The Coastal National Elevation Database (CoNED) Applications Project develops enhanced topographic (land elevation) and bathymetric (water depth) datasets that serve as valuable resources for coastal hazards research (Danielson and others, 2016; Thatcher and others, 2016). These datasets are used widely for mapping inundation zones from riverine flood events, hurricanes, and sea-level rise and for
Authors
Jeffrey J. Danielson, Sandra K. Poppenga, Dean J. Tyler, Monica Palaseanu-Lovejoy, Dean B. Gesch
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Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center , Coastal National Elevation Database (CoNED) Applications Project

Evaluating the potential for near-shore bathymetry on the Majuro Atoll, Republic of the Marshall Islands, using Landsat 8 and WorldView-3 imagery

Satellite-derived near-shore bathymetry (SDB) is becoming an increasingly important method for assessing vulnerability to climate change and natural hazards in low-lying atolls of the northern tropical Pacific Ocean. Satellite imagery has become a cost-effective means for mapping near-shore bathymetry because ships cannot collect soundings safely while operating close to the shore. Also, green las
Authors
Sandra K. Poppenga, Monica Palaseanu-Lovejoy, Dean B. Gesch, Jeffrey J. Danielson, Dean J. Tyler
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Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center , Coastal National Elevation Database (CoNED) Applications Project

One-meter topobathymetric digital elevation model for Majuro Atoll, Republic of the Marshall Islands, 1944 to 2016

Atoll and island coastal communities are highly exposed to sea-level rise, tsunamis, storm surges, rogue waves, king tides, and the occasional combination of multiple factors, such as high regional sea levels, extreme high local tides, and unusually strong wave set-up. The elevation of most of these atolls averages just under 3 meters (m), with many areas roughly at sea level. The lack of high-res
Authors
Monica Palaseanu-Lovejoy, Sandra K. Poppenga, Jeffrey J. Danielson, Dean J. Tyler, Dean B. Gesch, Maria Kottermair, Andrea Jalandoni, Edward Carlson, Cindy A. Thatcher, Matthew M. Barbee
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Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center , Coastal National Elevation Database (CoNED) Applications Project

Creating a Coastal National Elevation Database (CoNED) for science and conservation applications

The U.S. Geological Survey is creating the Coastal National Elevation Database, an expanding set of topobathymetric elevation models that extend seamlessly across coastal regions of high societal or ecological significance in the United States that are undergoing rapid change or are threatened by inundation hazards. Topobathymetric elevation models are raster datasets useful for inundation predict
Authors
Cindy A. Thatcher, John Brock, Jeffrey J. Danielson, Sandra K. Poppenga, Dean B. Gesch, Monica Palaseanu-Lovejoy, John Barras, Gayla A. Evans, Ann Gibbs
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Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center , Coastal Changes and Impacts, Coastal National Elevation Database (CoNED) Applications Project

iBluff - Geomorphic Analysis of Coastal Bluffs/Cliffs

The iBluff package in the R language provides an environment to conduct morphological analysis of coastal bluffs / cliffs and offers an automatic and reproducible alternative of identifying top and toe instead of hand digitizing. This package extracts elevation profiles along automatically identified pseudo-perpendicular transects on the bluff face, bluff/cliff top, toe, secondary inflections, rel
By
Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center
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