Sara Ernst
My passion lies in bridging the communication gap between scientists, stakeholders, decision makers, and the public – ensuring these entities have the information they need to make informed decisions, develop solutions to environmental issues, and become better environmental stewards.
Science and Products
Coastal Change Hazards
Natural processes such as waves, tides, and weather, continually change coastal landscapes. The integrity of coastal homes, businesses, and infrastructure can be threatened by hazards associated with event-driven changes, such as extreme storms and their impacts on beach and dune erosion, or longer-term, cumulative...
Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center—2019 annual report
The 2019 annual report of the U.S. Geological Survey Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center highlights accomplishments of 2019, includes a list of 2019 publications, and summarizes the work of the center, as well as the work of each of its science groups. This product allows readers to gain a general understanding of the focus areas of the...
Ernst, Sara
Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center—2018 annual report
The 2018 annual report of the U.S. Geological Survey Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center summarizes the work of the center, as well as the work of each of its science groups, highlights accomplishments of 2018, and includes a list of publications published in 2018. This product allows readers to gain a general understanding of the focus...
Ernst, Sara
Coastal and marine science of the U.S. Geological Survey in Woods Hole, Massachusetts
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center in Woods Hole, Massachusetts, is one of three centers serving the mission of the USGS Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program (CMHRP). Since its authorization by Congress in 1962, the CMHRP has served as the primary Federal program for marine geology and...
Ernst, Sara
Woods Hole Annual Report Wins 1st Place NAGC Blue Pencil Award
Each year, the National Association of Government Communicators (NAGC) holds the Blue Pencil & Gold Screen Awards Competition, an international awards program that recognizes superior government communication products and those who produce them. It is open to federal, tribal, military, state, regional, county, municipal, and all other government entities.
Hurricane Sandy Aftermath: Determining the Vulnerability and Resilience of the New Jersey Barrier Island System
Hurricane Sandy, one of the most destructive hurricanes in U.S. history, significantly affected the mid Atlantic coast in 2012. In New Jersey, where Sandy made landfall, much of the coast consists of barrier islands - narrow stretches of sand deposited parallel to the mainland coast – that were deeply eroded, overwashed and in places breached by the storm.
USGS Releases Nationwide Marsh Vulnerability Maps
Scientists developed high-resolution imagery of coastal wetlands to identify the most vulnerable marshes across the US
Hurricane Preparedness Week
The 2021 National Hurricane Preparedness Week is May 9th to May 15th, a week dedicated to sharing knowledge about hurricane hazards that can be used to prepare and take action!
Assessing Salt Marsh Vulnerability Nationwide
Salt marshes are among the most productive and valuable ecosystems in the world. The vegetation in these coastal systems acts as a buffer between land and sea. This natural buffer helps reduce flooding, erosion, and subsequent damage to property and infrastructure by slowing down the flow of water and dissipating waves during storms.
Why the Ocean?
USGS scientists share brief thoughts about why they have focused their careers on studying our oceans and coasts. Here’s why they study the ocean:
Navigating Virtual 2020 Summer Internships During Pandemic
Thanks to the creativity and dedication of various internship programs and Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center mentors, students across the country were still able to gain valuable skills and experience crucial to the advancement of their education and journey to becoming a scientist.
Students with Disabilities Help USGS Rescue At-Risk Data Through the STEP-UP Program
Through STEP-UP (the Secondary Transition to Employment Program – USGS Partnership), the USGS collaborates with school districts and other educational institutions across the nation to provide training experiences to students with cognitive and other disabilities.
USGS provides Rapid Post-Hurricane Isaias Coastal Change Data to Assist National Park Service partners
Quantifying coastal change caused by hurricanes is essential in helping communities better plan for such coastal hazards.
Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center- 2019 Annual Report
The 2019 annual report of the U.S. Geological Survey Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center highlights accomplishments of 2019, includes a list of 2019 publications, and summarizes the work of the center, as well as the work of each of its science groups. This product allows readers to gain a general understanding of the focus areas of the center’s scientific research.
Coastal Change Hazards addresses the needs of our Nation’s coastlines
The USGS formally announces the establishment of a program focus on Coastal Change Hazards to coordinate research and tools needed to respond to challenges related to risks and hazards along our Nation's coastlines.
Our Nation’s Coasts – Take a Tour
The USGS is excited to present a series of Coastal Change Hazards geonarratives that will take you on a journey to learn more about coastal change and the related research we conduct across our Nation’s coasts.