Nov 2008

USGS Seminar (MR 117, from Nov 06, 2008 12:15 PM to Nov 06, 2008 02:00 PM)

The U.S. Geological Survey investigates the impacts of extreme storms with the ultimate objective of improving capabilities to predict catastrophic coastal change. For the past decade, on the U.S. Pacific, Atlantic, and Gulf of Mexico coasts, we have used airborne lidar to acquire pre- and post-storm topography to quantify changes to impacted beaches, dunes, barrier islands, and sea cliffs. With its rapidity of acquisition and very high density, lidar has revolutionized the quantification of storm-induced coastal change. These data are being used to test state-of-the-art coastal-change models so that the magnitudes and spatial variability of impacts can be understood and predicted. Most recently, the work has focused on understanding hurricane impacts along the U.S. southeast coast. During Hurricane Katrina in 2005, we determined that the Chandeleur Islands off the eastern flank of Louisiana lost 86% of their surface area. Further, over 50% of the island’s shore continued to erode rapidly for at least three years after the storm, pushing the island toward failure and ultimate disappearance. During Hurricane Ike in 2008, we determined that foredunes along the Bolivar Peninsula north of Galveston, TX were removed by wave attack, allowing storm surge to completely submerge the coast. Some communities suffered 100% loss of their buildings. Summer internship positions at USGS are available. Please come to the seminar for details.