## Breadcrumb

-  Science 
-  Science Explorer 
-  Coasts 

# Coasts 101

Coasts border all bodies of water on Earth, marking the transition from land to water. They are home to over 127 million people—more than 40% of the Nation’s population and provides $8.6 trillion in goods and services each year. USGS research and tools help our Nation manage vital, healthy, and sustainable coastal areas.

                  -              Overview           
                  -              Multimedia           
                  -              News           
                  -              FAQ           

Our Nation's coasts are places of beauty where memories are made. They provide homes and livelihoods for people and wildlife, where tourism, commerce, and communities depend on healthy and resilient resources. Our coasts provide services such as food resources, vital habitat for wildlife, critical protection from storms, and iconic landscapes to explore or unwind with surf and sky. Our coasts are valuable to all of us, whether it is your backyard, place of work, or somewhere you hope to visit one day. 

Science for Changing Coasts

## Science for Changing Coasts

Coastal Storm Modeling System (CoSMoS) 

## Coastal Storm Modeling System (CoSMoS) 

Tools: Technical Capabilities and Applications

## Tools: Technical Capabilities and Applications

Preparing for Hazards

## Preparing for Hazards

Reducing Risk

## Reducing Risk

Managing our Coasts for Wildlife

## Managing our Coasts for Wildlife

Our coasts can be sandy, rocky, lined with marshes or coral reefs, or contain other types of geologic features such as cliffs or frozen permafrost bluffs and also include coastal areas surrounding the Great Lakes. The USGS studies the geology of these various coastal areas, how they change over time, and the hazards and ecosystems associated with these changes.   

View Media Details

### **USGS science helps to:  **

                                      -  Better understand our changing coasts, and inform strategies for our coastal communities to adapt with them  
                                      -  Analyze coastal systems and develop products that inform coastal engineering, municipal, commercial, and industrial development decisions along our ports and coastal waterways  
                                      -  Develop tools to visualize and analyze coastal change, related processes and associated hazards  
                                      -  Prepare for impacts associated with current and future coastal hazards such as extreme storms, flooding, erosion, and sea-level rise  
                                      -  Inform partners and engage with at-risk communities on the best ways to manage, protect, and restore our coastal wildlife and ecosystems  
                                      -  Provide assessments about how changes in sediment management and coastal habitats can affect wildlife like sea turtles, migratory birds and coastal fisheries in order to better manage impacts from these activities 
                                      -  Characterize where legacy mine wastes occur in offshore coastal environments so that managers and partners can decide on the best mitigation measures    

 

## Multimedia

USGS Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center

September 2, 2022

#### USGS Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center

link

This video provides an overview of the science and products produced by the U.S. Geological Survey Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center, as well as the use and value of the knowledge, data, and tools produced by the Center. It additionally highlights the Center’s location, where we conduct research, and collaborator/stakeholder types.

Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center

September 2, 2022

#### USGS Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center

link

#### USGS Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center

link

This video provides an overview of the science and products produced by the U.S. Geological Survey Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center, as well as the use and value of the knowledge, data, and tools produced by the Center. It additionally highlights the Center’s location, where we conduct research, and collaborator/stakeholder types.

Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center

USGS Coastal Change Hazards

May 18, 2021

#### USGS Coastal Change Hazards

link

The USGS Coastal Change Hazards team works to identify and address the Nation’s coastal change hazards problems.  By integrating research, technical capabilities and applications, and stakeholder engagement and communications, the Coastal Change Hazards team develops robust and accessible coastal change assessments, forecasts, and tools that help improve the lives, 

Natural Hazards, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center

May 18, 2021

#### USGS Coastal Change Hazards

link

#### USGS Coastal Change Hazards

link

The USGS Coastal Change Hazards team works to identify and address the Nation’s coastal change hazards problems.  By integrating research, technical capabilities and applications, and stakeholder engagement and communications, the Coastal Change Hazards team develops robust and accessible coastal change assessments, forecasts, and tools that help improve the lives, 

Natural Hazards, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center

We are the Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program

April 22, 2021

#### We are the Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program

link

We are the USGS Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program. Our mission is to provide science for sustainable stewardship of Earth’s precious resources.

Natural Hazards Mission Area, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center

April 22, 2021

#### We are the Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program

link

#### We are the Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program

link

We are the USGS Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program. Our mission is to provide science for sustainable stewardship of Earth’s precious resources.

Natural Hazards Mission Area, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center

View All

## News

Coasts, Storms, and Sea Level Rise Geonarratives

April 22, 2022

####   Coasts, Storms, and Sea Level Rise Geonarratives

Coastal Change Happens! USGS Has Data and Tools to Help Coastal Communities Prepare

October 5, 2020

####   Coastal Change Happens! USGS Has Data and Tools to Help Coastal Communities Prepare

Coastal Change Hazards addresses the needs of our Nation’s coastlines

July 14, 2020

####   Coastal Change Hazards addresses the needs of our Nation’s coastlines

View All

Coasts, Storms, and Sea Level Rise Geonarratives

## Coasts, Storms, and Sea Level Rise Geonarratives

Our Coasts Geonarrative

## Our Coasts Geonarrative

USGS Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center

September 2, 2022

#### USGS Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center

link

This video provides an overview of the science and products produced by the U.S. Geological Survey Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center, as well as the use and value of the knowledge, data, and tools produced by the Center. It additionally highlights the Center’s location, where we conduct research, and collaborator/stakeholder types.

Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center

September 2, 2022

#### USGS Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center

link

#### USGS Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center

link

This video provides an overview of the science and products produced by the U.S. Geological Survey Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center, as well as the use and value of the knowledge, data, and tools produced by the Center. It additionally highlights the Center’s location, where we conduct research, and collaborator/stakeholder types.

Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center

USGS Coastal Change Hazards

May 18, 2021

#### USGS Coastal Change Hazards

link

The USGS Coastal Change Hazards team works to identify and address the Nation’s coastal change hazards problems.  By integrating research, technical capabilities and applications, and stakeholder engagement and communications, the Coastal Change Hazards team develops robust and accessible coastal change assessments, forecasts, and tools that help improve the lives, 

Natural Hazards, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center

May 18, 2021

#### USGS Coastal Change Hazards

link

#### USGS Coastal Change Hazards

link

The USGS Coastal Change Hazards team works to identify and address the Nation’s coastal change hazards problems.  By integrating research, technical capabilities and applications, and stakeholder engagement and communications, the Coastal Change Hazards team develops robust and accessible coastal change assessments, forecasts, and tools that help improve the lives, 

Natural Hazards, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center

We are the Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program

April 22, 2021

#### We are the Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program

link

We are the USGS Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program. Our mission is to provide science for sustainable stewardship of Earth’s precious resources.

Natural Hazards Mission Area, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center

April 22, 2021

#### We are the Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program

link

#### We are the Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program

link

We are the USGS Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program. Our mission is to provide science for sustainable stewardship of Earth’s precious resources.

Natural Hazards Mission Area, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center

Sound Waves

## Sound Waves

Monitor Newsletter

## Monitor Newsletter

Coasts, Storms, and Sea Level Rise Geonarratives

April 22, 2022

####   Coasts, Storms, and Sea Level Rise Geonarratives

Explore our Nation's coasts and the risks they face from sea level rise, high-tide flooding, accelerated erosion and intensifying storms. Learn how...

Read Article

Coastal Change Happens! USGS Has Data and Tools to Help Coastal Communities Prepare

October 5, 2020

####   Coastal Change Happens! USGS Has Data and Tools to Help Coastal Communities Prepare

*USGS Introduces a National Approach to Coastal Change Hazards (CCH) Science*

Read Article

Coastal Change Hazards addresses the needs of our Nation’s coastlines

July 14, 2020

####   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...

Read Article

link

####                 How is the Landsat 8 and Landsat 9 Coastal/Aerosol Band 1 used?              

The Operational Land Imager Band 1 ( 0.433-0.453 μm ) on Landsat 8 and Landsat 9 is useful for imaging shallow water and tracking fine atmospheric particles like dust and smoke. Band 1 reflects blues and violets, where light is scattered by dust, smoke, and water particles in the air. Collecting data with enough sensitivity at this spectrum is difficult. Since water absorbs and scatters light...

link

####   How is the Landsat 8 and Landsat 9 Coastal/Aerosol Band 1 used?

The Operational Land Imager Band 1 ( 0.433-0.453 μm ) on Landsat 8 and Landsat 9 is useful for imaging shallow water and tracking fine atmospheric particles like dust and smoke. Band 1 reflects blues and violets, where light is scattered by dust, smoke, and water particles in the air. Collecting data with enough sensitivity at this spectrum is difficult. Since water absorbs and scatters light...

Learn More

link

####                 What are the official definitions of regions in the United States like "the Midwest," "the South," or the “East Coast”?              

The U.S. Board on Geographic Names does not define the extents of geographic regions, nor are they recorded in Geographic Names Information System (GNIS). The names and boundaries of regions are application-driven; that is, defined by a specific entity on a case-by-case basis according to a specific need, characteristics, or perception. Individuals might agree on the core of a region, but the...

link

####   What are the official definitions of regions in the United States like "the Midwest," "the South," or the “East Coast”?

The U.S. Board on Geographic Names does not define the extents of geographic regions, nor are they recorded in Geographic Names Information System (GNIS). The names and boundaries of regions are application-driven; that is, defined by a specific entity on a case-by-case basis according to a specific need, characteristics, or perception. Individuals might agree on the core of a region, but the...

Learn More

                  - Overview  
Our Nation's coasts are places of beauty where memories are made. They provide homes and livelihoods for people and wildlife, where tourism, commerce, and communities depend on healthy and resilient resources. Our coasts provide services such as food resources, vital habitat for wildlife, critical protection from storms, and iconic landscapes to explore or unwind with surf and sky. Our coasts are valuable to all of us, whether it is your backyard, place of work, or somewhere you hope to visit one day. 
Science for Changing CoastsScience for Changing CoastsCoastal Storm Modeling System (CoSMoS) Coastal Storm Modeling System (CoSMoS) Tools: Technical Capabilities and ApplicationsTools: Technical Capabilities and ApplicationsPreparing for HazardsPreparing for HazardsReducing RiskReducing RiskManaging our Coasts for WildlifeManaging our Coasts for Wildlife
Our coasts can be sandy, rocky, lined with marshes or coral reefs, or contain other types of geologic features such as cliffs or frozen permafrost bluffs and also include coastal areas surrounding the Great Lakes. The USGS studies the geology of these various coastal areas, how they change over time, and the hazards and ecosystems associated with these changes.   
        Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details**USGS science helps to:  **-  Better understand our changing coasts, and inform strategies for our coastal communities to adapt with them  
-  Analyze coastal systems and develop products that inform coastal engineering, municipal, commercial, and industrial development decisions along our ports and coastal waterways  
-  Develop tools to visualize and analyze coastal change, related processes and associated hazards  
-  Prepare for impacts associated with current and future coastal hazards such as extreme storms, flooding, erosion, and sea-level rise  
-  Inform partners and engage with at-risk communities on the best ways to manage, protect, and restore our coastal wildlife and ecosystems  
-  Provide assessments about how changes in sediment management and coastal habitats can affect wildlife like sea turtles, migratory birds and coastal fisheries in order to better manage impacts from these activities 
-  Characterize where legacy mine wastes occur in offshore coastal environments so that managers and partners can decide on the best mitigation measures    

 
MultimediaListGridUSGS Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center**USGS Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science CenterSeptember 2, 2022USGS Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Centerlink  USGS Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center
This video provides an overview of the science and products produced by the U.S. Geological Survey Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center, as well as the use and value of the knowledge, data, and tools produced by the Center. It additionally highlights the Center’s location, where we conduct research, and collaborator/stakeholder types.
ByCoastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science CenterSeptember 2, 2022USGS Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science CenterlinkUSGS Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Centerlink
This video provides an overview of the science and products produced by the U.S. Geological Survey Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center, as well as the use and value of the knowledge, data, and tools produced by the Center. It additionally highlights the Center’s location, where we conduct research, and collaborator/stakeholder types.
ByCoastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science CenterUSGS Coastal Change Hazards**USGS Coastal Change HazardsMay 18, 2021USGS Coastal Change Hazardslink  USGS Coastal Change Hazards
The USGS Coastal Change Hazards team works to identify and address the Nation’s coastal change hazards problems.  By integrating research, technical capabilities and applications, and stakeholder engagement and communications, the Coastal Change Hazards team develops robust and accessible coastal change assessments, forecasts, and tools that help improve the lives, 
ByNatural Hazards, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science CenterMay 18, 2021USGS Coastal Change HazardslinkUSGS Coastal Change Hazardslink
The USGS Coastal Change Hazards team works to identify and address the Nation’s coastal change hazards problems.  By integrating research, technical capabilities and applications, and stakeholder engagement and communications, the Coastal Change Hazards team develops robust and accessible coastal change assessments, forecasts, and tools that help improve the lives, 
ByNatural Hazards, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science CenterWe are the Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program**We are the Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources ProgramApril 22, 2021We are the Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Programlink  We are the Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program
We are the USGS Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program. Our mission is to provide science for sustainable stewardship of Earth’s precious resources.
ByNatural Hazards Mission Area, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science CenterApril 22, 2021We are the Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources ProgramlinkWe are the Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Programlink
We are the USGS Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program. Our mission is to provide science for sustainable stewardship of Earth’s precious resources.
ByNatural Hazards Mission Area, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science CenterView AllNewsCoasts, Storms, and Sea Level Rise GeonarrativesApril 22, 2022  Coasts, Storms, and Sea Level Rise GeonarrativesCoastal Change Happens! USGS Has Data and Tools to Help Coastal Communities PrepareOctober 5, 2020  Coastal Change Happens! USGS Has Data and Tools to Help Coastal Communities PrepareCoastal Change Hazards addresses the needs of our Nation’s coastlinesJuly 14, 2020  Coastal Change Hazards addresses the needs of our Nation’s coastlinesView All 
                  - Multimedia  Coasts, Storms, and Sea Level Rise GeonarrativesCoasts, Storms, and Sea Level Rise GeonarrativesOur Coasts GeonarrativeOur Coasts GeonarrativeLabelListGridUSGS Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center**USGS Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science CenterSeptember 2, 2022USGS Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Centerlink  USGS Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center
This video provides an overview of the science and products produced by the U.S. Geological Survey Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center, as well as the use and value of the knowledge, data, and tools produced by the Center. It additionally highlights the Center’s location, where we conduct research, and collaborator/stakeholder types.
ByCoastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science CenterSeptember 2, 2022USGS Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science CenterlinkUSGS Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Centerlink
This video provides an overview of the science and products produced by the U.S. Geological Survey Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center, as well as the use and value of the knowledge, data, and tools produced by the Center. It additionally highlights the Center’s location, where we conduct research, and collaborator/stakeholder types.
ByCoastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science CenterUSGS Coastal Change Hazards**USGS Coastal Change HazardsMay 18, 2021USGS Coastal Change Hazardslink  USGS Coastal Change Hazards
The USGS Coastal Change Hazards team works to identify and address the Nation’s coastal change hazards problems.  By integrating research, technical capabilities and applications, and stakeholder engagement and communications, the Coastal Change Hazards team develops robust and accessible coastal change assessments, forecasts, and tools that help improve the lives, 
ByNatural Hazards, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science CenterMay 18, 2021USGS Coastal Change HazardslinkUSGS Coastal Change Hazardslink
The USGS Coastal Change Hazards team works to identify and address the Nation’s coastal change hazards problems.  By integrating research, technical capabilities and applications, and stakeholder engagement and communications, the Coastal Change Hazards team develops robust and accessible coastal change assessments, forecasts, and tools that help improve the lives, 
ByNatural Hazards, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science CenterWe are the Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program**We are the Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources ProgramApril 22, 2021We are the Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Programlink  We are the Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program
We are the USGS Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program. Our mission is to provide science for sustainable stewardship of Earth’s precious resources.
ByNatural Hazards Mission Area, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science CenterApril 22, 2021We are the Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources ProgramlinkWe are the Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Programlink
We are the USGS Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program. Our mission is to provide science for sustainable stewardship of Earth’s precious resources.
ByNatural Hazards Mission Area, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center 
                  - News  Sound WavesSound WavesMonitor NewsletterMonitor NewsletterLabelCoasts, Storms, and Sea Level Rise GeonarrativesApril 22, 2022  Coasts, Storms, and Sea Level Rise Geonarratives
Explore our Nation's coasts and the risks they face from sea level rise, high-tide flooding, accelerated erosion and intensifying storms. Learn how...
Read Article**Coastal Change Happens! USGS Has Data and Tools to Help Coastal Communities PrepareOctober 5, 2020  Coastal Change Happens! USGS Has Data and Tools to Help Coastal Communities Prepare
*USGS Introduces a National Approach to Coastal Change Hazards (CCH) Science*
Read Article**Coastal Change Hazards addresses the needs of our Nation’s coastlinesJuly 14, 2020  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...
Read Article** 
                  - FAQ  Labellink                How is the Landsat 8 and Landsat 9 Coastal/Aerosol Band 1 used?              
The Operational Land Imager Band 1 ( 0.433-0.453 μm ) on Landsat 8 and Landsat 9 is useful for imaging shallow water and tracking fine atmospheric particles like dust and smoke. Band 1 reflects blues and violets, where light is scattered by dust, smoke, and water particles in the air. Collecting data with enough sensitivity at this spectrum is difficult. Since water absorbs and scatters light...
link  How is the Landsat 8 and Landsat 9 Coastal/Aerosol Band 1 used?
The Operational Land Imager Band 1 ( 0.433-0.453 μm ) on Landsat 8 and Landsat 9 is useful for imaging shallow water and tracking fine atmospheric particles like dust and smoke. Band 1 reflects blues and violets, where light is scattered by dust, smoke, and water particles in the air. Collecting data with enough sensitivity at this spectrum is difficult. Since water absorbs and scatters light...
Learn More**link                What are the official definitions of regions in the United States like "the Midwest," "the South," or the “East Coast”?              
The U.S. Board on Geographic Names does not define the extents of geographic regions, nor are they recorded in Geographic Names Information System (GNIS). The names and boundaries of regions are application-driven; that is, defined by a specific entity on a case-by-case basis according to a specific need, characteristics, or perception. Individuals might agree on the core of a region, but the...
link  What are the official definitions of regions in the United States like "the Midwest," "the South," or the “East Coast”?
The U.S. Board on Geographic Names does not define the extents of geographic regions, nor are they recorded in Geographic Names Information System (GNIS). The names and boundaries of regions are application-driven; that is, defined by a specific entity on a case-by-case basis according to a specific need, characteristics, or perception. Individuals might agree on the core of a region, but the...
Learn More**