As powerful hurricanes approach the coast, they generate elevated water levels and dangerous wave conditions that can cause extensive flooding, significant landscape changes, and destruction of property.
John Warner, PhD
John Warner is a research oceanographer with the Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center Coastal and Estuarine Dynamics Group in the US Geological Survey. He has worked for the USGS for over 20 years and focuses on coastal ocean processes with an emphasis on sediment transport using field observations and numerical modeling. He is the lead developer of an open-source and community developed Coupled-Ocean-Atmosphere-Wave-Sediment Transport (COAWST) numerical modeling system, which has evolved over two decades to combine publicly developed ocean, wave, atmosphere, and sediment models.
I have been working in the field of numerical modeling for estuarine, coastal, and sediment transport processes for over 25 years. I specialize in the development of coupled modeling systems that allow interaction between individual earth system model components. These advancements have led to greater understanding of physical connections between the ocean, waves, and the atmosphere.
Professional Experience
US Geological Survey, Woods Hole, MA Research Oceanographer 2003-present
US Geological Survey, Woods Hole, MA Postdoctoral Scholar 2001-2003
University of California, Davis, CA Graduate Research Assistant 1996 – 2000
Education and Certifications
Ph.D., Civil & Environmental Engineering, Minor in Numerical Methods, December 2000
University of California, Davis
Dissertation: Barotropic and Baroclinic Convergence Zones in Tidal Channels
Comm
Science and Products
DUNEX Modeling Waves, Water Levels, Sediment Transport, and Shoreline Change
USGS DUNEX Operations on the Outer Banks
Massachusetts Integrated Coastal Studies (MICS)
COAWST Training Workshops
COAWST System Components
COAWST: A Coupled-Ocean-Atmosphere-Wave-Sediment Transport Modeling System
Coastal System Change at Fire Island, New York
The Coupled Ocean-Atmosphere-Wave-Sediment Transport Modeling System
Open Ocean/Marine - Coastal System Change at Fire Island, New York
Estuarine Processes, Hazards, and Ecosystems
Cross-Shore and Inlets (CSI) Processes
Coastal Model Applications and Field Measurements- Tools and Standards for Ocean Modeling
U.S. Geological Survey simulations of hydrodynamics and morphodynamics at Core Banks, NC, during Hurricane Dorian (2019)
Grain-size analysis data from sediment samples in support of oceanographic and water-quality measurements in the nearshore zone of Sandy Neck Beach, Cape Cod Bay, Massachusetts, collected in March and April, 2021
A deep learning model and associated data to support understanding and simulation of salinity dynamics in Delaware Bay
U.S. Geological Survey simulations of 3D-hydrodynamics in Delaware Bay (2016, 2018, 2021) to improve understanding of the mechanisms driving salinity intrusion
U.S. Geological Survey simulations of 3D-hydrodynamics in Delaware Bay (2019) to improve understanding of the mechanisms driving salinity intrusion
U.S. Geological Survey simulations of hydrodynamics and morphodynamics in Cape Cod Bay, MA
Collection of COAWST model forecast for the US East Coast and Gulf of Mexico
U.S. Geological Survey simulations of hydrodynamics and morphodynamics at Matanzas, FL during Hurricane Matthew (2016) and at Fire Island, NY during Hurricane Sandy (2012)
Grain-Size Analysis Data From Sediment Samples in Support of Oceanographic and Water-Quality Measurements in the Nearshore Zone of Matanzas Inlet, Florida, 2018
As powerful hurricanes approach the coast, they generate elevated water levels and dangerous wave conditions that can cause extensive flooding, significant landscape changes, and destruction of property.
Coastal Coupling Community of Practice Executive Committee and other subject matter experts (partial group) in front of a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration building and “The Hand.” From left to right: Rebecca Atkins, John Warner, Cristina Urizar, Tracy Fanara, Courtney Barry, Trey Flowers, Saeed Moghimi, David Welch, Lucila Houttuijn Bloemendaal, Chris
Coastal Coupling Community of Practice Executive Committee and other subject matter experts (partial group) in front of a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration building and “The Hand.” From left to right: Rebecca Atkins, John Warner, Cristina Urizar, Tracy Fanara, Courtney Barry, Trey Flowers, Saeed Moghimi, David Welch, Lucila Houttuijn Bloemendaal, Chris
On January 17-18, 2024, John Warner provided a two-day training for the COAWST (Coupled Ocean-Atmosphere-Waves-Sediment Transport) modeling system.
On January 17-18, 2024, John Warner provided a two-day training for the COAWST (Coupled Ocean-Atmosphere-Waves-Sediment Transport) modeling system.
Dr. John Warner, USGS, and Dr. Martha Schonau, Scripps, before deploying 11 buoys from a U.S. Navy P3 Orion aircraft from the VXS-1 squadron based out of Naval Air Station Patuxent River in Maryland. These buoys measure waves, temperature, and physical ocean properties.
Dr. John Warner, USGS, and Dr. Martha Schonau, Scripps, before deploying 11 buoys from a U.S. Navy P3 Orion aircraft from the VXS-1 squadron based out of Naval Air Station Patuxent River in Maryland. These buoys measure waves, temperature, and physical ocean properties.
The USGS and partners prepare to deploy 11 buoys into the Gulf of Maine from a U.S. Navy aircraft in preparation for Hurricane Lee. These buoys measure waves, temperature, and physical ocean properties.
The USGS and partners prepare to deploy 11 buoys into the Gulf of Maine from a U.S. Navy aircraft in preparation for Hurricane Lee. These buoys measure waves, temperature, and physical ocean properties.
The USGS partnered with North Carolina State University, Louisiana State University, and University Corporation for Atmospheric Research to investigate hurricane-induced compound flooding and sediment dispersal using coupled hydrology and ocean models.
The USGS partnered with North Carolina State University, Louisiana State University, and University Corporation for Atmospheric Research to investigate hurricane-induced compound flooding and sediment dispersal using coupled hydrology and ocean models.
In September 2022, Hurricane Ian made two landfalls on the west coast of Florida and South Carolina, creating a large, impacted region. As part of the NOPP Project, USGS forecasted the event as the hurricane approached landfall.
In September 2022, Hurricane Ian made two landfalls on the west coast of Florida and South Carolina, creating a large, impacted region. As part of the NOPP Project, USGS forecasted the event as the hurricane approached landfall.
Quantifying compound and nonlinear effects of hurricane-induced flooding using a dynamically coupled hydrological-ocean model
Deep learning of estuary salinity dynamics is physically accurate at a fraction of hydrodynamic model computational cost
Modeled coastal-ocean pathways of land-sourced contaminants in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence
Development and application of an Infragravity Wave (InWave) driver to simulate nearshore processes
A numerical investigation of the mechanisms controlling salt intrusion in the Delaware Bay Estuary
Processes controlling coastal erosion along Cape Cod Bay, MA
Wave asymmetry impacts on sediment processes at the nearshore of Fire Island, New York
Understanding the role of initial soil moisture and precipitation magnitude in flood forecast using a hydrometeorological modelling system
Impacts of the ocean-atmosphere coupling into the very short range prediction system during the impact of Hurricane Matthew on Cuba
Shoaling wave shape estimates from field observations and derived bedload sediment rates
Modeling of barrier breaching during Hurricanes Sandy and Matthew
Analysis of ocean dynamics during the impact of Hurricane Matthew using ocean-atmosphere coupling
Hurricane Florence Numerical Modeling
Coupled-Ocean-Atmosphere-Wave-Sediment Transport (COAWST) Modeling System
COAWST Modeling System v3.4
Science and Products
DUNEX Modeling Waves, Water Levels, Sediment Transport, and Shoreline Change
USGS DUNEX Operations on the Outer Banks
Massachusetts Integrated Coastal Studies (MICS)
COAWST Training Workshops
COAWST System Components
COAWST: A Coupled-Ocean-Atmosphere-Wave-Sediment Transport Modeling System
Coastal System Change at Fire Island, New York
The Coupled Ocean-Atmosphere-Wave-Sediment Transport Modeling System
Open Ocean/Marine - Coastal System Change at Fire Island, New York
Estuarine Processes, Hazards, and Ecosystems
Cross-Shore and Inlets (CSI) Processes
Coastal Model Applications and Field Measurements- Tools and Standards for Ocean Modeling
U.S. Geological Survey simulations of hydrodynamics and morphodynamics at Core Banks, NC, during Hurricane Dorian (2019)
Grain-size analysis data from sediment samples in support of oceanographic and water-quality measurements in the nearshore zone of Sandy Neck Beach, Cape Cod Bay, Massachusetts, collected in March and April, 2021
A deep learning model and associated data to support understanding and simulation of salinity dynamics in Delaware Bay
U.S. Geological Survey simulations of 3D-hydrodynamics in Delaware Bay (2016, 2018, 2021) to improve understanding of the mechanisms driving salinity intrusion
U.S. Geological Survey simulations of 3D-hydrodynamics in Delaware Bay (2019) to improve understanding of the mechanisms driving salinity intrusion
U.S. Geological Survey simulations of hydrodynamics and morphodynamics in Cape Cod Bay, MA
Collection of COAWST model forecast for the US East Coast and Gulf of Mexico
U.S. Geological Survey simulations of hydrodynamics and morphodynamics at Matanzas, FL during Hurricane Matthew (2016) and at Fire Island, NY during Hurricane Sandy (2012)
Grain-Size Analysis Data From Sediment Samples in Support of Oceanographic and Water-Quality Measurements in the Nearshore Zone of Matanzas Inlet, Florida, 2018
As powerful hurricanes approach the coast, they generate elevated water levels and dangerous wave conditions that can cause extensive flooding, significant landscape changes, and destruction of property.
As powerful hurricanes approach the coast, they generate elevated water levels and dangerous wave conditions that can cause extensive flooding, significant landscape changes, and destruction of property.
Coastal Coupling Community of Practice Executive Committee and other subject matter experts (partial group) in front of a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration building and “The Hand.” From left to right: Rebecca Atkins, John Warner, Cristina Urizar, Tracy Fanara, Courtney Barry, Trey Flowers, Saeed Moghimi, David Welch, Lucila Houttuijn Bloemendaal, Chris
Coastal Coupling Community of Practice Executive Committee and other subject matter experts (partial group) in front of a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration building and “The Hand.” From left to right: Rebecca Atkins, John Warner, Cristina Urizar, Tracy Fanara, Courtney Barry, Trey Flowers, Saeed Moghimi, David Welch, Lucila Houttuijn Bloemendaal, Chris
On January 17-18, 2024, John Warner provided a two-day training for the COAWST (Coupled Ocean-Atmosphere-Waves-Sediment Transport) modeling system.
On January 17-18, 2024, John Warner provided a two-day training for the COAWST (Coupled Ocean-Atmosphere-Waves-Sediment Transport) modeling system.
Dr. John Warner, USGS, and Dr. Martha Schonau, Scripps, before deploying 11 buoys from a U.S. Navy P3 Orion aircraft from the VXS-1 squadron based out of Naval Air Station Patuxent River in Maryland. These buoys measure waves, temperature, and physical ocean properties.
Dr. John Warner, USGS, and Dr. Martha Schonau, Scripps, before deploying 11 buoys from a U.S. Navy P3 Orion aircraft from the VXS-1 squadron based out of Naval Air Station Patuxent River in Maryland. These buoys measure waves, temperature, and physical ocean properties.
The USGS and partners prepare to deploy 11 buoys into the Gulf of Maine from a U.S. Navy aircraft in preparation for Hurricane Lee. These buoys measure waves, temperature, and physical ocean properties.
The USGS and partners prepare to deploy 11 buoys into the Gulf of Maine from a U.S. Navy aircraft in preparation for Hurricane Lee. These buoys measure waves, temperature, and physical ocean properties.
The USGS partnered with North Carolina State University, Louisiana State University, and University Corporation for Atmospheric Research to investigate hurricane-induced compound flooding and sediment dispersal using coupled hydrology and ocean models.
The USGS partnered with North Carolina State University, Louisiana State University, and University Corporation for Atmospheric Research to investigate hurricane-induced compound flooding and sediment dispersal using coupled hydrology and ocean models.
In September 2022, Hurricane Ian made two landfalls on the west coast of Florida and South Carolina, creating a large, impacted region. As part of the NOPP Project, USGS forecasted the event as the hurricane approached landfall.
In September 2022, Hurricane Ian made two landfalls on the west coast of Florida and South Carolina, creating a large, impacted region. As part of the NOPP Project, USGS forecasted the event as the hurricane approached landfall.