The Caribbean Coastal Ocean Observing System (CARICOOS) hosted a General Assembly May 26, 2023, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and featured a presentation about USGS coastal hazards research, shoreline change geonarrative, natural hazards web pages, and other research related to the island.
Legna M Torres-García, Ph.D.
Legna M. Torres-García is a Research Oceanographer at the St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Legna Torres García's work focuses on using multi-scale observational and numerical model data to understand circulation, waves, sediment transport, and coastal vulnerability. Her research includes simulations of hydrodynamics and coastal change in Puerto Rico and the Florida Keys. In addition, she is a principal investigator on a project on assessing the coastal vulnerability of communities in Puerto Rico through a focused stakeholder engagement approach. Her focus on both numerical model development and stakeholder engagement enables her to address community needs with the best available science.
Science and Products
SENHIC Project Milestones and Meetings
As part of the Stakeholder Engagement for Natural Hazards Investigations in the Caribbean (SENHIC) project, the USGS team aims to connect with scientists who are conducting natural hazards research in the Caribbean, build relationships with natural hazards researchers based in the Caribbean and those specializing in the region, and develop a framework for collaborating with international partners.
Stakeholder Engagement for Natural Hazards Investigations in the Caribbean (SENHIC)
USGS staff are connecting with natural hazards researchers based in the Caribbean and those specializing in the region to find out which natural hazards are of primary concern, learn about their mitigation efforts, and explore the potential for research collaboration.
Puerto Rico Natural Hazards | Peligros naturales de Puerto Rico
The island of Puerto Rico is subject to numerous threats from natural hazards, including hurricanes, landslides, earthquakes, tsunamis, coastal and inland flooding, environmental contaminants, and freshwater scarcity, among others. USGS science can help citizens better prepare for, mitigate, and adapt to these hazards. This website compiles USGS resources available for Puerto Rico to provide...
Puerto Rico Natural Hazards: Coastal | Peligros naturales de Puerto Rico: Costas
This page is a collection of USGS coastal hazard research in Puerto Rico, including shoreline changes, coral reef assessments, and coastal flooding. A brief description of highlighted projects can be found below. All coastal hazard publications, data releases, and news for Puerto Rico can be accessed on this page. Esta página es una recopilación de investigaciones del USGS sobre los riesgos...
Puerto Rico Natural Hazards: Ecosystems and Environmental Contaminants | Peligros naturales de Puerto Rico: Ecosistemas y contaminantes ambientales
USGS researchers have studied environmental contaminants and pathogens to address questions involving exposure pathways and human-health implications. They also study climate change impacts and ecosystem health. On this page, read about ecosystems and environmental health research in Puerto Rico, including contaminants in tap water, and possible human exposures. Investigadores del USGS han...
Puerto Rico Natural Hazards: Hurricanes | Peligros naturales de Puerto Rico: Huracanes
Hurricanes are one of the most frequent natural hazards that Caribbean islands are prone to encounter. The frequency of storms and their intensity could increase with climate change. This page contains a variety of USGS research on hurricane impacts to Puerto Rico, dating back to 1989, when Hurricane Hugo impacted the island. Research topics include storm-induced landslides, as well as impacts on...
Puerto Rico Natural Hazards: Landslides | Peligros naturales de Puerto Rico: Deslizamientos de tierra
The Landslide Hazards Program from USGS works to help reduce the impact of landslides to people and infrastructure by furthering our understanding of causes of ground failure and by recommending strategies for risk mitigation. In Puerto Rico, USGS researchers have rigorously studied rainfall-induced landslides to provide maps that depict landslide susceptibility. Educational materials that...
Puerto Rico Natural Hazards: Water Resources | Peligros naturales de Puerto Rico: Recursos de agua
The USGS monitors and studies water resources to deliver a wide range of data including streamflow conditions, groundwater information, lake and reservoir elevation, water quality, water use, and water availability, which can be accessed through the USGS National Water Dashboard. As of 2022, the USGS real-time water data network is comprised of 109 streamflow observation stations, 20 groundwater...
Filter Total Items: 24
Priscila Vargas-Babilonia attended the 2023 CariCOOS General Assembly
The Caribbean Coastal Ocean Observing System (CARICOOS) hosted a General Assembly May 26, 2023, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and featured a presentation about USGS coastal hazards research, shoreline change geonarrative, natural hazards web pages, and other research related to the island.
USGS staff engage with stakeholders and explore potential partnerships at SCDRP annual meeting
Meaghan Emory and Drs. Legna Torres-Garcia and Donya Frank-Gilchrist engage with stakeholders and explore potential partnerships across Caribbean nations and territories to further enhance USGS natural hazards research at the 2023 SCDRP annual meeting in Miami, Florida.
Meaghan Emory and Drs. Legna Torres-Garcia and Donya Frank-Gilchrist engage with stakeholders and explore potential partnerships across Caribbean nations and territories to further enhance USGS natural hazards research at the 2023 SCDRP annual meeting in Miami, Florida.
Engaging with Stakeholders on Caribbean Natural Hazards
From left to right: Meaghan Emory, Dr. Donya Frank-Gilchrist, Dr.
From left to right: Meaghan Emory, Dr. Donya Frank-Gilchrist, Dr.
Peligros Costeros de Puerto Rico
La isla de Puerto Rico está sujeta a numerosos peligros naturales, incluyendo huracanes y erosión costera. La información sobre cómo responden los entornos costeros de la isla a estos eventos es fundamental para reforzar la resiliencia costera. La Dra.
La isla de Puerto Rico está sujeta a numerosos peligros naturales, incluyendo huracanes y erosión costera. La información sobre cómo responden los entornos costeros de la isla a estos eventos es fundamental para reforzar la resiliencia costera. La Dra.
Peligros Costeros de Puerto Rico (AD)
La isla de Puerto Rico está sujeta a numerosos peligros naturales, incluyendo huracanes y erosión costera. La información sobre cómo responden los entornos costeros de la isla a estos eventos es fundamental para reforzar la resiliencia costera. La Dra.
La isla de Puerto Rico está sujeta a numerosos peligros naturales, incluyendo huracanes y erosión costera. La información sobre cómo responden los entornos costeros de la isla a estos eventos es fundamental para reforzar la resiliencia costera. La Dra.
Puerto Rico Coastal Hazards
The island of Puerto Rico is subject to numerous natural hazards including hurricanes and coastal erosion. Information on how the island’s coastal environments respond to these events is critical for bolstering coastal resilience. Dr.
The island of Puerto Rico is subject to numerous natural hazards including hurricanes and coastal erosion. Information on how the island’s coastal environments respond to these events is critical for bolstering coastal resilience. Dr.
Puerto Rico Coastal Hazards (AD)
The island of Puerto Rico is subject to numerous natural hazards including hurricanes and coastal erosion. Information on how the island’s coastal environments respond to these events is critical for bolstering coastal resilience. Dr.
The island of Puerto Rico is subject to numerous natural hazards including hurricanes and coastal erosion. Information on how the island’s coastal environments respond to these events is critical for bolstering coastal resilience. Dr.
Team of oceanographers in Puerto Rico | Equipo de oceanógrafos en Puerto Rico
A team of divers from the USGS St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center on a small boat off the coast of Puerto Rico. They deployed oceanographic instruments and wave buoys in 60m of water to measure waves, wind, and water levels.
A team of divers from the USGS St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center on a small boat off the coast of Puerto Rico. They deployed oceanographic instruments and wave buoys in 60m of water to measure waves, wind, and water levels.
Tres científicos del USGS que instalan equipos submarinos
Tres científicos del Servicio Geológico de los Estados Unidos en equipo de buceo instalando una boya de olas y un sensor de presión a 60 pies de profundad para medir las olas y niveles de agua en Isla Verde, Puerto Rico.
Tres científicos del Servicio Geológico de los Estados Unidos en equipo de buceo instalando una boya de olas y un sensor de presión a 60 pies de profundad para medir las olas y niveles de agua en Isla Verde, Puerto Rico.
USGS scientists installing underwater equipment
Three U.S. Geological Survey scientists in scuba gear work to install a wave buoy and pressure sensor 60 feet underwater to measure waves and water levels in Isla Verde, Puerto Rico.
Three U.S. Geological Survey scientists in scuba gear work to install a wave buoy and pressure sensor 60 feet underwater to measure waves and water levels in Isla Verde, Puerto Rico.
Legna Torres-García engages with stakeholders in Puerto Rico
Dr. Legna Torres-García of the St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center is leading an effort to build relationships with stakeholders on the island of Puerto Rico to better understand their needs for natural hazards data and resources and share information available from USGS that are relevant to the island.
Dr. Legna Torres-García of the St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center is leading an effort to build relationships with stakeholders on the island of Puerto Rico to better understand their needs for natural hazards data and resources and share information available from USGS that are relevant to the island.
Installing Oceanographic Buoy in Puerto Rico
A group of divers (from left to right: Legna Torres-Garcia, BJ Reynolds, and Dave Thompson) from the USGS St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center prepare to deploy a solar-powered Sofar spotter buoy off the coast of Puerto Rico.
A group of divers (from left to right: Legna Torres-Garcia, BJ Reynolds, and Dave Thompson) from the USGS St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center prepare to deploy a solar-powered Sofar spotter buoy off the coast of Puerto Rico.
Group Installed Coast Cam in Puerto Rico
A team from the USGS St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center went to Puerto Rico to install new Coast Cams to monitor how the beach and shoreline change through time. These cameras will allow the team to make predictions of how the coast will respond during storms and hurricanes.
A team from the USGS St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center went to Puerto Rico to install new Coast Cams to monitor how the beach and shoreline change through time. These cameras will allow the team to make predictions of how the coast will respond during storms and hurricanes.
Cameras and Buoys in Puerto Rico Provide Real-Time Data
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) recently installed camera systems and wave buoys in Dorado and Isla Verde, Puerto Rico to assist scientists with monitoring and predicting coastal change. The cameras provide near-real time images that can be viewed online.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) recently installed camera systems and wave buoys in Dorado and Isla Verde, Puerto Rico to assist scientists with monitoring and predicting coastal change. The cameras provide near-real time images that can be viewed online.
Dr. Legna Torres-García conducts an erosion model activity
Dr. Legna Torres-García conducts an erosion model activity at the LCC Day School in St. Petersburg, FL, to showcase how hurricane-force winds can cause damage to coastal environments.
Dr. Legna Torres-García conducts an erosion model activity at the LCC Day School in St. Petersburg, FL, to showcase how hurricane-force winds can cause damage to coastal environments.
Wooden boardwalk built to protect fragile dunes from pedestrians in Isabela, Puerto Rico.
Wooden boardwalk built to protect fragile dunes from pedestrians in Isabela, Puerto Rico.
Wooden boardwalk built to protect fragile dunes from pedestrians in Isabela, Puerto Rico.
Dune Restoration in Isabela, Puerto Rico
Dune restoration efforts in Isabela, Puerto Rico, using wooden planks to promote sand accumulation.
Dune restoration efforts in Isabela, Puerto Rico, using wooden planks to promote sand accumulation.
Mangroves grow along the coast in La Parguera, Lajas, Puerto Rico
Mangroves grow along the coast in La Parguera, Lajas, Puerto Rico. Mangroves help protect the coast during storms.
Mangroves grow along the coast in La Parguera, Lajas, Puerto Rico. Mangroves help protect the coast during storms.
Coral reef in La Parguera, Lajas, Puerto Rico, View 2
Coral reef in La Parguera, Lajas Puerto Rico shows a sea fan coral (Gorgonia) in the center, surrounded other corals and fishes.
Coral reef in La Parguera, Lajas Puerto Rico shows a sea fan coral (Gorgonia) in the center, surrounded other corals and fishes.
Coral reef in La Parguera, Lajas, Puerto Rico, View 1
Coral reef in La Parguera, Lajas Puerto Rico shows various types and conditions of corals, including sea fan corals (Gorgonia) in the center.
Coral reef in La Parguera, Lajas Puerto Rico shows various types and conditions of corals, including sea fan corals (Gorgonia) in the center.
Rincón, Puerto Rico, View 1
Buildings destroyed during Hurricane Maria in Rincón, Puerto Rico. Photograph taken on August 28, 2021, almost four years after the hurricane.
Buildings destroyed during Hurricane Maria in Rincón, Puerto Rico. Photograph taken on August 28, 2021, almost four years after the hurricane.
Science and Products
SENHIC Project Milestones and Meetings
As part of the Stakeholder Engagement for Natural Hazards Investigations in the Caribbean (SENHIC) project, the USGS team aims to connect with scientists who are conducting natural hazards research in the Caribbean, build relationships with natural hazards researchers based in the Caribbean and those specializing in the region, and develop a framework for collaborating with international partners.
Stakeholder Engagement for Natural Hazards Investigations in the Caribbean (SENHIC)
USGS staff are connecting with natural hazards researchers based in the Caribbean and those specializing in the region to find out which natural hazards are of primary concern, learn about their mitigation efforts, and explore the potential for research collaboration.
Puerto Rico Natural Hazards | Peligros naturales de Puerto Rico
The island of Puerto Rico is subject to numerous threats from natural hazards, including hurricanes, landslides, earthquakes, tsunamis, coastal and inland flooding, environmental contaminants, and freshwater scarcity, among others. USGS science can help citizens better prepare for, mitigate, and adapt to these hazards. This website compiles USGS resources available for Puerto Rico to provide...
Puerto Rico Natural Hazards: Coastal | Peligros naturales de Puerto Rico: Costas
This page is a collection of USGS coastal hazard research in Puerto Rico, including shoreline changes, coral reef assessments, and coastal flooding. A brief description of highlighted projects can be found below. All coastal hazard publications, data releases, and news for Puerto Rico can be accessed on this page. Esta página es una recopilación de investigaciones del USGS sobre los riesgos...
Puerto Rico Natural Hazards: Ecosystems and Environmental Contaminants | Peligros naturales de Puerto Rico: Ecosistemas y contaminantes ambientales
USGS researchers have studied environmental contaminants and pathogens to address questions involving exposure pathways and human-health implications. They also study climate change impacts and ecosystem health. On this page, read about ecosystems and environmental health research in Puerto Rico, including contaminants in tap water, and possible human exposures. Investigadores del USGS han...
Puerto Rico Natural Hazards: Hurricanes | Peligros naturales de Puerto Rico: Huracanes
Hurricanes are one of the most frequent natural hazards that Caribbean islands are prone to encounter. The frequency of storms and their intensity could increase with climate change. This page contains a variety of USGS research on hurricane impacts to Puerto Rico, dating back to 1989, when Hurricane Hugo impacted the island. Research topics include storm-induced landslides, as well as impacts on...
Puerto Rico Natural Hazards: Landslides | Peligros naturales de Puerto Rico: Deslizamientos de tierra
The Landslide Hazards Program from USGS works to help reduce the impact of landslides to people and infrastructure by furthering our understanding of causes of ground failure and by recommending strategies for risk mitigation. In Puerto Rico, USGS researchers have rigorously studied rainfall-induced landslides to provide maps that depict landslide susceptibility. Educational materials that...
Puerto Rico Natural Hazards: Water Resources | Peligros naturales de Puerto Rico: Recursos de agua
The USGS monitors and studies water resources to deliver a wide range of data including streamflow conditions, groundwater information, lake and reservoir elevation, water quality, water use, and water availability, which can be accessed through the USGS National Water Dashboard. As of 2022, the USGS real-time water data network is comprised of 109 streamflow observation stations, 20 groundwater...
Filter Total Items: 24
Priscila Vargas-Babilonia attended the 2023 CariCOOS General Assembly
The Caribbean Coastal Ocean Observing System (CARICOOS) hosted a General Assembly May 26, 2023, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and featured a presentation about USGS coastal hazards research, shoreline change geonarrative, natural hazards web pages, and other research related to the island.
The Caribbean Coastal Ocean Observing System (CARICOOS) hosted a General Assembly May 26, 2023, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and featured a presentation about USGS coastal hazards research, shoreline change geonarrative, natural hazards web pages, and other research related to the island.
USGS staff engage with stakeholders and explore potential partnerships at SCDRP annual meeting
Meaghan Emory and Drs. Legna Torres-Garcia and Donya Frank-Gilchrist engage with stakeholders and explore potential partnerships across Caribbean nations and territories to further enhance USGS natural hazards research at the 2023 SCDRP annual meeting in Miami, Florida.
Meaghan Emory and Drs. Legna Torres-Garcia and Donya Frank-Gilchrist engage with stakeholders and explore potential partnerships across Caribbean nations and territories to further enhance USGS natural hazards research at the 2023 SCDRP annual meeting in Miami, Florida.
Engaging with Stakeholders on Caribbean Natural Hazards
From left to right: Meaghan Emory, Dr. Donya Frank-Gilchrist, Dr.
From left to right: Meaghan Emory, Dr. Donya Frank-Gilchrist, Dr.
Peligros Costeros de Puerto Rico
La isla de Puerto Rico está sujeta a numerosos peligros naturales, incluyendo huracanes y erosión costera. La información sobre cómo responden los entornos costeros de la isla a estos eventos es fundamental para reforzar la resiliencia costera. La Dra.
La isla de Puerto Rico está sujeta a numerosos peligros naturales, incluyendo huracanes y erosión costera. La información sobre cómo responden los entornos costeros de la isla a estos eventos es fundamental para reforzar la resiliencia costera. La Dra.
Peligros Costeros de Puerto Rico (AD)
La isla de Puerto Rico está sujeta a numerosos peligros naturales, incluyendo huracanes y erosión costera. La información sobre cómo responden los entornos costeros de la isla a estos eventos es fundamental para reforzar la resiliencia costera. La Dra.
La isla de Puerto Rico está sujeta a numerosos peligros naturales, incluyendo huracanes y erosión costera. La información sobre cómo responden los entornos costeros de la isla a estos eventos es fundamental para reforzar la resiliencia costera. La Dra.
Puerto Rico Coastal Hazards
The island of Puerto Rico is subject to numerous natural hazards including hurricanes and coastal erosion. Information on how the island’s coastal environments respond to these events is critical for bolstering coastal resilience. Dr.
The island of Puerto Rico is subject to numerous natural hazards including hurricanes and coastal erosion. Information on how the island’s coastal environments respond to these events is critical for bolstering coastal resilience. Dr.
Puerto Rico Coastal Hazards (AD)
The island of Puerto Rico is subject to numerous natural hazards including hurricanes and coastal erosion. Information on how the island’s coastal environments respond to these events is critical for bolstering coastal resilience. Dr.
The island of Puerto Rico is subject to numerous natural hazards including hurricanes and coastal erosion. Information on how the island’s coastal environments respond to these events is critical for bolstering coastal resilience. Dr.
Team of oceanographers in Puerto Rico | Equipo de oceanógrafos en Puerto Rico
A team of divers from the USGS St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center on a small boat off the coast of Puerto Rico. They deployed oceanographic instruments and wave buoys in 60m of water to measure waves, wind, and water levels.
A team of divers from the USGS St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center on a small boat off the coast of Puerto Rico. They deployed oceanographic instruments and wave buoys in 60m of water to measure waves, wind, and water levels.
Tres científicos del USGS que instalan equipos submarinos
Tres científicos del Servicio Geológico de los Estados Unidos en equipo de buceo instalando una boya de olas y un sensor de presión a 60 pies de profundad para medir las olas y niveles de agua en Isla Verde, Puerto Rico.
Tres científicos del Servicio Geológico de los Estados Unidos en equipo de buceo instalando una boya de olas y un sensor de presión a 60 pies de profundad para medir las olas y niveles de agua en Isla Verde, Puerto Rico.
USGS scientists installing underwater equipment
Three U.S. Geological Survey scientists in scuba gear work to install a wave buoy and pressure sensor 60 feet underwater to measure waves and water levels in Isla Verde, Puerto Rico.
Three U.S. Geological Survey scientists in scuba gear work to install a wave buoy and pressure sensor 60 feet underwater to measure waves and water levels in Isla Verde, Puerto Rico.
Legna Torres-García engages with stakeholders in Puerto Rico
Dr. Legna Torres-García of the St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center is leading an effort to build relationships with stakeholders on the island of Puerto Rico to better understand their needs for natural hazards data and resources and share information available from USGS that are relevant to the island.
Dr. Legna Torres-García of the St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center is leading an effort to build relationships with stakeholders on the island of Puerto Rico to better understand their needs for natural hazards data and resources and share information available from USGS that are relevant to the island.
Installing Oceanographic Buoy in Puerto Rico
A group of divers (from left to right: Legna Torres-Garcia, BJ Reynolds, and Dave Thompson) from the USGS St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center prepare to deploy a solar-powered Sofar spotter buoy off the coast of Puerto Rico.
A group of divers (from left to right: Legna Torres-Garcia, BJ Reynolds, and Dave Thompson) from the USGS St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center prepare to deploy a solar-powered Sofar spotter buoy off the coast of Puerto Rico.
Group Installed Coast Cam in Puerto Rico
A team from the USGS St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center went to Puerto Rico to install new Coast Cams to monitor how the beach and shoreline change through time. These cameras will allow the team to make predictions of how the coast will respond during storms and hurricanes.
A team from the USGS St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center went to Puerto Rico to install new Coast Cams to monitor how the beach and shoreline change through time. These cameras will allow the team to make predictions of how the coast will respond during storms and hurricanes.
Cameras and Buoys in Puerto Rico Provide Real-Time Data
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) recently installed camera systems and wave buoys in Dorado and Isla Verde, Puerto Rico to assist scientists with monitoring and predicting coastal change. The cameras provide near-real time images that can be viewed online.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) recently installed camera systems and wave buoys in Dorado and Isla Verde, Puerto Rico to assist scientists with monitoring and predicting coastal change. The cameras provide near-real time images that can be viewed online.
Dr. Legna Torres-García conducts an erosion model activity
Dr. Legna Torres-García conducts an erosion model activity at the LCC Day School in St. Petersburg, FL, to showcase how hurricane-force winds can cause damage to coastal environments.
Dr. Legna Torres-García conducts an erosion model activity at the LCC Day School in St. Petersburg, FL, to showcase how hurricane-force winds can cause damage to coastal environments.
Wooden boardwalk built to protect fragile dunes from pedestrians in Isabela, Puerto Rico.
Wooden boardwalk built to protect fragile dunes from pedestrians in Isabela, Puerto Rico.
Wooden boardwalk built to protect fragile dunes from pedestrians in Isabela, Puerto Rico.
Dune Restoration in Isabela, Puerto Rico
Dune restoration efforts in Isabela, Puerto Rico, using wooden planks to promote sand accumulation.
Dune restoration efforts in Isabela, Puerto Rico, using wooden planks to promote sand accumulation.
Mangroves grow along the coast in La Parguera, Lajas, Puerto Rico
Mangroves grow along the coast in La Parguera, Lajas, Puerto Rico. Mangroves help protect the coast during storms.
Mangroves grow along the coast in La Parguera, Lajas, Puerto Rico. Mangroves help protect the coast during storms.
Coral reef in La Parguera, Lajas, Puerto Rico, View 2
Coral reef in La Parguera, Lajas Puerto Rico shows a sea fan coral (Gorgonia) in the center, surrounded other corals and fishes.
Coral reef in La Parguera, Lajas Puerto Rico shows a sea fan coral (Gorgonia) in the center, surrounded other corals and fishes.
Coral reef in La Parguera, Lajas, Puerto Rico, View 1
Coral reef in La Parguera, Lajas Puerto Rico shows various types and conditions of corals, including sea fan corals (Gorgonia) in the center.
Coral reef in La Parguera, Lajas Puerto Rico shows various types and conditions of corals, including sea fan corals (Gorgonia) in the center.
Rincón, Puerto Rico, View 1
Buildings destroyed during Hurricane Maria in Rincón, Puerto Rico. Photograph taken on August 28, 2021, almost four years after the hurricane.
Buildings destroyed during Hurricane Maria in Rincón, Puerto Rico. Photograph taken on August 28, 2021, almost four years after the hurricane.