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Walter A. Barnhardt, PhD (Former Employee)

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Sunset in Cape Cod Bay

Massachusetts Integrated Coastal Studies (MICS)

Coastal erosion, intense storm events and sea-level rise pose threats to coastal communities and infrastructure. Managers and scientists often lack the high-resolution data needed to improve estimates of sediment abundance and movement, shoreline change, and seabed characteristics that influence coastal vulnerability. To address these and other needs the U.S. Geological Survey, in partnership with...
By
Natural Hazards Mission Area, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center
Massachusetts Integrated Coastal Studies (MICS)

Massachusetts Integrated Coastal Studies (MICS)

Coastal erosion, intense storm events and sea-level rise pose threats to coastal communities and infrastructure. Managers and scientists often lack the high-resolution data needed to improve estimates of sediment abundance and movement, shoreline change, and seabed characteristics that influence coastal vulnerability. To address these and other needs the U.S. Geological Survey, in partnership with...
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Image showing bathymetry of the southern Gulf of Maine with MA coastal zone boundary

Geologic Mapping of the Massachusetts Seafloor

The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM) is conducting geologic mapping of the sea floor to characterize the surface and shallow subsurface geologic framework within the Massachusetts coastal zone. The long-term goal of this mapping effort is to produce high-resolution geologic maps and a Geographic Information System (GIS) that will...
By
Natural Hazards Mission Area, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center
Geologic Mapping of the Massachusetts Seafloor

Geologic Mapping of the Massachusetts Seafloor

The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM) is conducting geologic mapping of the sea floor to characterize the surface and shallow subsurface geologic framework within the Massachusetts coastal zone. The long-term goal of this mapping effort is to produce high-resolution geologic maps and a Geographic Information System (GIS) that will...
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High-resolution geophysical and sample data collected in the vicinity of Buffalo Reef, Michigan, within Lake Superior, U.S. Geological Survey Field Activity 2021-005-FA High-resolution geophysical and sample data collected in the vicinity of Buffalo Reef, Michigan, within Lake Superior, U.S. Geological Survey Field Activity 2021-005-FA

In August 2021, the U.S. Geological Survey, in collaboration with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, collected high-resolution geophysical data, sediment samples, and bottom imagery to determine the distribution of historical mine tailings on the floor of Lake Superior. Large amounts of waste material from copper mining, locally known as “stamp sands,” were dumped into the lake in the...
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Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center, Great Lakes Restoration Initiative

High-resolution geophysical and geological data collected in Little Egg Inlet and offshore the southern end of Long Beach Island, NJ, during USGS Field Activities 2018-001-FA and 2018-049-FA High-resolution geophysical and geological data collected in Little Egg Inlet and offshore the southern end of Long Beach Island, NJ, during USGS Field Activities 2018-001-FA and 2018-049-FA

The natural resiliency of the New Jersey barrier island system, and the efficacy of management efforts to reduce vulnerability, depends on the ability of the system to recover and maintain equilibrium in response to storms and persistent coastal change. This resiliency is largely dependent on the availability of sand in the beach system. In an effort to better understand the system's...
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Natural Hazards Mission Area, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center

High-resolution marine geophysical data collected by the USGS in the Belfast Bay, Maine pockmark field in 2006, 2008, and 2009. High-resolution marine geophysical data collected by the USGS in the Belfast Bay, Maine pockmark field in 2006, 2008, and 2009.

The U.S. Geological Survey, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center in cooperation with the University of Maine mapped approximately 50 square kilometers of the seafloor within Belfast Bay, Maine. Three geophysical surveys conducted in 2006, 2008 and 2009 collected swath bathymetric (2006 and 2008) and chirp seismic reflection profile data (2006 and 2009). The project characterized...
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Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center

High-resolution geophysical data collected in the vicinity of Buffalo Reef, Michigan, within Lake Superior, U.S. Geological Survey Field Activity 2018-043-FA High-resolution geophysical data collected in the vicinity of Buffalo Reef, Michigan, within Lake Superior, U.S. Geological Survey Field Activity 2018-043-FA

In September 2018, the U.S. Geological Survey, in collaboration with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, conducted high-resolution geophysical mapping and sediment sampling to determine the distribution of historical mine tailings on the floor of Lake Superior. Large amounts of waste material from copper mining, locally known as "stamp sands," were dumped into the lake in the early 20th...
By
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center
Bathymetric map of Grand Traverse Bay, Lake Superior.
Bathymetric map of Grand Traverse Bay, Lake Superior
Bathymetric map of Grand Traverse Bay, Lake Superior
Bathymetric map of Grand Traverse Bay, Lake Superior.

Bathymetric map of Grand Traverse Bay, Lake Superior

Bathymetric map of Grand Traverse Bay, Lake Superior

 Bathymetric map of Grand Traverse Bay, Lake Superior.  The 2018 data are shown in gray hillshade, with the combined 2021 data superimposed in color.  Index map at lower right shows the extent of each survey. 

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Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center
Bathymetric map of Grand Traverse Bay, Lake Superior.

Bathymetric map of Grand Traverse Bay, Lake Superior

Bathymetric map of Grand Traverse Bay, Lake Superior

 Bathymetric map of Grand Traverse Bay, Lake Superior.  The 2018 data are shown in gray hillshade, with the combined 2021 data superimposed in color.  Index map at lower right shows the extent of each survey. 

By
Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center
Detailed bathymetric maps of Buffalo Reef
Detailed bathymetric maps of Buffalo Reef
Detailed bathymetric maps of Buffalo Reef
Detailed bathymetric maps of Buffalo Reef

Detailed bathymetric maps of Buffalo Reef

Detailed bathymetric maps of Buffalo Reef

Detailed bathymetric maps of Buffalo Reef.  Improvements in grid resolution between the 2018 (left) and 2021 (right) surveys were facilitated by decreasing line spacing from 50 meters to 35 meters or less between adjacent lines.  

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Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center
Detailed bathymetric maps of Buffalo Reef

Detailed bathymetric maps of Buffalo Reef

Detailed bathymetric maps of Buffalo Reef

Detailed bathymetric maps of Buffalo Reef.  Improvements in grid resolution between the 2018 (left) and 2021 (right) surveys were facilitated by decreasing line spacing from 50 meters to 35 meters or less between adjacent lines.  

By
Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center
man standing on a boat deck surrounded by equipment
SeaBOSS deployment in Lake Superior
SeaBOSS deployment in Lake Superior
man standing on a boat deck surrounded by equipment

SeaBOSS deployment in Lake Superior

SeaBOSS deployment in Lake Superior

Patrick Berube of WHCMSC prepares the SEABOSS for deployment in Lake Superior. 

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Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center
man standing on a boat deck surrounded by equipment

SeaBOSS deployment in Lake Superior

SeaBOSS deployment in Lake Superior

Patrick Berube of WHCMSC prepares the SEABOSS for deployment in Lake Superior. 

By
Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center
two men standing on two boats
Sampling operations on Lake Superior
Sampling operations on Lake Superior
two men standing on two boats

Sampling operations on Lake Superior

Sampling operations on Lake Superior

The RV Desmid (foreground) alongside the RV Rafael during sampling operations on Lake Superior.

By
Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center
two men standing on two boats

Sampling operations on Lake Superior

Sampling operations on Lake Superior

The RV Desmid (foreground) alongside the RV Rafael during sampling operations on Lake Superior.

By
Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center
Image: Massachusetts inner continental shelf
Massachusetts inner continental shelf
Massachusetts inner continental shelf
Image: Massachusetts inner continental shelf

Massachusetts inner continental shelf

Massachusetts inner continental shelf

Massachusetts inner continental shelf bottom photograph showing seafloor life.

By
Ecosystems, Communications and Publishing
Image: Massachusetts inner continental shelf

Massachusetts inner continental shelf

Massachusetts inner continental shelf

Massachusetts inner continental shelf bottom photograph showing seafloor life.

By
Ecosystems, Communications and Publishing
Image: Massachusetts inner continental shelf
Massachusetts inner continental shelf
Massachusetts inner continental shelf
Image: Massachusetts inner continental shelf

Massachusetts inner continental shelf

Massachusetts inner continental shelf

Massachusetts inner continental shelf bottom photograph showing seafloor life.

By
Ecosystems, Communications and Publishing
Image: Massachusetts inner continental shelf

Massachusetts inner continental shelf

Massachusetts inner continental shelf

Massachusetts inner continental shelf bottom photograph showing seafloor life.

By
Ecosystems, Communications and Publishing
Image: Massachusetts inner continental shelf
Massachusetts inner continental shelf
Massachusetts inner continental shelf
Image: Massachusetts inner continental shelf

Massachusetts inner continental shelf

Massachusetts inner continental shelf

Massachusetts inner continental shelf bottom photograph showing seafloor life.

By
Ecosystems, Communications and Publishing
Image: Massachusetts inner continental shelf

Massachusetts inner continental shelf

Massachusetts inner continental shelf

Massachusetts inner continental shelf bottom photograph showing seafloor life.

By
Ecosystems, Communications and Publishing
Image: Massachusetts inner continental shelf
Massachusetts inner continental shelf
Massachusetts inner continental shelf
Image: Massachusetts inner continental shelf

Massachusetts inner continental shelf

Massachusetts inner continental shelf

Massachusetts inner continental shelf bottom photograph showing seafloor life.

By
Ecosystems, Communications and Publishing
Image: Massachusetts inner continental shelf

Massachusetts inner continental shelf

Massachusetts inner continental shelf

Massachusetts inner continental shelf bottom photograph showing seafloor life.

By
Ecosystems, Communications and Publishing
Image: Massachusetts inner continental shelf
Massachusetts inner continental shelf
Massachusetts inner continental shelf
Image: Massachusetts inner continental shelf

Massachusetts inner continental shelf

Massachusetts inner continental shelf

Massachusetts inner continental shelf bottom photograph showing seafloor life.

By
Ecosystems, Communications and Publishing
Image: Massachusetts inner continental shelf

Massachusetts inner continental shelf

Massachusetts inner continental shelf

Massachusetts inner continental shelf bottom photograph showing seafloor life.

By
Ecosystems, Communications and Publishing
Filter Total Items: 39

Toward a total water level forecast of the Great Lakes Toward a total water level forecast of the Great Lakes

The combined effect of storm surge and large waves is the main driving mechanism that erodes beaches, inundates low-lying areas, leading to millions of dollars in property damage, loss of natural resources, and lives. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) aims to expand the real-time total water level (TWL) forecast provided in the Operational Total Water Level and Coastal Change Forecasts...
Authors
Erdinc Sogut, Alfredo Aretxabaleta, Andrew Ashton, Walter Barnhardt, Kara S. Doran, Margaret L. Palmsten
By
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center

Shallow geology, sea-floor texture, and physiographic zones of Vineyard and western Nantucket Sounds, Massachusetts Shallow geology, sea-floor texture, and physiographic zones of Vineyard and western Nantucket Sounds, Massachusetts

Geologic, sediment texture, and physiographic zone maps characterize the sea floor of Vineyard and western Nantucket Sounds, Massachusetts. These maps were derived from interpretations of seismic-reflection profiles, high-resolution bathymetry, acoustic-backscatter intensity, bottom photographs/video, and surficial sediment samples collected within the 494-square-kilometer study area...
Authors
Wayne E. Baldwin, David S. Foster, Elizabeth A. Pendleton, Walter A. Barnhardt, William C. Schwab, Brian D. Andrews, Seth D. Ackerman
By
Natural Hazards Mission Area, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center

Pockmarks in Passamaquoddy Bay, New Brunswick, Canada Pockmarks in Passamaquoddy Bay, New Brunswick, Canada

Pockmarks are seafloor depressions associated with fluid escape (Judd & Hovland 2007). They proliferate in the muddy seafloors of coastal Gulf of Maine and Bay of Fundy, where they are associated with shallow natural gas likely of biogenic origin (Ussler et al. 2003; Rogers et al. 2006; Wildish et al. 2008). In North America, shallow-water pockmark fields are not reported south of Long...
Authors
Laura L. Brothers, Christine Legere, J.E. Hughes Clark, J.T. Kelley, Walter Barnhardt, Brian Andrews, D.F. Belknap
By
Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center

Sea-floor texture and physiographic zones of the inner continental shelf from Salisbury to Nahant, Massachusetts, including the Merrimack Embayment and Western Massachusetts Bay Sea-floor texture and physiographic zones of the inner continental shelf from Salisbury to Nahant, Massachusetts, including the Merrimack Embayment and Western Massachusetts Bay

A series of maps that describe the distribution and texture of sea-floor sediments and physiographic zones of Massachusetts State waters from Nahant to Salisbury, Massachusetts, including western Massachusetts Bay, have been produced by using high-resolution geophysical data (interferometric and multibeam swath bathymetry, lidar bathymetry, backscatter intensity, and seismic reflection...
Authors
Elizabeth E. Pendleton, Walter A. Barnhardt, Wayne E. Baldwin, David S. Foster, William C. Schwab, Brian D. Andrews, Seth D. Ackerman
By
Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center

Shallow geology, sea-floor texture, and physiographic zones of Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts Shallow geology, sea-floor texture, and physiographic zones of Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts

Geologic, sediment texture, and physiographic zone maps characterize the sea floor of Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts. These maps were derived from interpretations of seismic-reflection profiles, high-resolution bathymetry, acoustic-backscatter intensity, bottom photographs, and surficial sediment samples. The interpretation of the seismic stratigraphy and mapping of glacial and Holocene...
Authors
David S. Foster, Wayne E. Baldwin, Walter A. Barnhardt, William C. Schwab, Seth D. Ackerman, Brian D. Andrews, Elizabeth A. Pendleton
By
Natural Hazards Mission Area, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center

Shallow geology, seafloor texture, and physiographic zones of the Inner Continental Shelf from Nahant to northern Cape Cod Bay, Massachusetts Shallow geology, seafloor texture, and physiographic zones of the Inner Continental Shelf from Nahant to northern Cape Cod Bay, Massachusetts

The Massachusetts inner continental shelf between Nahant and northern Cape Cod Bay has been profoundly affected by the occupation and retreat of glacial ice sheets and relative sea-level change during the Quaternary. Marine geologic mapping of this area is a component of a statewide cooperative effort involving the U.S. Geological Survey and the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone...
Authors
Elizabeth A. Pendleton, Wayne E. Baldwin, Walter A. Barnhardt, Seth D. Ackerman, David S. Foster, Brian D. Andrews, William C. Schwab
By
Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center

Holocene sediment distribution on the inner continental shelf of northeastern South Carolina: implications for the regional sediment budget and long-term shoreline response Holocene sediment distribution on the inner continental shelf of northeastern South Carolina: implications for the regional sediment budget and long-term shoreline response

High-resolution geophysical and sediment sampling surveys were conducted offshore of the Grand Strand, South Carolina to define the shallow geologic framework of the inner shelf. Results are used to identify and map Holocene sediment deposits, infer sediment transport pathways, and discuss implications for the regional coastal sediment budget. The thickest deposits of Holocene sediment...
Authors
Jane F. Denny, William C. Schwab, Wayne E. Baldwin, Walter A. Barnhardt, Paul T. Gayes, R.A. Morton, John C. Warner, Neal W. Driscoll, George Voulgaris
By
Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center

Shallow stratigraphic control on pockmark distribution in north temperate estuaries Shallow stratigraphic control on pockmark distribution in north temperate estuaries

Pockmark fields occur throughout northern North American temperate estuaries despite the absence of extensive thermogenic hydrocarbon deposits typically associated with pockmarks. In such settings, the origins of the gas and triggering mechanism(s) responsible for pockmark formation are not obvious. Nor is it known why pockmarks proliferate in this region but do not occur south of the...
Authors
Laura L. Brothers, Joseph T. Kelley, Daniel F. Belknap, Walter A. Barnhardt, Brian D. Andrews, Christine Legere, John E. Hughes Clarke
By
Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center

High-resolution geophysical data collected within Red Brook Harbor, Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts, in 2009 High-resolution geophysical data collected within Red Brook Harbor, Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts, in 2009

The U.S. Geological Survey conducted a high-resolution geophysical survey within Red Brook Harbor, Massachusetts, from September 28 through November 17, 2009. Red Brook Harbor is located on the eastern edge of Buzzards Bay, south of the Cape Cod Canal. The survey area was approximately 7 square kilometers, with depths ranging from 0 to approximately 10 meters. Data were collected aboard...
Authors
Aaron M. Turecek, William W. Danforth, Wayne E. Baldwin, Walter A. Barnhardt
By
Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center

Refining the model of barrier island formation along a paraglacial coast in the Gulf of Maine Refining the model of barrier island formation along a paraglacial coast in the Gulf of Maine

Details of the internal architecture and local geochronology of Plum Island, the longest barrier in the Gulf of Maine, have refined our understanding of barrier island formation in paraglacial settings. Ground-penetrating radar and shallow-seismic profiles coupled with sediment cores and radiocarbon dates provide an 8000-year evolutionary history of this barrier system in response to...
Authors
Christopher J. Hein, Duncan M. FitzGerald, Emily A. Carruthers, Byron D. Stone, Walter A. Barnhardt, Allen M. Gontz
By
Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center

Pockmarks: Self-scouring seep features? Pockmarks: Self-scouring seep features?

Pockmarks, or seafloor craters, occur worldwide in a variety of geologic settings and are often associated with fluid discharge. The mechanisms responsible for pockmark preservation, and pockmarks? relation to active methane venting are not well constrained. Simple numerical simulations run in 2-and 3-dimensions, and corroborated by flume tank experiments, indicate turbulence may play a...
Authors
Laura L. Brothers, Joseph T. Kelley, Daniel F. Belknap, Walter A. Barnhardt, Peter O. Koons
By
Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center

More than a century of bathymetric observations and present-day shallow sediment characterization in Belfast Bay, Maine, USA: Implications for pockmark field longevity More than a century of bathymetric observations and present-day shallow sediment characterization in Belfast Bay, Maine, USA: Implications for pockmark field longevity

Mechanisms and timescales responsible for pockmark formation and maintenance remain uncertain, especially in areas lacking extensive thermogenic fluid deposits (e.g., previously glaciated estuaries). This study characterizes seafloor activity in the Belfast Bay, Maine nearshore pockmark field using (1) three swath bathymetry datasets collected between 1999 and 2008, complemented by...
Authors
Laura L. Brothers, J.T. Kelley, D. F. Belknap, Walter Barnhardt, Brian Andrews, M.L. Maynard
By
Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center

USGS/CCNY Internship Program Celebrates 100th Lecture Series Speaker

The USGS internship program with the City College of New York offers students impactful internships with USGS in a variety of science fields. In...

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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...

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Marine geologic maps of the inner continental shelf of Massachusetts, where science meets art

Marine geologic maps of the inner continental shelf of Massachusetts, where science, scientists, and art come together to create visually appealing...

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Mapping the Stamp Sands of Lake Superior

In September 2018, the USGS Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center (WHCMSC) conducted high-resolution geophysical mapping to determine the...

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Massachusetts Senate Visits the Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center

Members and staff of the Massachusetts State Senate visited the USGS Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center with specific requests to discuss...

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