News & Events Archive

News stories posted before 2009-10-25.

Florida Century Commission May Hold Summit to Discuss Offshore Drilling

Jack Kindinger (FISC-St. Petersburg) met with St. Petersburg Mayor Baker and Economic Development staff, University of South Florida College of Marine Science, and Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute to discuss hosting a summit meeting, similar to the Coastal Cities Conference, to bring scientists and communities together on the topic of offshore drilling in the Gulf of Mexico. The hope is to host an event prior to the Congressional Special Session.

Sinkhole Information Requested by Library of Congress

A representative from the Library of Congress contacted Ann Tihansky (FISC-St. Petersburg) about sinkholes in Florida and USGS research and available publications. They were preparing a response to a Congressional Inquiry.

USGS Everglades

The USGS EDEN Hydrologic Data Portal was highlighted in University of Florida (UF) press release following the publication of "Validation and ecosystems application of the EDEN water-surface model for the Florida Everglades," in the journal Ecohydrology by Pamela Telis (FISC-Ft. Lauderdale) and UF's Frank Mazzotti. It was picked up by Brown and Caldwell Florida Water News and the science website PhysOrg.com. The Palm Beach Post also ran an article on September 19.

USGS Scientists Study Ocean Acidification and Carbon Cycling on West Florida Shelf

Dr. Lisa Robbins, Paul Knorr, Mark Hansen, Nate Smiley (FISC-St. Petersburg) and University of South Florida scientists finished a 5 day cruise in August off the west Florida Shelf collecting water data as part of the USGS "Response of the West Florida Shelf to Climate Change" project.

To evaluate ocean acidification, the cruise followed a "zig zag" track from Crystal River, Florida to the 10,000 Islands area, about 100 miles off shore, covering over 1000 miles to collect data such as pCO₂ air, pCO₂ seawater, pH of seawater, total carbon, radon (groundwater input), salinity, temperature, fluorescence, and blue green algae cell counts. These data are being used to evaluate where or whether the west Florida shelf is a sink or source of carbon dioxide and to elucidate carbon cycling on the shelf. The carbonate saturation state of the water will also be calculated and used in conjunction with data collected over the same area in February 2009 and August 2008, to evaluate seasonal variability.

Find out more: Florida Shelf Geochemistryposted: 2009-09-11

Discover Magazine to Feature Article about Fertilizers, Mining and Watershed for December Issue

On September 2, Ann Tihansky (FISC-St. Petersburg) was interviewed about Florida geology, mining of phosphate deposits and watershed impacts associated with both fertilizer use and mining activities in west-central Florida. The article is expected to be an overview report using the Peace River watershed as an example of fertilizer-related impacts to watersheds and coastal waters based on previous USGS reports. The article is slated to appear in the December magazine issue.

USGS 'Scientist at Work' featured in the New York Times

Abby Sallenger, chief of the USGS National Assessment of Coastal Change Hazards project, was featured in the New York Times September 1, 2009 in an article by Cornelia Dean.

The article: "Scientist at Work: Asbury H. Sallenger Jr. The Geologist’s Tale: A Storm, a Survivor and a Vanishing Island" highlighted Abby's work as both a coastal geologist and as a science communicator.

Learn more about the USGS Coastal Change Hazards program at: Coastal Change Hazards: Hurricanes and Extreme Stormsposted: 2009-09-02

USGS Recognized by St. Petersburg’s Mayor at Top Apple Awards

On August 12, St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Baker presented Top Apple Awards to schools and their corporate partners who have earned an ‘A’ rating or improved their standing with the state of Florida. The Top Apple awards recognized the USGS partnership with Baypoint Elementary. It is the fifth year that this partnership has received this award. Jack Kindinger and Ann Tihansky (FISC-St. Petersburg) along with Baypoint Principal Gaye Lively, received the award in the City Council Chambers. The event was attended by community leaders from local and state government including representatives from Senator Nelson and Governor Crist's offices.

For more information, see Mayor's Mentors and More

USGS Scientist Participant in International Working Group on Ocean Acidification

Lisa Robbins, FISC-St. Petersburg, has accepted the invitation to serve on the international working group of ocean acidification that is comprised of the two groups: SOLAS (Surface Ocean- Lower Atmosphere Study) and IMBER (Integrated Marine Biogeochemistry and Ecosystem Research). Lisa represents the US along with Richard Feely of NOAA. Other participating nations include: Germany, China, France and the United Kingdom.

Read more about ocean acidification: Response of Florida Shelf Ecosystems to Climate Change

USGS Invited to City of St. Petersburg’s Top Apple Awards

On August 12, Mayor Rick Baker will present Top Apple Awards to schools and their corporate partners who have earned an ‘A’ rating or improved their standing with the state of Florida. Jack Kindinger and Ann Tihansky (FISC-St. Petersburg) will represent the USGS at the ceremony in the City Council Chambers along with representatives from Baypoint Elementary School who have been partners in the city program since 2003.

USGS Supports NASA and DOI Coastal Facilities, Resources Management

USGS scientist Nathaniel Plant (FISC-St Petersburg) was invited to contribute his expertise on quantifying dune vulnerability to a NASA-sponsored workshop on "Climate Change Impacts & Adaptation: NASA Mission & Infrastructure" held July 28-30 at Kennedy Space Center, Florida.

The workshop addressed management issues on NASA facilities in coastal and arid environments susceptible to effects of climate change. NASA's climate change scientists met with their environmental and facilities managers to determine how to apply climate change science to managing NASA's resources and capabilities. These properties also contain natural resources managed by Department of Interior. USGS expertise can support NASA's global climate prediction by providing knowledge and observations of surface and ground water, geology, and topography.

Coastal Science and Management Website Provides USGS LIDAR, Maps, Publications

The Decision Support for Coastal Science and Management project has a new website. This project, sponsored by the USGS Coastal and Marine Geology Program (CMGP), uses remote-sensing, mapping, and point-monitoring tools based on aircraft and satellite sensors. This unique integrated package supports improved timing and scale of conservation and management decisions by National Park Service (NPS) and other agencies. Visit the site to learn more about project objectives, existing mapping capabilities, on-going research and collaboration, publications, and published LIDAR data products.

Visit the site: Decision Support for Coastal Science and Managementposted: 2009-08-07

Surprising Diversity and Abundance of Corals Found Growing on Mangrove Prop Roots

USGS-research biologist Caroline Rogers (FISC-St. John, USVI) documented 28 species of scleractinian corals growing on or near red mangrove prop roots in Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument in St. John, US Virgin Islands.  Growth of such a high diversity of coral species has not been previously documented in the scientific literature. The discovery also suggests the diversity in these mangroves may be higher than in any other Caribbean mangrove systems. The 1-page article was published on-line July 12, in Coral Reefs, the Journal of the International Society for Reef Studies.

Coral Cores Collected to Study Trends in Coral Growth, Ocean Acidification

USGS scientists Ryan P. Moyer (Mendenhall Fellowship), Nathan Smiley, and Chris DuFore (FISC-St. Petersburg) traveled to Puerto Rico 14-23 July 2009 where they collected eight coral cores from large colonies of star and brain corals from the reefs of La Parguera. Preliminary estimates indicate the cores contain multi-century archives of coral growth and ocean chemistry that will help scientists understand the impacts of ocean acidification on coral growth and calcification. Data on historical coral growth, calcification, and skeletal geochemistry will be extracted from the cores. Collaborators at USGS and NOAA plan to combine the core data with modern ocean pH measurements to better understand how corals have responded to past changes in ocean chemistry. This work will better enable scientists to predict future coral response to ocean acidification.

USGS Contributes to Long-term Planning for St. Petersburg Science Festival

The City of St. Petersburg downtown partners, along with other local, state and federal science agencies, universities, and high-tech companies in the area are in the early planning stages of a major downtown science festival currently slated to be held in 2011. The festival is to be modeled after the San Diego or Cambridge science festivals, which are part of a National Science Festivals Network. The experience of planning and holding the annual USGS Open House and other community outreach events are valuable expertise to the planning consortium.  Jack Kindinger and Ann Tihansky represent the USGS along with partners from NOAA, the state’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, SRI and many others.

For more information see: http://www.sdsciencefestival.com/

NEW DISCOVRE Kicks off Second Field Season With Exploratory Cruise off Cape Canaveral

From August 6-17, Amanda Demopoulos (FISC-Gainesville), Cheryl Morrison (Leetown Science Center), and Julie Galkiewicz (FISC-St. Petersburg), Steve Ross (UNCW, Chief Scientist), and several others from outside USGS will take part in the first of four cruises for the second field season of DISCOVRE. DISCOVRE (Diversity, Systematics, and Connectivity of Vulnerable Reef Ecosystems) is a 4-year, multi-agency project to characterize the biological diversity, population connectivity, and food webs of deep coral habitats. The first cruise will focus on the deep water off Cape Canaveral using the 4-personsubmersible Johnson-Sea-Link (JSL) and other methods to collect organisms associated with the reefs, from the tiniest microbes up to the largest fishes and invertebrates. Scientists will be making daily blog entries on the ship’s log that will be accessible to the public and will enable scientists to share new discoveries in near real-time.

Maps of the field sites, cruise plans and scientist’s blogs are available online at: http://fl.biology.usgs.gov/DISCOVRE/discovre_gmap.html

South Carolina WSC hosts Everglades Depth Estimation Network (EDEN) data management meeting in Columbia, SC

South Carolina WSC hosts Everglades Depth Estimation Network (EDEN) data management meeting in Columbia, SC.  EDEN is an integrated network of real-time water-level gaging stations, ground-elevation models, and water-surface models designed to provide scientists, engineers, and water-resource managers with real-time water-depth information for the entire freshwater portion of the greater Everglades. Members of the EDEN project team from Texas, the South Carolina Water Science Center and FISC met in Columbia during the week of July 27 to address ways to improve the efficiency of data transfer and data management issues.

Find out more: The Everglades Depth Estimation Network (EDEN)

USGS Scientist to Discuss Lidar Technology at Gulf Beaches Rotary Monthly Meeting

Amar Nayegandhi (FISC-St. Petersburg) will be speaking to the Gulf Beaches Rotary Club at the Treasure Island Tennis and Yacht Club on August 4. The group requested a science luncheon speaker and is particularly interested in Lidar technology. Amar will be talking about lidar technology and applications pertaining to better understanding of coastal hazards and measuring resiliency of coastal communities.

Read more about LIDAR: Experimental Advanced Airborne Research Lidar (EAARL)

See: Lidar for Lunch at St. Petersburg, Florida, Propeller Club

FOX-13 Tampa Preparing Pre-Storm Programming with USGS Coastal Hazards Science

The local Fox affiliate in the Tampa Bay area interviewed Abby Sallenger about possible expectations for coastal communities during hurricane season using Hurricane Ike and the Texas coastline as a comparison to encourage communities to prepare. The news station is anticipating programming needs in advance of an approaching storm. The story is likely to air in late July or August unless a hurricane threatens the west-coast of Florida sooner.

USGS Scientist Radio Interview with Barometer Bob Show Kicks Off Hurricane Season

Hilary Stockdon (FISC-St. Petersburg) appeared as one of three guests on the Barometer Bob Radio Show marking the first day of hurricane season.

Hilary discussed the role of USGS research in understanding coastal change and working with other agencies to coordinate forecasting of coastal vulnerabilities in advance of extreme storm landfall. The other two guests were Dan Brown (senior forecaster for the National Hurricane Center), and Will Shaffer (chief of the National Weather Service evaluation branch in Silver Spring, Maryland also known as the 'godfather' of storm surge).

Aquifer Microbial Ecology Presented to Broward County

On June 19, John Lisle (FISC-St. Petersburg) presented “The Significance of Bacteria, Viruses and Ciliates in the Upper Floridan Aquifer” to Broward County, Florida’s Water Advisory Board’s Technical Advisory Committee.

His presentation summarized recent research data on the microbial ecology within the Upper Floridan Aquifer and how microbial processes influence geochemical and water quality variables of regulatory interest. The Upper Floridan Aquifer in this region of Florida is being considered as a resource for drinking water and a repository for injected treated waters.

USGS Hosts United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization Water Education Lectures

For the last several years, USGS, South Florida Water Management District, and Florida Earth Foundation, have sponsored a lecture series with the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization’s International Institute for Hydrologic and Environmental Engineering (UNESCO-IHE) Institute for Water Education.

On June 10-11, Heather Henkel (FISC-St. Petersburg) presented a lecture on "South Florida Information Access (SOFIA) website" and "The Everglades Depth Estimation Network (EDEN)" in addition to coordinating 12 other talks covering various topics including hydrology, modeling, climate change, and data integration.

Speakers included those from USGS, US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), National Park Service (NPS), the University of Florida, and Florida Atlantic University. Twenty students from Africa, South America, and Asia, participated in this lecture series along with Dr. Biswa Bhattacharya from UNESCO-IHE.

For more information, visit UNESCO Institute for Water Educationposted: 2009-06-25

Former FISC Journalism Intern Writes Story on Ocean Acidification for Maui Time

As a follow-up to World Oceans Day on June 8, previous USGS journalism intern and now reporter with Maui Time, Kathryn Bradshaw, is writing a piece about ocean acidification that will feature USGS science and images that is expected to appear as the cover story on June 18.

Bradshaw spent the summer of 2006 as a journalism intern at FISC-St.Petersburg where she covered the topic for a Sound Waves article: "Discovering the Effects of CO₂ Levels on Marine Life and Global Climate."

Read the Maui Time story: Bad Chemistryposted: 2009-06-25

FISC Scientist Participates in Coral Genomics Workshop

On June 21-27, Christina Kellogg (FISC-St. Petersburg) will attend an intensive workshop titled “Coral Genomics for the Non-Genomic Scientist” sponsored by NOAA and the National Coral Reef Institute. Twenty students (from Italy, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mexico, Spain,Tanzania, the United Kingdom, and the USA) will meet at the US FWS National Conservation Training Center in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, to learn about genome biology, transcriptomics, new sequencing technologies, microarray analyses, and bioinformatics tools and databases.

For more information, visit the course web siteposted: 2009-06-25

USGS Ecologists Interviewed on Everglades Restoration for ‘Focus Earth’ Series

Ecologists Drs. Stephanie Romañach and Kristen Hart (USGS-Florida Integrated Science Center) appeared on an episode of Planet Green Channel’s nationally-broadcasted television show ‘Focus Earth’ dedicated to the restoration of the Everglades.

Stephanie and Kristen, along with colleagues from FWS, NPS, and University of Florida, were interviewed about issues surrounding Everglades restoration, and how the science conducted by USGS helps meet restoration goals. The interviews as well as highlights of Dr. Hart's field work appear on the show 'Focus Earth' throughout the week starting June 13.

For more information, visit: Focus Earth: June 13, 2009: Everglades Nevermore and Snake Invadersposted: 2009-06-25

Sea-Level Rise, Coastal Vulnerability, Key Issues for Climate Change in Southeast US

A report prepared by the US Global Change Research Program, "Southeast Regional Highlights from the Global Climate Change Impacts in the United States" included research conducted by the USGS Coastal Change Hazards Team. USGS work is discussed in the context of sea-level rise and increased vulnerability of coastal communities as being among the most serious consequences of climate change for the region. USGS images and calculated land loss after Hurricane Katrina in the Chandeleur Islands, Louisiana are used to illustrate potential impacts for other coastal communities throughout the southeast.

Read the report: Southeast Regional Highlights from the Global Climate Change Impacts in the United States (316 KB PDF)posted: 2009-06-17

FISC Scientist leads SCUBAnauts to Capitol Hill during Oceans Week

Chris Moses, one of several leaders of the local SCUBAnauts groups, will be taking a group of 22 SCUBAnauts to Capitol Hill during Oceans Week June 9-10. The SCUBAnaut International program is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that trains youth ranging in age from 12-18 to become stewards of the ocean environment and explorers of tomorrow. The group is scheduled to meet with key NOAA officials as well as several Congressmen. The SCUBAnaut program will also be recognized at the Seventh Annual National Marine Sanctuary Foundation Leadership Awards Dinner for its efforts in education and ocean stewardship.

Visit the web site: SCUBAnauts International

Coral Coring Used To Analyze Ocean Chemistry, Climate Change

Ryan P. Moyer is collaborating with a team of scientists who collected four coral cores from large brain corals in the shallow waters near Stuart, in Martin County, Florida on June 5-6. Analysis of the cores will generate data on historical coral growth, calcification, and skeletal geochemistry related the historical seawater geochemistry and water quality in the region, providing insights into ocean chemistry and climate change. Moyer will relate the core data to past changes in sea surface pH recorded in the coral skeletons to investigate ocean acidification as part of his Mendenhall Fellowship research.

FISC Scientist Speaks on Ocean Acidification For World Oceans Day

To celebrate World Oceans Day 2009 on June 8, Ilsa Kuffner (FISC-St Petersburg) joined Research Engineer Lori Adornato and Ocean Conservancy Southeast Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico Director in a panel discussion following the public screening of the movie, A Sea Change: Imagine a World without Fish. Dr. Bill Hogarth, Dean of University of South Florida's College of Marine Science, kicked off the event, which was hosted by the International Ocean Institute, USA and shown at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute's Auditorium. The film, which is not yet released, is geared for general audiences to raise awareness about global effects from changes in ocean chemistry. The film's trailer is available online.

Find out more: A Sea Change: Imagine a World Without Fish

FISC Geologist Discusses Coastal Impacts of Extreme Storms with Journalists

Abby Sallenger was invited to speak at this summer's Scripps Howard Institute on the Environment held June 1-6, 2009 at Florida Atlantic University in Jupiter, Florida.

The program offers "an intensive week-long program of continuing education for professional journalists...who report on environmental topics."

Sallenger's session, titled "The Impact of Extreme Storms as the World's Oceans Rise: Disappearing Barrier Islands" shared impacts of Hurricane Katrina on the Chandeleur Islands of Louisiana and how the observed degradation may be an indication of future impacts in the southeast U.S. from hurricanes riding on rising seas.

Find out more: 'Hurricane Highway' Islands: Rebuild Or Retreat?

USGS Providing Lidar Data to Analyze Dune Vulnerability at Cape Canaveral

Between the backdrop of NASA's space shuttle "Endeavour" and trails of nesting sea turtles scattered across the beach, eroding sand dunes protect NASA's infrastructure from storms while supporting a rich coastal habitat.

On May 28, 2009, USGS scientists and collaborators teamed up to survey the dunes using Experimental Advanced Airborne Lidar system. The Lidar topographic and bathymetric data are being used to support a dune vulnerability study that is documenting changes in the beach due to recent storms. This information can help predict changes due to future storms and will be used by NASA and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to manage the coast in a way that balances the needs of the space program and the wildlife at Cape Canaveral.

Read more: Integrated Remote Sensing and Modeling Group

USGS Conducts Ocean Acidification Research in Florida Bay

USGS scientists deployed the SHARQ underwater incubation chamber on the seafloor of Lignumvitae Basin off the Peterson Keys in Florida Bay from May 3 to 14, 2009.

This deployment was part of a collaborative field expedition to standardize field and laboratory methods among partner academic institutions participating in ocean acidification research. Data were collected to examine diurnal trends in coral reef community calcification and metabolism, benthic microbial respiration, and water column geochemistry related to increased levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide. Additional work was completed on developing standardized geochemical methods needed for concurrent work being performed by the partner institutions.

Read more: Coral Reef Builders Vulnerable to Ocean Acidificationposted: 2009-06-08

USGS to Participate in Dialogue on Climate Change and Coastal Conservation

The dialogue is meant to stimulate a discussion of issues pertaining to climate change and coastal conservation and is scheduled for October 23, 2009. USGS scientists Lisa Robbins and Ann Tihansky currently are participating in planning this community education event and representing USGS science. It is likely that other USGS scientists will be involved as planning progresses.

Read more: Cutting Edge Conservation

USGS: Your Resource During Hurricane Season

When hurricanes strike, you can find critical information to help protect lives and property at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) hurricane Web site.

More than half of the U.S. population lives within 50 miles of a coast — and coastal populations are increasing. Many of these areas, especially the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, will be in the direct path of hurricanes.

Read the Press Release

NewsChannel8 Interviews USGS Scientist for Hurricane Season Special

Meteorologist Leigh Spann, with News Channel 8, Tampa-St. Petersburg, interviewed Abby Sallenger as part of an hour-long special on Hurricanes that will air on May 30. Spann was particularly interested in using Ike as an example of what could happen along the west coast of Florida during hurricane season. Sallenger discussed the effects of seawalls, storm surge levels and current considerations based on elevation and construction types throughout west-central Florida.

learn more: Coastal Change Hazards: Hurricanes and Extreme Stormsposted: 2009-05-13

Community Discussion About Ocean Acidification in Tandem with Film Screening

FISC-St.Pete scientist Ilsa Kuffner will be participating on a discussion panel about ocean acidification along with John Ogden, Director of the Florida Institute of Oceanography and member Florida Oceans and Coastal Council along with other scientists. The panel discussion will take place after the community viewing of the film, "A Sea Change."

The film will be shown June 8, 2009 at the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute’s Auditorium in St. Petersburg, FL. The event is being organized by the International Ocean Institute – USA to raise awareness and focus public attention on this urgent but little-known crisis.

The film follows retired educator and concerned grandfather Sven Huseby back to stunning ancestral sites (Norway, Alaska the Pacific Northwest) where he finds cutting-edge ocean research underway. His journey of self-discovery brings adventure, surprise and revelation to the hard science of acidification.

USGS Conducts Ocean Acidification Research in La Parguera Puerto Rico

USGS scientists deployed the “SHARQ” underwater incubation chamber on the fore-reef slope of Cayo Enrique Reef at La Parguera, Puerto Rico during March 18 - 31, 2009. This deployment was part of a multi-agency field expedition to standardize ocean acidification research field and laboratory methods among partnering agencies participating in ocean acidification research. Data were collected for examining diurnal trends in coral reef community calcification and metabolism related to elevated levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide. Additional work was completed on developing standardized geochemical methods needed for concurrent work being performed by partnering agencies.

Hazards of Storm Surge and USGS science recognized in Houston Chronicle article

USGS science featured prominently in an article by Eric Berger as a result of an interview at the National Hurricane Conference in Austin, Texas April 8, 2009. Abby Sallenger, USGS Florida Integrated Science Center – St. Petersburg conducted the interview and used the exhibit display graphics to illustrate the significance that storm surge had on the low-lying Texas coast and how these conditions leave it vulnerable to future storms.

Read the story: Hurricane leaves Bolivar open to surges Houston Chronicle

Abby Sallenger Receives Award at 2009 National Hurricane Conference

Abby Sallenger, USGS Florida Integrated Science Center - St. Petersburg, was recognized with a Special Award for Outstanding Achievement in Oceanography by the 2009 National Hurricane Conference for revolutionizing the study of hurricane impacts through more quantitative measurements of coastal erosion after severe storms and helping emergency managers cope with coastal erosion following Hurricanes Ike and Katrina. Abby was recognized with other award recipients at a special luncheon for all conference participants.

Workshop for Recreational Boaters

Sponsored by the Gulf of Mexico Coastal Observing System and SeaGrant.

The Gulf of Mexico Coastal Observing System (GCOOS) is offering a free workshop February 4-5 at the USGS-St. Petersburg to provide a forum for the recreational boating community to learn about integrated ocean observing, observational data and other products designed to meet the needs of recreational boaters. Learn how to find data about ocean temperature, wave heights, satellite observations and more.

Workshop sessions will cover topics such as: search and rescue, fishing, diving, and offshore cruising. Pre-registration is required. For more information: GCOOS

2008 Annual Open House a Success

New National Geographic series features USGS science in the Everglades

The program, called "America's Wild Spaces, The Everglades," aired on November 27, 2008. The crew filmed USGS scientists Gordon Anderson and Karen Balentine (contracted through Jacobs Technology, Inc.) as they conducted field measurements and assisted Everglades National Park staff. The USGS scientists were invited to participate by Vic Engel of Everglades National Park. The National Geographic crew, supervised by Brian Armstrong, filmed work being done as part of the joint study between the USGS and the National Park Service. Both USGS scientists assisted Vic Engel, a NPS hydrologist, with his measurements as part of his study looking at atmospheric carbon dioxide while National Geographic filmed. In addition, the National Geographic crew filmed Karen and Gordon measuring coastal sediment at a sediment elevation table. National Geographic videographer gets a shot with a 'bird's eye view' from the 80-foot tower instrumented to measure atmospheric carbon and other climatic parameters. The final film product, a 50-minute TV program slated for National Geographic television has the working title "Secret Everglades" and follows two earlier released programs called "Secret Yosemite" and "Secret Yellowstone." All are part of a series about America's National Parks in time to coincide with the National Parks Centennial. The program aired November 27th and copies should be available on DVD for sale at the Park's visitor's center by the end of 2008.

Gene Shinn wins the Twenhofel Award

Dr. Gene Shinn, who retired from the USGS after more than 30 years, will receive the 2009 William H. Twenhofel Medal from the Society of Sedimentary Geology (SEPM). The highest award given by the SEPM, the Twenhofel Medal is awarded annually to a person for his or her "Outstanding Contributions to Sedimentary Geology."

Nominees are chosen for having made outstanding contributions to paleontology, sedimentology, stratigraphy, and/or allied scientific disciplines. The contributions normally involve extensive personal research, but may involve some combination of research, teaching, administration, or other activities which have notably advanced scientific knowledge in Sedimentary Geology.

According to Gray Multer, a geologist well-known for his work in the carbonate environments of the Bahamas and Florida, "Congratulations to Gene Shinn for being awarded the prestigious Twenhofel Medal by the Society for Sedimentary Geology The honor is long overdue. As a lifelong friend I have always been impressed with his ability to often perceive truths before others do, to warn us of risks, and to seek realistic and appropriate solutions. Some important challenges he alone has solved yet stays open for dialog. We are lucky to have Gene Shinn on our side."

As a researcher dedicated to working in the field, Gene encourages discussion and innovative thinking. He is never afraid to speak his mind or get on the hot seat amidst controversy and heated discussion. Gene joins the ranks of some very distinguished geologists such as Bouma, Folk, Ginsburg, Imbrie, Schlager, and Vail, who have shaped major concepts in understanding earth processes and history. Congratulations Gene!

William H. Twenhofel (1875-1957) Yale PhD (1912), is regarded as the "patriarch of sedimentary geology", was member of the National Research Council, and retired in 1945 from an illustrious academic career at the University of Wisconsin Madison. The Department of Geology at the University of Wisconsin has been one of the top programs in the US for decades. Twenhofel co-founded the Journal of Sedimentary Petrology (now, Journal of Sedimentary Research) one of premier journals in this field.

Gene will receive the award at the Society's annual meeting in Denver June, 2009.

USGS Science in USA Today Article

USGS participation in the 11th Coral Reef Symposium was included in an article in USA Today on July 13.

Read the article: Rough seas: One-third of coral reef species face extinction

USGS scientist Ginger Garrison was interviewed by National Geographic

USGS scientist Ginger Garrison was interviewed by National Geographic about her presentation on the impact of dust on coral reefs.

Read the July 14 article: Tainted African Dust Clouds Harm U.S., Caribbean Reefsposted: 2008-07-24

Using Science to Stay Informed and Prepared for Hurricanes

More than half of the U.S. population lives within 50 miles of a coastline. Hurricanes affect the Atlantic and Gulf coasts and as population and development trends escalate in coastal areas, future storms will inflict greater destruction. The USGS web page offers resources and tools used to assess coastal changes and coastal vulnerabilities to extreme storms that may help emergency planners better prepare themselves for a potential landfall.

• Aerial photography both before and after a hurricane demonstrates the impact of extreme storms on coastal environments. See collections of before and after photos: http://coastal.er.usgs.gov/hurricanes/isabel/
  
  
• Lidar maps of coastlines before and after extreme storm events are used to analyze coastal change. Learn how beaches respond to waves and storm surge. An example after Hurricane Isabel is shown here: http://coastal.er.usgs.gov/hurricanes/isabel/lidar.html
  
  
• Maps of potential inundation of the beach system during direct hurricane landfall are created and shown here: http://coastal.er.usgs.gov/nps-beaches/

When a hurricane approaches the coast, USGS scientists will update potential inundation maps. Please visit: http://coastal.er.usgs.gov/hurricanes/

USGS St. Petersburg Dedicates New Building

Jack Kindinger, Associate Center Director of the Florida Integrated Science Center - St. Petersburg, welcomed Congressman C.W. Bill Young; USGS Deputy Director Robert Doyle; Florida Integrated Science Center Director Barry Rosen, USGS Oceanographer Lisa Robbins, University of South Florida President Judy Genshaft; Peter Betzer, President and CEO of the St. Petersburg Downtown Partnership, and Martin Normile of the Community Foundation of Tampa Bay to the dedication ceremony of USGS - St. Petersburg's newest building.

The 11,400 square-foot building, which features six state-of-the-art labs, a dive locker, and 12 offices, is the third within the USGS campus and is the latest addition to the C.W. Bill Young Marine Science Complex located along the waterfront in downtown St. Petersburg. The C.W. Bill Young Marine Science Complex consists of the USF College of Marine Science and its Center for Ocean Technology, the USGS Florida Integrated Science Center, the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Tampa Bay Estuary Program, the Southwest Regional Office of the National Marine Fisheries Service, Florida Sea Grant, Eckerd College, and the Florida Institute of Oceanography.

Dr. Chris Kellogg's guest blog post on Deep Sea News

Christina Kellogg is featured as a guest blogger on Deep Sea News. Here is an excerpt from the blog:

"Corals don't usually know what country they are living in, and those that do assure me that it does not affect their biology, just their politics. So, imagine the enthusiasm greeting the announcement of an Atlantic Ocean-wide research program to study coldwater coral ecosystems. That's right, we're talking about big picture science from the ground (or seafloor) up!"

Read the blog: http://scienceblogs.com/deepseanews/2008/03/science_beyond_borders.phpposted: 2008-03-14

USGS FISC scientist Ilsa Kuffner to participate in press conference at the 2008 Ocean Sciences Meeting Orlando, March 4, 2008

Ilsa Kuffner will be participating in a press conference based upon the findings of the Ocean Science Meeting Session #144 "Coral Reefs: Impacts of Environmental Alterations and Climate Change on Coral Biology and Biogeochemistry, and Links Between Dissolved Organic Matter." Three abstracts were chosen from the session to participate in the press conference. Ilsa will be joined on the panel by Andrea Grottoli (Ohio State University) and Christopher Shank (University of Texas at Austin).

The press conference will occur in room W307D at 10:00AM, March 4, 2008.

More information: 2008 Ocean Sciences Meeting

USGS scientists participate in international science plan workshop on deep-sea coral ecosystems

Florida Integrated Science Center scientists Amanda Demopoulos and Christina Kellogg, along with Leetown Science Center scientist Cheryl Morrison, are participating in the TRACES (Trans-Atlantic Coral Ecosystem Study) workshop February 28 and 29 at University of North Carolina’s Center for Marine Science in Wilmington, North Carolina. The meeting, which is partly sponsored by the USGS, is one of two international meetings planned to bring together scientists and partners to develop a science plan for future deep coral research. One of the workshop organizers is Dr. J. Murray Roberts, who presented a seminar at FISC St. Pete in January 2008. This collaboration relies on cooperation between Canada, the European Union and the United States. TRACES program development also is supported by the Royal Society of Edinburgh and a Marie Curie International fellowship grant from the European Commission.

Benefits of this research include:

• Better understanding of North Atlantic climate history and ecology using cold-water coral records.
• Better understanding genetic and ‘biodiversity’ links among Atlantic coral ecosystems used to develop sound long-term conservation management policies.
• Develop expertise and international partnerships between Canada, E.C. and U.S.
• Raise public understanding and awareness of these hidden coral worlds.

The other workshop will be held in March in Portugal. http://www.lophelia.org/traces/meetings/meetings.htm

USGS FISC St. Petersburg hosts Sea Grant Gulf of Mexico Research Planning Workshop

USGS Florida Integrated Science Center St. Petersburg is hosting a Sea Grant Gulf of Mexico Research Planning Workshop on February 19, 2008. Over 75 participants are expected to attend this workshop, which is one of five being held as part of the Gulf of Mexico Research Plan. The mission is to prioritize research needs for the Gulf of Mexico for 2006-2011 by working through regional stakeholder inputs and implementation strategies.

More information: Gulf of Mexico Research Planposted: 2008-02-15

Abby Sallenger and Arturo Torres were interviewed by Roy DeJesus of Bay News 9 en espanol

Abby Sallenger and Arturo Torres were interviewed by Roy DeJesus of Bay News 9 en espanol, a local television channel broadcasting news 24-hours a day in spanish. Abby talked about future coastal impacts in Florida using present trends observed in Louisiana as a likely scenario for Florida in the next 50 to 100 years. Arturo also reviewed climate change in terms of Earth history and human impacts but conducted his interview in Spanish. Their interviews are part of a 5-part series on climate change and sea-level rise impacts in Florida. It will likely air within a few weeks.

More infomation: Bay News 9 en espanol

posted: 2008-02-15

Global Climate Change and Sea-Level Rise in Florida A Conversation Between Scientists and the Media

February 6, 2008
University of South Florida St. Petersburg
To be held at the Poynter Institute for Media Studies
801 Third Street South, St. Petersburg, Florida

This intensive day-long training will help scientists and journalists communicate more effectively with each other and therefore with the public. By helping scientists and the media work more productively together, the conference will facilitate the flow of critical scientific information to the public and policy makers. The topic of this conference is the predicted effects of global climate change and the susceptibility of coastal Florida to a one-meter sea level rise.

More information: Science and Media

Coral Reef Builders Vulnerable to Ocean Acidification

USGS News Release: 1/4/2008 6:39:20 PM.

As pH declines in the world's oceans, the effects on coral reefs could be more harmful than previously thought. This pH decline, a process known as "ocean acidification," occurs due to absorption of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. As a result, the growth of reef builders may be severely inhibited.

More information: USGS News Release

Strategic Science for Coral Ecosystems

Shallow and deep coral ecosystems are being imperiled by a combination of stressors. Climate change, unsustainable fishing practices, and disease are transforming coral communities at regional to global scales. At local levels, excessive amounts of sediments, nutrients, and contaminants are also impacting the many benefits that healthy coral ecosystems provide.

This Plan, Strategic Science for Coral Ecosystems, describes the information needs of resource managers and summarizes current research being conducted by U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) scientists and partners. It outlines important research actions that need to be undertaken over the next five years to achieve more accurate forecasting of future conditions and develop more effective decision-support tools to adaptively manage coral ecosystems.

The overarching outcome of this Plan, if fully implemented, would be in transferring relevant knowledge to decision-makers, enabling them to better protect and sustain coral ecosystem services. These services include sources of food, essential habitat for fisheries and protected species, protection of coastlines from wave damage and erosion, recreation, and cultural values for indigenous communities.

Read the plan: Strategic Science for Coral Ecosystems (837 KB PDF)

USGS Oceanographer Abby Sallenger recognized for Communications

The USGS Office of Communications and Outreach recognized USGS Oceanographer Abby Sallenger for Lifetime Achievement in Communication.

Read more: Abby Sallenger recognized for Communications

USGS To Host Congressional Briefings on How Science is Used to Respond to Hurricanes

Media Advisory: 1/24/2008 12:04:56 PM

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) will host Congressional briefings on how science can be used to prepare for and react to hurricanes and will issue a new report, "Science and the Storms: The USGS Response to the Hurricanes of 2005." The peer-reviewed report covers scientific studies performed after Hurricanes Dennis, Katrina, Rita, and Wilma. Some of this response took place days after the hurricanes; other responses included fieldwork and analysis through the spring of 2006.

More information: Media Advisory

The Florida Integrated Science Center's 9th Annual Open House and Earth Science Day

The "Pulse of Earth Science" was the theme for the 2007 Open House. Keeping track of earth processes on our changing planet is much of what scientists do. Scientists monitor the pulse of many different natural systems. By measuring, monitoring, and observing, scientists keep track of many fascinating secrets of our natural world. Come visit with scientists and see how they keep their fingers on the pulse of our changing planet.

Read more: Florida Integrated Science Center's Annual Open House