Modeled extreme total water levels along the U.S. west coast

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Frequently anticipated questions:

What does this data set describe?

Title: Modeled extreme total water levels along the U.S. west coast
Abstract:
This dataset contains information on the probabilities of storm-induced erosion (collision, inundation and overwash) for each 100-meter (m) section of the United States Pacific coast for return period storm scenarios. The analysis is based on a storm-impact scaling model that uses observations of beach morphology combined with sophisticated hydrodynamic models to predict how the coast will respond to the hydrodynamic forcing. Storm-induced water levels, due to both surge and waves, are compared to coastal elevations to determine the probabilities of three types of coastal change: collision (dune erosion), overwash, and inundation. Data on morphology (dune crest and toe elevation) and hydrodynamics (storm surge, wave setup and runup) are also included in this dataset. As new beach morphology observations and storm predictions become available, this analysis will be updated to describe how coastal vulnerability to storms will vary in the future. The data presented here include the dune morphology observations, as derived from lidar surveys.
Supplemental_Information:
Any use of trade, product, or firm names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.
  1. How might this data set be cited?
    Shope, James B., Erikson, Li H., Barnard, Patrick L., Storlazzi, Curt D., Hardy, Matthew W., and Doran, Kara S., 20210525, Modeled extreme total water levels along the U.S. west coast: data release DOI:10.5066/P95FBGZ1, U.S. Geological Survey, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Santa Cruz, California.

    Online Links:

  2. What geographic area does the data set cover?
    West_Bounding_Coordinate: -124.733361
    East_Bounding_Coordinate: -114.001251
    North_Bounding_Coordinate: 48.391499
    South_Bounding_Coordinate: 32.53431
  3. What does it look like?
  4. Does the data set describe conditions during a particular time period?
    Calendar_Date: 2021
    Currentness_Reference:
    Publication year
  5. What is the general form of this data set?
    Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: comma-separated text files
  6. How does the data set represent geographic features?
    1. How are geographic features stored in the data set?
      This is a Vector data set. It contains the following vector data types (SDTS terminology):
      • String (5388)
    2. What coordinate system is used to represent geographic features?
      Horizontal positions are specified in geographic coordinates, that is, latitude and longitude. Latitudes are given to the nearest 0.0197704367. Longitudes are given to the nearest 0.0239366981. Latitude and longitude values are specified in Decimal Degrees. The horizontal datum used is D WGS 1984.
      The ellipsoid used is WGS 1984.
      The semi-major axis of the ellipsoid used is 6378137.0.
      The flattening of the ellipsoid used is 1/298.257223563.
      Vertical_Coordinate_System_Definition:
      Altitude_System_Definition:
      Altitude_Datum_Name: North American Vertical Datum of 1988
      Altitude_Resolution: 0.001
      Altitude_Distance_Units: meters
      Altitude_Encoding_Method:
      Explicit elevation coordinate included with horizontal coordinates
  7. How does the data set describe geographic features?
    Data results are presented in 10 comma-separated text (.txt) files; one for each different return period (RP) covering the entire study region. File names indicate the RP.
    Probabilities of storm-induced coastal erosion, morphology, and hydrodynamic data (Source: USGS)
    StartLat
    Latitude at start of transect (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:32.53431
    Maximum:48.391621
    Units:decimal degrees
    StartLon
    Longitude at start of transect (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:-124.733361
    Maximum:-117.123903
    Units:decimal degrees
    EndLat
    Latitude at end of transect (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:32.534382
    Maximum:48.390948
    Units:decimal degrees
    EndLon
    Longitude at end of transect (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:-124.73169
    Maximum:-117.119992
    Units:decimal degrees
    TWL
    Total Water Level (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:1.81
    Maximum:18.79
    Units:meters
    TWLLat
    Total Water Level latitude (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:32.534319
    Maximum:48.391621
    Units:decimal degrees
    TWLLon
    Total Water Level longitude (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:-124.732919
    Maximum:-117.119992
    Units:decimal degrees
    DWL
    Dynamic Water Level (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:1.81
    Maximum:9.69
    Units:meters
    DWLLat
    Dynamic Water Level latitude (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:32.534319
    Maximum:48.391621
    Units:decimal degrees
    DWLLon
    Dynamic Water Level longitude (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:-124.733038
    Maximum:-117.119992
    Units:decimal degrees
    zt
    Elevation of the toe of the dune/cliff/other feature (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:-0.03
    Maximum:22.43
    Units:meters
    ztLat
    Latitude of toe (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:32.534319
    Maximum:48.391621
    Units:decimal degrees
    ztLon
    Longitude of toe (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:-124.73254
    Maximum:-117.123259
    Units:decimal degrees
    zc
    Elevation of the crest of the dune/cliff/other feature (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:1.34
    Maximum:214.8
    Units:meters
    zcLat
    Latitude of the crest (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:32.534338
    Maximum:48.391593
    Units:decimal degrees
    zcLon
    Longitude of the crest (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:-124.732242
    Maximum:-117.122757
    Units:decimal degrees
    MHW
    Mean High Water elevation (shoreline) (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.272608548
    Maximum:2.498635918
    Units:meters
    MHWLat
    Latitude of Mean High Water elevation (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:32.53431
    Maximum:48.391621
    Units:decimal degrees
    MHWLon
    Longitude of Mean High Water elevation (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:-124.733361
    Maximum:-117.123903
    Units:decimal degrees
    Swash_Prob
    Probability of swash regime (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:1
    Units:percent
    Collision_Prob
    Probability of collision regime (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:1
    Units:percent
    OverWash_Prob
    Probability of overwash regime (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:1
    Units:percent
    Innundation_Prob
    Probability of innundation regime (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:1
    Units:percent
    DPY_Swash
    days per year of swash (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:365.25
    Units:days per year
    DPY_Collision
    days per year of collision (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:365.25
    Units:days per year
    DPY_OverWash
    days per year of overwash (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:290.64
    Units:days per year
    DPY_Innundation
    days per year of innundation (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:365.25
    Units:days per year
    Entity_and_Attribute_Overview: The first line of the text file is a header line.
    Entity_and_Attribute_Detail_Citation: U.S. Geological Survey

Who produced the data set?

  1. Who are the originators of the data set? (may include formal authors, digital compilers, and editors)
    • James B. Shope
    • Li H. Erikson
    • Patrick L. Barnard
    • Curt D. Storlazzi
    • Matthew W. Hardy
    • Kara S. Doran
  2. Who also contributed to the data set?
  3. To whom should users address questions about the data?
    U.S. Geological Survey, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
    Attn: PCMSC Science Data Coordinator
    2885 Mission Street
    Santa Cruz, CA

    831-427-4747 (voice)
    pcmsc_data@usgs.gov

Why was the data set created?

To provide data on the probability of storm-induced coastal erosion hazards for the coasts of the United States.

How was the data set created?

  1. From what previous works were the data drawn?
    TPXO (source 1 of 4)
    Universitiy, Oregon State, 2002, OSU TPXO Tide Model: Oregon State University, online.

    Online Links:

    Type_of_Source_Media: Computer program
    Source_Contribution: Model that was used to estimate still water level
    SWAN (source 2 of 4)
    Delft University of Technology, 20110622, Simulating WAves Nearshore (SWAN) model: Delft University of Technology, online.

    Online Links:

    Type_of_Source_Media: Computer program
    Source_Contribution:
    Model that was used to estimate wave setup and runup conditions for different storms.
    GOM (source 3 of 4)
    Reguero, B., Menéndez, M., Méndez, F., Mínguez, R., and Losada, I., 2012, Global Ocean Waves (GOW): Coastal Engineering, online.

    Online Links:

    Type_of_Source_Media: Computer program
    Source_Contribution:
    Model that was used to estimate wave setup and runup conditions for different storm scenarios. The input wave conditions were numerically downscaled to the nearshore at each transect from the Global Ocean Waves (GOW) model.
    2016 USGS (source 4 of 4)
    Department of Commerce (DOC), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Ocean Service (NOS), Office for Coastal Management (OCM), 20170412, 2016 USGS West Coast El-Nino Lidar DEM (WA, OR, CA): National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, online.

    Online Links:

    Type_of_Source_Media: Online digital data
    Source_Contribution:
    A lidar survey that was used to estimate coastal morphology variables.
  2. How were the data generated, processed, and modified?
    Date: 2021 (process 1 of 3)
    For dune morphology data: Coastal morphology data were extracted from the elevation grid every 10m in MATLAB. Details of the extraction methods can be found in Shope and others, 2021 Data sources used in this process:
    • 2016 USGS
    Data sources produced in this process:
    • Coastal morphology
    Date: 2019 (process 2 of 3)
    For hydrodynamic data: Water level was computed in MATLAB by adding still water level from TPXO to wave setup (SETUP) and runup (RUNUP). The wave height and period used for calculating wave runup and setup came from the SWAN model. Hydrodynamic parameters were calculated in MATLAB. For details on modeling parameterization, see Shope and others (2021). Data sources used in this process:
    • TPXO
    • SWAN
    Data sources produced in this process:
    • Hydrodynamics
    Date: 2019 (process 3 of 3)
    Probabilities of coastal erosion hazards are based on estimating the likelihood that the beach system will experience erosion and deposition patterns consistent with collision, overwash, or inundation regimes. The regimes are calculated by using values of dune morphology and mean and extreme water levels for each 100 m section, such that probability of collision (PCOL) occurs when extreme water levels reach the dune toe; overwash (POVW) when extreme water levels reach the dune crest; and inundation (PIND) when mean water levels reach the dune crest. Probabilities were calculated in MATLAB and exported in ArcGIS format. For details on modeling parameterization, see Shope and others (2021). Data results are presented as comma-separated text (.txt) files; one per return period (RP) covering the entire study region. File names indicate the RP. Data sources used in this process:
    • Dune morphology
    • Hydrodynamics
  3. What similar or related data should the user be aware of?
    Shope, James B., Erikson, Li H., Barnard, Patrick L., Storlazzi, Curt D., Serafin, Katherine A., Doran, Kara J., Stockdon, Hilary F., Reguero, Borja G., Mendez, Fernando J., Castanedo, Sonia, Cid, Alba, and Cagigal, Laura, 2021, Characterizing storm-induced coastal change hazards along the U.S. west coast.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details:
    Shope, J.B., Erikson, L.H., Barnard, P.L., Storlazzi, C.D., Serafin, K.A., Doran, K.J., Stockdon, H.F., Reguero, B.G., Mendez, F.J., Castanedo, S., Cid, A., and Cagigal, L., XXXX, Characterizing storm-induced coastal change hazards along the U.S. west coast: Nature Scientific Data, https://doi.org/XXXXXXXXXXX

How reliable are the data; what problems remain in the data set?

  1. How well have the observations been checked?
    Attribute values were computationally generated and accuracy of water levels, positions, storm-induced erosion probabilities were validated by statistical analyses to ensure that outliers were removed and that the values were consistent in their formulation across the study area. Wave input and downscaling data were compared against NDBC buoy measurements using statistic methods (such as Root Mean Squared Error measurements) to ensure accuracy. No other validation was possible at scale as this is a unique dataset in terms of scope and the produced values are difficult to measure in the field.
  2. How accurate are the geographic locations?
    Horizontal accuracy was not estimated.
  3. How accurate are the heights or depths?
    Vertical accuracy for hydrodynamic measurements (surge, setup, and runup) is dependent on input data. No accuracy checks for these hydrodynamic measurements were performed. Vertical accuracy for dune morphology (dune crest and toe elevation) data is dependent on the positional accuracy of the lidar data. Estimated accuracy of lidar surveys are +/- 15 centimeters. However, vertical accuracies may vary based on the type of terrain (for example, inaccuracies may increase as slope increases or with the presence of extremely dense vegetation), the accuracy of the global positioning system (GPS) and aircraft-attitude measurements.
  4. Where are the gaps in the data? What is missing?
    This dataset includes coastal morphology and hydrodynamic data used to generate probabilities of storm-induced erosion, elevation data from lidar surveys are not included. Measurements were collected approximately every 100-meters (m).
  5. How consistent are the relationships among the observations, including topology?
    No additional checks for consistency were performed on this data.

How can someone get a copy of the data set?

Are there legal restrictions on access or use of the data?
Access_Constraints: None
Use_Constraints:
USGS-authored or produced data and information are in the public domain from the U.S. Government and are freely redistributable with proper metadata and source attribution. Please recognize and acknowledge the U.S. Geological Survey.
  1. Who distributes the data set? (Distributor 1 of 1)
    U.S. Geological Survey - ScienceBase
    Denver Federal Center, Building 810, Mail Stop 302
    Denver, CO

    1-888-275-8747 (voice)
    sciencebase@usgs.gov
  2. What's the catalog number I need to order this data set? These data are available in txt format contained in a single zip file (RP_westcoast.zip), accompanied by CSDGM FGDC compliant metadata.
  3. What legal disclaimers am I supposed to read?
    Although these data have been processed successfully on a computer system at the USGS, no warranty expressed or implied is made regarding the display or utility of the data on any other system, or for general or scientific purposes, nor shall the act of distribution constitute any such warranty. The USGS shall not be held liable for improper or incorrect use of the data described and/or contained herein. Any use of trade, firm, or product names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.
  4. How can I download or order the data?
  5. What hardware or software do I need in order to use the data set?
    These data can be viewed with any text-reading software.

Who wrote the metadata?

Dates:
Last modified: 25-May-2021
Metadata author:
U.S. Geological Survey, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
Attn: PCMSC Science Data Coordinator
2885 Mission Street
Santa Cruz, CA

831-427-4747 (voice)
pcmsc_data@usgs.gov
Metadata standard:
Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata (FGDC-STD-001-1998)
This page is <https://cmgds.marine.usgs.gov/catalog/pcmsc/DataReleases/ScienceBase/DR_P95FBGZ1/RP_Westcoast_metadata.faq.html>
Generated by mp version 2.9.50 on Tue Sep 21 18:17:22 2021