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USGS Conducts Ocean Acidification Research in La Parguera Puerto RicoUSGS 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. posted: 2009-04-17Hazards of Storm Surge and USGS science recognized in Houston Chronicle articleUSGS 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 posted: 2009-04-17Abby Sallenger Receives Award at 2009 National Hurricane ConferenceAbby 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. posted: 2009-04-17Workshop for Recreational BoatersSponsored 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 posted: 2009-01-272008 Annual Open House a SuccessThe USGS FISC - St. Petersburg welcomed more than 1,300 visitors to its 10th annual Open House, a 2-day event held November 5-6, 2008. The first day was Public Day, with the campus open to the general public; the second day was dedicated to 4th-grade students and followed the American Geological Institute's 2008 Earth Science Week theme: "No Child Left Inside."posted: 2008-12-17New National Geographic series features USGS science in the EvergladesThe 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. posted: 2008-12-04Gene Shinn wins the Twenhofel AwardDr. 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. posted: 2008-08-15USGS Science in USA Today ArticleUSGS 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 posted: 2008-07-24USGS scientist Ginger Garrison was interviewed by National GeographicUSGS 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 HurricanesMore 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.
When a hurricane approaches the coast, USGS scientists will update potential inundation maps. Please visit: http://coastal.er.usgs.gov/hurricanes/ posted: 2008-06-05USGS St. Petersburg Dedicates New BuildingJack 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. posted: 2008-04-04Dr. Chris Kellogg's guest blog post on Deep Sea NewsChristina 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, 2008Ilsa 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 posted: 2008-02-28USGS scientists participate in international science plan workshop on deep-sea coral ecosystemsFlorida 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:
The other workshop will be held in March in Portugal. http://www.lophelia.org/traces/meetings/meetings.htm posted: 2008-02-22USGS FISC St. Petersburg hosts Sea Grant Gulf of Mexico Research Planning WorkshopUSGS 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 espanolAbby 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 MediaFebruary 6, 2008 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 posted: 2008-01-30Coral Reef Builders Vulnerable to Ocean AcidificationUSGS 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 posted: 2008-01-30Strategic Science for Coral EcosystemsShallow 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) posted: 2008-01-30USGS Oceanographer Abby Sallenger recognized for CommunicationsThe USGS Office of Communications and Outreach recognized USGS Oceanographer Abby Sallenger for Lifetime Achievement in Communication. Read more: Abby Sallenger recognized for Communications posted: 2008-01-30USGS To Host Congressional Briefings on How Science is Used to Respond to HurricanesMedia 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 posted: 2008-01-24The Florida Integrated Science Center's 9th Annual Open House and Earth Science DayThe "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 posted: 2008-01-24 |