 |
Map showing the Gulf coast and coverage areas. Click on the location name or outline to view the Coastal Classification Maps for that area.
|
The primary purpose of the USGS National Assessment of Coastal Change Project is to provide accurate representations of pre-storm ground conditions for areas that are designated high-priority because they have dense populations or valuable resources that are at risk from storm waves. Another purpose of the project is to develop a geomorphic (land feature) coastal classification that, with only minor modification, can be applied to most coastal regions in the United States. A Coastal Classification Map describing local geomorphic features is the first step toward determining the hazard vulnerability of an area. The National Assessment of Coastal Change Project's Coastal Classification Maps present ground conditions such as beach width, dune elevations, overwash potential, and density of development. In order to complete a hazard vulnerability assessment, that information must be integrated with other information, such as prior storm impacts and beach stability. The Coastal Classification Maps provide much of the basic information for such an assessment and represent a critical component of a storm-impact forecasting capability.
The map of states bordering the Gulf of Mexico at right shows the areas covered by this project. Click on any of the location names or outlines to view the Coastal Classification Maps for that area.
 |
U. S. Department of the Interior | U.S. Geological Survey