23. Historical shoreline positions and coastal change of the U.S. Arctic coast

The Arctic Coastal Plain of northern Alaska is an area of strategic economic importance to the United States, is home to remote Native American communities, and encompasses unique habitats of global significance. Coastal erosion along the Arctic coast is chronic, widespread, and recent evidence suggests that the rate of erosion are among the highest in the world (up to ~16 m/yr), and may be accelerating. Coastal erosion adversely impacts energy-related infrastructure, natural shoreline habitats, and remote communities. Climate change is thought to be a key component of recent changes in the Arctic. Reduced sea-ice cover in the Arctic Ocean is one of the probable mechanisms responsible for increased coastal exposure to wave attack and the resulting increased erosion. Extended periods of permafrost melting and associated decreased bluff cohesion and stability are another possible source of increased erosion. There have been a number of studies documenting past shoreline positions and coastal change but none have examined the entire north coast in a systematic fashion. Earlier studies from selected areas have shown high rates of coastal retreat that vary spatially along the coast.

The USGS is undertaking a quantitative study of historical shoreline positions along the north coast of Alaska as part of a National Assessment of Shoreline Change Project (http://coastal.er.usgs.gov/shoreline-change/ ). However, it is critical to develop a better understanding of the mechanisms that influence coastal geomorphology, stability, sedimentation, and sediment transport in this area. Improved models of Arctic coastal change are needed to accurately forecast future changes associated with Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) projected increases in air temperature and sea level. The primary objective of this postdoctoral research opportunity is to conduct mapping, process, and modeling studies over a range of spatial and temporal scales to understand and quantify the impact of geologic and oceanographic processes on erosion of Alaska’s northern coastline.

Research projects might address:

1. Develop the relationships between shoreline retreat rates and local geology including bluff characteristics, and to assess the impact of shoreline retreat on coastal ecosystems.
2. Field studies of coastal geology, geomorphology, and habitats, and measurements of meteorological and oceanographic processes, to better understand the forcing mechanisms of Arctic coastal change.
3. (Application or development of oceanographic and/or sediment transport models to forecast coastal change.
4. Application of remote sensing tools such as satellite imagery, lidar, aerial photography, and high-resolution bathymetric mapping to quantify spatial and temporal landscape change.

The candidate’s field of expertise could variably include: geology, sedimentology, geomorphology, sediment transport/hydrodynamic modeling, oceanography, and remote sensing. The successful postdoctoral fellow would be at the forefront of integrated, collaborative research discovering and quantifying linkages between Arctic geology and coastal processes.

Proposed Duty Station: Santa Cruz, CA or Anchorage, AK

Areas of Ph.D.: Geology, sedimentology, geomorphology, oceanography, remote sensing, geography

Qualifications: Applicants must meet one of the following qualifications: Research Oceanographer , Research Geologist, Research Geographer

(This type of research is performed by those who have backgrounds for the occupations stated above. However, other titles may be applicable depending on the applicant's background, education, and research proposal. The final classification of the position will be made by the Human Resources specialist.)

Research Advisor(s): Bruce Richmond, (831) 427-4731, brichmond@usgs.gov; Curt Storlazzi, (831) 427-4721, cstorlazzi@usgs.gov; Patrick Barnard, (831) 427-4756, pbarnard@usgs.gov; Carl Markon, (907) 786-7023, markon@usgs.gov; John (Lyle) Mars, (703) 648-6302, jmars@usgs.gov

Human Resources Office contact: Erica Settlemyer, (916) 278-9383, esettlemyer@usgs.gov

Summary of Opportunities