Hurricane Ike made landfall as Category 2 hurricane near Galveston, Texas, on September 13, 2008. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Hurricanes and Extreme Storms Group is investigating coastal change caused by Hurricane Ike.

Aerial video, still photography, and laser altimetry surveys of post-storm beach conditions will be collected, as soon as weather allows, for comparison with earlier data. The comparisons will show the nature, magnitude, and spatial variability of coastal changes such as beach erosion, overwash deposition, and island breaching. These data will also be used to further refine predictive models of coastal impacts from severe storms. The data will be made available to local, state, and federal agencies to aid post-storm disaster recovery and future erosion mitigation.

Response Activities

Pre-landfall

• Pre-storm photos (data collection by UNO, completed 09/10/2008)
• Initial assessment of potential coastal-change impacts (web post)

Post-landfall (approx. 3-5 days)

• Post-storm oblique aerial photography mission (data collection, completed 09/15/08)
• Post-storm airborne lidar topographic survey (data collection, completed 09/18/08)
• Quick-response aerial photos of impacted coast (web post)
• Pre- and post-storm photo comparisons (web post)

Post-landfall (approx. 2 weeks)

• Initial pre- and post-storm lidar 3D imagery of topography and coastal change (web post)
• See also Pre-Storm and Post-Storm 3D Lidar Topography: Bolivar Peninsula, TX

One of the goals of the USGS Coastal and Marine Geology Program is a national assessment of coastal change hazards. Hurricanes provide a powerful force that generates dangerous waves and currents capable of moving large amounts of sand, destroying buildings and infrastructure, and reshaping our nation's coastline.  Our research focuses on understanding the magnitude and variability of the impacts of hurricanes and extreme storms on the sandy beaches of the United States. The overall objective is to improve the capability to predict coastal change that results from severe storms. Such a capability will support management of coastal infrastructure, resources, and safety