Program Overview
DOGAMI’s Coastal Field Office, located in Newport, Oregon, acquires and organizes comprehensive descriptions of coastal processes and geologic hazards and provides this information to the public in order to make informed decisions on an individual, local, regional and statewide level. Coastal processes examined by staff include examining changes in the North Pacific ocean wave climate, short and long-term shoreline change, beach and bluff erosion, the evolution of coastal landforms and nearshore marine sediment dynamics. Geologic hazards characterized by the agency include landslides, coastal erosion, fault-related deformation, earthquakes, and tsunami inundation and runup.
Fellowship Topics
The Fellow will have opportunities to contribute to three projects:
(1) Beach monitoring and shoreline change studies along the Oregon coast;
(2) The Oregon tsunami hazard mapping program; and,
(3) Field studies of Cascadia subduction zone earthquakes and tsunami inundation.
Project Scope
The Fellow will participate in field studies, compile and analyze data in a GIS framework, contribute to the production of maps and related products that provide the public with a better understanding of coastal processes and tools to mitigate geologic hazards. Possible activities may include:
• Assist field surveys for beach monitoring studies using precision GPS survey techniques;
• Assist with the development of a comprehensive coastal storms database for the Oregon coast;
• Support field investigations of evidence for prehistoric earthquakes and tsunamis;
• Provide technical assistance with the development of tsunami hazard maps in a GIS;
• Collect and compile GIS data that identify the geographic distribution of features depicted on tsunami evacuation maps (e.g., tsunami signs, sirens, critical facilities, etc.);
• Assist in the development of tsunami evacuation maps and the release of maps to local communities; and,
• Contribute to interpretations of coastal landforms and processes revealed in LIDAR, including assessments of beach and shoreline change.
Opportunities and Benefits for the Fellow
• Compare the current SB 379 tsunami inundation zone line with new tsunami inundation lines from updated modeling and discuss a process for assessing the need for revising the line and possible implications to the building code;
• Review current county and local planning documents regarding tsunami hazards and discuss strengths and weaknesses of current planning with respect to tsunami hazards;
• Gain knowledge and experience in research on coastal processes and geologic hazards;
• Acquire skills and field techniques while collecting physical data on coastal processes;
• Acquire skills in the application of GIS techniques to organize and display information about geologic hazards and coastal processes;
• Learn how to effectively transfer scientific information and mitigation tools to the public;
• Build a professional network through collaboration with scientists from state and Federal agencies and academic programs.