To assess the current topography of the tidal marshes we conducted survey-grade elevation surveys at all sites between 2009 and 2013 using a Leica RX1200 Real Time Kinematic (RTK)Global Positioning System (GPS) rover (±1 cm horizontal, ±2 cm vertical accuracy; Leica Geosystems Inc., Norcross, GA; Figure 4). At sites with RTK network coverage (San Pablo, Petaluma, Pt. Mugu, and Newport), rover positions were received in real time from the Leica Smartnet system via a CDMA modem (www.lecia-geosystems.com). At sites without network coverage (Humboldt, Bolinas, Morro and Tijuana), rover positions were received in real time from a Leica GS10 antenna base station via radio link. When using the base station, we adjusted all elevation measurements using an OPUS correction (www.ngs.noaa.gov/OPUS). We used the WGS84 ellipsoid model for vertical and horizontal positioning. We verified rover accuracy and precision by measuring positions at local National Geodetic Survey (NGS) benchmarks and temporary benchmarks established at each site (Table 1). Average measured vertical errors at benchmarks were 1-2 cm throughout the study, comparable to the stated error of the GPS. At each site, we surveyed marsh surface elevation along transects oriented perpendicular to the major tidal sediment source, with a survey point taken every 12.5 m; 50 m separated transect lines. We used the Geoid09 model to calculate orthometric heights from ellipsoid values (m, NAVD88; North American Vertical Datum of 1988) and projected all points to NAD83 UTM zone 10 or zone 11 using Leica GeoOffice (Leica Geosystems Inc, Norcross, GA, v. 7.0.1).We synthesized the elevation survey data to create a digital elevation model (DEM) at each site in ArcGIS 10.2.1 Spatial Analyst (ESRI 2013; Redlands, CA) with exponential ordinary kriging methods (5 x 5 mcell size) after adjusting model parameters to minimize the root-mean-square error (RMS). We used elevation models as the baseline conditions for subsequent analyses in this study including tidal inundation patterns, SLR response modeling, and mapping of sites by specific elevation (flooding) zones.

To assess the current topography of the tidal marshes we conducted survey-grade elevation surveys at all sites between 2009 and 2013 using a Leica RX1200 Real Time Kinematic (RTK)Global Positioning System (GPS) rover (±1 cm horizontal, ±2 cm vertical accuracy; Leica Geosystems Inc., Norcross, GA; Figure 4). At sites with RTK network coverage (San Pablo, Petaluma, Pt. Mugu, and Newport), rover positions were received in real time from the Leica Smartnet system via a CDMA modem (www.lecia-geosystems.com). At sites without network coverage (Humboldt, Bolinas, Morro and Tijuana), rover positions were received in real time from a Leica GS10 antenna base station via radio link. When using the base station, we adjusted all elevation measurements using an OPUS correction (www.ngs.noaa.gov/OPUS). We used the WGS84 ellipsoid model for vertical and horizontal positioning. We verified rover accuracy and precision by measuring positions at local National Geodetic Survey (NGS) benchmarks and temporary benchmarks established at each site (Table 1). Average measured vertical errors at benchmarks were 1-2 cm throughout the study, comparable to the stated error of the GPS. At each site, we surveyed marsh surface elevation along transects oriented perpendicular to the major tidal sediment source, with a survey point taken every 12.5 m; 50 m separated transect lines. We used the Geoid09 model to calculate orthometric heights from ellipsoid values (m, NAVD88; North American Vertical Datum of 1988) and projected all points to NAD83 UTM zone 10 or zone 11 using Leica GeoOffice (Leica Geosystems Inc, Norcross, GA, v. 7.0.1).We synthesized the elevation survey data to create a digital elevation model (DEM) at each site in ArcGIS 10.2.1 Spatial Analyst (ESRI 2013; Redlands, CA) with exponential ordinary kriging methods (5 x 5 mcell size) after adjusting model parameters to minimize the root-mean-square error (RMS). We used elevation models as the baseline conditions for subsequent analyses in this study including tidal inundation patterns, SLR response modeling, and mapping of sites by specific elevation (flooding) zones.

To assess the current topography of the tidal marshes we conducted survey-grade elevation surveys at all sites between 2009 and 2013 using a Leica RX1200 Real Time Kinematic (RTK)Global Positioning System (GPS) rover (±1 cm horizontal, ±2 cm vertical accuracy; Leica Geosystems Inc., Norcross, GA; Figure 4). At sites with RTK network coverage (San Pablo, Petaluma, Pt. Mugu, and Newport), rover positions were received in real time from the Leica Smartnet system via a CDMA modem (www.lecia-geosystems.com). At sites without network coverage (Humboldt, Bolinas, Morro and Tijuana), rover positions were received in real time from a Leica GS10 antenna base station via radio link. When using the base station, we adjusted all elevation measurements using an OPUS correction (www.ngs.noaa.gov/OPUS). We used the WGS84 ellipsoid model for vertical and horizontal positioning. We verified rover accuracy and precision by measuring positions at local National Geodetic Survey (NGS) benchmarks and temporary benchmarks established at each site (Table 1). Average measured vertical errors at benchmarks were 1-2 cm throughout the study, comparable to the stated error of the GPS. At each site, we surveyed marsh surface elevation along transects oriented perpendicular to the major tidal sediment source, with a survey point taken every 12.5 m; 50 m separated transect lines. We used the Geoid09 model to calculate orthometric heights from ellipsoid values (m, NAVD88; North American Vertical Datum of 1988) and projected all points to NAD83 UTM zone 10 or zone 11 using Leica GeoOffice (Leica Geosystems Inc, Norcross, GA, v. 7.0.1).We synthesized the elevation survey data to create a digital elevation model (DEM) at each site in ArcGIS 10.2.1 Spatial Analyst (ESRI 2013; Redlands, CA) with exponential ordinary kriging methods (5 x 5 mcell size) after adjusting model parameters to minimize the root-mean-square error (RMS). We used elevation models as the baseline conditions for subsequent analyses in this study including tidal inundation patterns, SLR response modeling, and mapping of sites by specific elevation (flooding) zones.

The data in this release map the beach and nearshore environment at Head of the Meadow Beach in Truro, MA and provide environmental context for the camera calibration information for the 2019 CoastCam installation that looks out at the coast shared by beachgoers, shorebirds, seals, and sharks. This is related to the field activity 2020-015-FA and a collaboration with the National Park Service at Cape Cod National Seashore to monitor the region that falls within the field of view of the CoastCam, which are two video cameras aimed at the beach. On March 4, 6, and 10, 2020, U.S Geological Survey and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) scientists conducted field surveys to collect position and orientation information for the CoastCam cameras and map the field of view. Elevation data were collected using a real time kinematic – satellite navigation system (RTK-GNSS) receiver attached to a pole and walked on the beach. Point data of the beach face were collected along transects and at periodic locations of plywood targets moved throughout the day within the CoastCam view. Grain-size analysis was performed on sediment samples collected with a spade along multiple profiles from the bluff base to the intertidal zone. Images of the beach were taken with a camera (Ricoh GRII) and a post-processed kinematic (PPK) system attached to a kitesurfing kite, and high-precision targets (AeroPoints) were used as ground control points. Bathymetry was collected in the nearshore using a single-beam echosounder mounted on a surf capable self-righting electric autonomous survey vehicle. Agisoft Metashape (v. 1.6.1) was used to create a digital elevation model with the collected imagery and this was merged with the bathymetry in MatLab (v. 2020) to create a continuous topobathy product.

To better understand sediment deposition in marsh environments, scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center (USGS-SPCMSC) selected four study sites (Sites 5, 6, 7, and 8) along the Point Aux Chenes Bay shoreline of the Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (GNDNERR), Mississippi. These datasets were collected to serve as baseline data prior to the installation of a living shoreline (a subtidal sill). Each site consisted of five plots located along a transect perpendicular to the marsh-estuary shoreline at 5-meter (m) increments (5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 m from the shoreline). Each plot contained six net sedimentation tiles (NST) that were secured flush to the marsh surface using polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe. NST are an inexpensive and simple tool to assess short- and long-term deposition that can be deployed in highly dynamic environments without the compaction associated with traditional coring methods. The NST were deployed for three month sampling periods, measuring sediment deposition from July 2018 to January 2020, with one set of NST being deployed for six months. Sediment deposited on the NST were processed to determine physical characteristics, such as deposition thickness, volume, wet weight/dry weight, grain size, and organic content (loss-on-ignition [LOI]). For select sampling periods, ancillary data (water level, elevation, and wave data) are also provided in this data release. Data were collected during USGS Field Activities Numbers (FAN) 2018-332-FA (18CCT01), 2018-358-FA (18CCT10), 2019-303-FA (19CCT01, 19CCT02, 19CCT03, and 19CCT04, respectively), and 2020-301-FA (20CCT01). Additional survey and data details are available from the U.S. Geological Survey Coastal and Marine Geoscience Data System (CMGDS) at, https://cmgds.marine.usgs.gov/. Data collected between 2016 and 2017 from a related NST study in the GNDNERR (Middle Bay and North Rigolets) can be found at https://doi.org/10.5066/P9BFR2US. Please read the full metadata for details on data collection, dataset variables, and data quality.

Surface Elevation Tables and Marker Horizon (collectively SET-MH) datasets provide a unique opportunity to evaluate tidal marsh accretion rates compared with current and projected sea-level rise. SET is a tool that allows for accurate and repeatable measurements of marsh elevation, while Marker Horizon allows for the measurement of sediment that has deposited on top of the feldspar marker. SETs are deep rod benchmarks with an attachment for a portable leveling device (arm) at fixed directions. The distance from the fixed arm to the marsh surface is measured by lowering a set of pins (usually nine) from the SET to the marsh surface, providing a repeatable and accurate measurement of elevation change. Marker horizon data measure the amount of sediment that is deposited onto the marsh surface, is a layer of white feldspar clay applied to a 0.5x0.5m quadrats associated with each SET. Marker horizons are measured by extracting a plug from the marsh surface using a knife or cryo-core, and measuring the sediment deposited on top of the layer. Together, repeated measurements of SET-MH data separates surface deposition from shallow subsurface processes (e.g., root growth or shallow soil compaction). The ability of a tidal marsh to keep up with sea-level rise was largely due to relative sediment load and to a smaller degree it’s position within the tidal frame.

This field activity is part of the effort to map geologic substrates of the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary region off Boston, Massachusetts. The overall goal is to develop high-resolution (1:25,000) interpretive maps, based on multibeam sonar data and seabed sampling, showing surficial geology and seabed sediment dynamics. This cruise was conducted in collaboration with the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, and the data collected will aid research on the ecology of fish and invertebrate species that inhabit the region. The Sanctuary's research vessel, R/V Auk, visited 41 locations on Stellwagen Bank at which a customized Van Veen grab sampler (SEABOSS) equipped with a video camera and a CTD was deployed in drift mode to collect sediment for grain-size analysis, video imagery of the seabed, and measurements of water column properties.

This field activity is part of the effort to map geologic substrates of the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary region off Boston, Massachusetts. The overall goal is to develop high-resolution (1:25,000) interpretive maps, based on multibeam sonar data and seabed sampling, showing surficial geology and seabed sediment dynamics. This cruise was conducted in collaboration with the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, and the data collected will aid research on the ecology of fish and invertebrate species that inhabit the region. The Sanctuary's research vessel, R/V Auk, visited 41 locations on Stellwagen Bank at which a customized Van Veen grab sampler (SEABOSS) equipped with a video camera and a CTD was deployed in drift mode to collect sediment for grain-size analysis, video imagery of the seabed, and measurements of water column properties.

This field activity is part of the effort to map geologic substrates of the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary region off Boston, Massachusetts. The overall goal is to develop high-resolution (1:25,000) interpretive maps, based on multibeam sonar data and seabed sampling, showing surficial geology and seabed sediment dynamics. This cruise was conducted in collaboration with the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, and the data collected will aid research on the ecology of fish and invertebrate species that inhabit the region. The Sanctuary's research vessel, R/V Auk, visited 33 locations on Stellwagen Bank at which a customized Van Veen grab sampler (SEABOSS) equipped with a video camera and a CTD was deployed in drift mode to collect sediment for grain-size analysis, video imagery of the seabed, and measurements of water column properties.

These data are a part of the effort to map geologic substrates of the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary region off Boston, Massachusetts. The overall goal is to develop high-resolution (1:25,000) interpretive maps, based on multibeam sonar data and seabed sampling, showing surficial geology and seabed sediment dynamics. The work was conducted in collaboration with the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, and the data collected will aid research on the ecology of fish and invertebrate species that inhabit the region. The Sanctuary's research vessel, R/V Auk, visited a total of 233 locations on Stellwagen Bank during six separate surveys from May 2016 to April 2019. During these surveys a customized Van Veen grab sampler (SEABOSS) equipped with a video camera and a CTD was deployed in drift mode to collect sediment for grain-size analysis, video imagery of the seabed, and measurements of water column properties including temperature, salinity, density, and fluorescence.