Thursday, December 8, 2011

NGS and Partners Study Bench Mark Stability in Massachusetts Coastal Marshes

From December 5-9, the National Geodetic Survey will lead an investigation at Waquoit Bay, Massachusetts into optimal installation techniques for deep rod type bench marks set in wetland sediments, as well as to determine how mark stability varies with bench mark depth. The study, expected to last approximately one year, will utilize high-precision geodetic leveling to monitor bench mark stability. The results of the study will provide much-needed data on best practices for the establishment of permanent bench marks used to monitor the impacts of coastal elevation and local sea level change. Other project partners involved in study include the Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, the National Park Service, and the U.S. Geological Survey. For more information, contact Philippe Hensel.