Dataset Overview | National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI)

Dauphin Island, Alabama: elevation change and beach background oiling from 2018-03-08 to 2018-12-06 (NCEI Accession 0187809)

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Raw data in the form of observations, measurements, GPS coordinates, and photographs were generated during every elevation survey. Beach surveys resulted in elevation data relative to a fixed supratidal starting point. Bi-monthly surveys as well as post storm surveys were completed in accordance with team availability and weather constraints. Furthermore, windows of surveying were chosen during ideal tidal and weather conditions. These data are organized by date of survey and transect name. Each survey produced raw data such as: (1) project-specific survey forms, which were transcribed electronically and saved as a CSV file, (2) GPS data using Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) and WGS84 datum, and (3) background oiling survey.

Dataset Citation

Cite as: Kulp, Mark; Owens, Ed; Maygarden, Diane; Miller, Carrie; Glushik, Lauren; Owens, Tristen; Scott, Travis (2019). Dauphin Island, Alabama: elevation change and beach background oiling from 2018-03-08 to 2018-12-06 (NCEI Accession 0187809). [indicate subset used]. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. Dataset. https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/archive/accession/0187809. Accessed [date].

Dataset Identifiers

ISO 19115-2 Metadata

gov.noaa.nodc:0187809

Full Text · XML

Download Data	HTTPS (download) Navigate directly to the URL for data access and direct download. FTP (download) These data are available through the File Transfer Protocol (FTP). FTP is no longer supported by most internet browsers. You may copy and paste the FTP link to the data into an FTP client (e.g., FileZilla or WinSCP).
Distribution Formats	Originator data format
Ordering Instructions	Contact NCEI for other distribution options and instructions.
Distributor	NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information +1-301-713-3277 ncei.info@noaa.gov
Dataset Point of Contact	NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information ncei.info@noaa.gov

Time Period	2018-03-08 to 2018-12-06
Spatial Bounding Box Coordinates	West: -88.191048 East: -88.065202 South: 30.233489 North: 30.26255
Spatial Coverage Map

General Documentation	NCEI Dataset Landing Page Navigate directly to the URL for a descriptive web page with download links. Descriptive Information Navigate directly to the URL for a descriptive web page with download links.
Associated Resources	Beach Profile and Tar Ball Monitoring for Oil Spill Response Planning, Volunteer Manual, 2018-2019 https://dauphin.cs.uno.edu/resources/Alabama%20DIPS%20Volunteer%20Manual_2018.pdf (download) field manual Daupin Island Data Portal https://dauphin.cs.uno.edu/ (download) Dauphin Island Data Management Webpage

Publication Dates	publication: 2019-04-24 creation: 2019-04-17
Data Presentation Form	Digital table - digital representation of facts or figures systematically displayed, especially in columns
Dataset Progress Status	Complete - production of the data has been completed Historical archive - data has been stored in an offline storage facility
Data Update Frequency	As needed
Purpose	The quantitative data generated from the program have a wide range of potential end users that include the academic community and government agencies who study beach and sediment dynamics and coastal erosion, oil spill response planners in federal and state agencies, as well as the numerous stakeholders who become involved in the oil spill response operations decision process and post-spill damage assessment programs.
Use Limitations	accessLevel: public Distribution liability: NOAA and NCEI make no warranty, expressed or implied, regarding these data, nor does the fact of distribution constitute such a warranty. NOAA and NCEI cannot assume liability for any damages caused by any errors or omissions in these data. If appropriate, NCEI can only certify that the data it distributes are an authentic copy of the records that were accepted for inclusion in the NCEI archives.

Dataset Citation	Cite as: Kulp, Mark; Owens, Ed; Maygarden, Diane; Miller, Carrie; Glushik, Lauren; Owens, Tristen; Scott, Travis (2019). Dauphin Island, Alabama: elevation change and beach background oiling from 2018-03-08 to 2018-12-06 (NCEI Accession 0187809). [indicate subset used]. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. Dataset. https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/archive/accession/0187809. Accessed [date].
Cited Authors	Kulp, Mark University of New Orleans Owens, Ed Owens Coastal Consultants Maygarden, Diane University of New Orleans Miller, Carrie University of New Orleans Glushik, Lauren Owens, Tristen Scott, Travis
Principal Investigators	Mark Kulp University of New Orleans (UNO)
Collaborators	Carrie Miller University of New Orleans (UNO) Diane Maygarden University of New Orleans (UNO) Ed Owens Owens Coastal Consultants
Contributors	University of New Orleans (UNO)
Resource Providers	Carrie Miller University of New Orleans (UNO) University of New Orleans (UNO)
Publishers	NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information
Acknowledgments	Funding Agency: Gulf Research Program; The National Academies of Sciences

Theme keywords	NODC DATA TYPES THESAURUS BEACH TAR NODC OBSERVATION TYPES THESAURUS in situ WMO_CategoryCode oceanography Provider Keywords elevation change
Data Center keywords	NODC COLLECTING INSTITUTION NAMES THESAURUS University of New Orleans NODC SUBMITTING INSTITUTION NAMES THESAURUS University of New Orleans
Instrument keywords	NODC INSTRUMENT TYPES THESAURUS GPS Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Instrument Keywords GPS RECEIVERS > GPS RECEIVERS Provider Instruments measuring tape rods
Place keywords	NODC SEA AREA NAMES THESAURUS Coastal Waters of Gulf of Mexico Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Location Keywords OCEAN > ATLANTIC OCEAN > NORTH ATLANTIC OCEAN > GULF OF AMERICA OCEAN > ATLANTIC OCEAN > NORTH ATLANTIC OCEAN > GULF OF MEXICO Provider Place Names Dauphin Island
Keywords	NCEI ACCESSION NUMBER 0187809
Keywords	Send2NCEI Submission Package ID TXJLTP

Use Constraints	Cite as: Kulp, Mark; Owens, Ed; Maygarden, Diane; Miller, Carrie; Glushik, Lauren; Owens, Tristen; Scott, Travis (2019). Dauphin Island, Alabama: elevation change and beach background oiling from 2018-03-08 to 2018-12-06 (NCEI Accession 0187809). [indicate subset used]. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. Dataset. https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/archive/accession/0187809. Accessed [date].
Access Constraints	Use liability: NOAA and NCEI cannot provide any warranty as to the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of furnished data. Users assume responsibility to determine the usability of these data. The user is responsible for the results of any application of this data for other than its intended purpose.
Fees	In most cases, electronic downloads of the data are free. However, fees may apply for custom orders, data certifications, copies of analog materials, and data distribution on physical media.

Lineage information for: dataset
Processing Steps	2019-04-24T14:33:19Z - NCEI Accession 0187809 v1.1 was published.
Output Datasets	NCEI Accession 0187809 v1.1 NCEI Accession 0187809 v1.1 (download) published 2019-04-24T14:33:19Z

Lineage information for: dataset
Processing Steps	Parameter or Variable: Elevation Change (measured); Units: cm; Observation Category: in situ; Sampling Instrument: Two rods, measuring tape, GPS, camera; Sampling and Analyzing Method: The rod-and-horizon beach profiling method is a rapid beach profiling technique that uses simple and inexpensive equipment to measure elevation and distance. Permanent control points identify the starting point of the profile so the transect can be surveyed repeatedly along the same line. "Emery rods" are used to measure changes in elevation of the beach surface along the transect. A measuring tape was used to determine the cumulative horizontal distance along the transect. GPS units were used to verify transect location and photographs were taken after survey completion. Within the dataset "TB" refers to Tarball, "NOO" to No oil observed, "N/S" to no survey, "WL" to water line, and "LHWS" to last high water swash. Reference: Emery, K.O.,1961. A simple method of measuring beach profiles: Limnology and Oceanography, v.6,p90-93.; Data Quality Method: All GPS units used during volunteer surveys were the Garmin model GPSMAP64. These units took two AA batteries and had an operating temperature range from -20 to 45°C. WAAS was enabled and a WGS84 datum used. The accuracy of the unit is 3.65 m or +/- 12 ft. Nikon Coolpix AW 130 cameras were used, which were equipped with GPS, time/date recording,dustproof, shockproof, and waterproof to 30 m. The operating conditions were between -10 to 40°C with a GPS receiving frequency of 1575.42 MHz and the datum WGS 84. Rechargeable Li-ion batteries EN-EL12 were used along with an SD memory card. All photos are saved in JPEG file format. Data was verified in the field and then translated electronically. Parameter or Variable: BEACH TAR (measured); Units: cm; Observation Category: in situ; Sampling Instrument: camera; Sampling and Analyzing Method: The number, character and size of tar balls present along the beach profile were surveyed using a common method, Shoreline Cleanup Assessment Technique(SCAT). Each survey was conducted 50 m on either side of the elevation transect. Representative photos were taken of all tarballs encountered during the survey and a scale used for reference. Within the dataset "TB" refers to Tarball, "NOO" to No oil observed, "N/S" to no survey. Reference: NOAA.2002.NOAA Shoreline Assessment Job Aid. National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, Office of Response and Restoration/Hazardous Materials Response Division.; Data Quality Method: All GPS units used during volunteer surveys were the Garmin model GPSMAP64. These units took two AA batteries and had an operating temperature range from -20 to 45°C. WAAS was enabled and a WGS84 datum used. The accuracy of the unit is 3.65 m or +/- 12 ft. Nikon Coolpix AW 130 cameras were used, which were equipped with GPS, time/date recording,dustproof, shockproof, and waterproof to 30 m. The operating conditions were between -10 to 40°C with a GPS receiving frequency of 1575.42 MHz and the datum WGS 84. Rechargeable Li-ion batteries EN-EL12 were used along with an SD memory card. All photos are saved in JPEG file format. Data was verified in the field and then translated electronically.

Lineage information for: dataset

Processing Steps

Parameter or Variable: Elevation Change (measured); Units: cm; Observation Category: in situ; Sampling Instrument: Two rods, measuring tape, GPS, camera; Sampling and Analyzing Method: The rod-and-horizon beach profiling method is a rapid beach profiling technique that uses simple and inexpensive equipment to measure elevation and distance. Permanent control points identify the starting point of the profile so the transect can be surveyed repeatedly along the same line. "Emery rods" are used to measure changes in elevation of the beach surface along the transect. A measuring tape was used to determine the cumulative horizontal distance along the transect. GPS units were used to verify transect location and photographs were taken after survey completion. Within the dataset "TB" refers to Tarball, "NOO" to No oil observed, "N/S" to no survey, "WL" to water line, and "LHWS" to last high water swash. Reference: Emery, K.O.,1961. A simple method of measuring beach profiles: Limnology and Oceanography, v.6,p90-93.; Data Quality Method: All GPS units used during volunteer surveys were the Garmin model GPSMAP64. These units took two AA batteries and had an operating temperature range from -20 to 45°C. WAAS was enabled and a WGS84 datum used. The accuracy of the unit is 3.65 m or +/- 12 ft. Nikon Coolpix AW 130 cameras were used, which were equipped with GPS, time/date recording,dustproof, shockproof, and waterproof to 30 m. The operating conditions were between -10 to 40°C with a GPS receiving frequency of 1575.42 MHz and the datum WGS 84. Rechargeable Li-ion batteries EN-EL12 were used along with an SD memory card. All photos are saved in JPEG file format. Data was verified in the field and then translated electronically.
Parameter or Variable: BEACH TAR (measured); Units: cm; Observation Category: in situ; Sampling Instrument: camera; Sampling and Analyzing Method: The number, character and size of tar balls present along the beach profile were surveyed using a common method, Shoreline Cleanup Assessment Technique(SCAT). Each survey was conducted 50 m on either side of the elevation transect. Representative photos were taken of all tarballs encountered during the survey and a scale used for reference. Within the dataset "TB" refers to Tarball, "NOO" to No oil observed, "N/S" to no survey. Reference: NOAA.2002.NOAA Shoreline Assessment Job Aid. National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, Office of Response and Restoration/Hazardous Materials Response Division.; Data Quality Method: All GPS units used during volunteer surveys were the Garmin model GPSMAP64. These units took two AA batteries and had an operating temperature range from -20 to 45°C. WAAS was enabled and a WGS84 datum used. The accuracy of the unit is 3.65 m or +/- 12 ft. Nikon Coolpix AW 130 cameras were used, which were equipped with GPS, time/date recording,dustproof, shockproof, and waterproof to 30 m. The operating conditions were between -10 to 40°C with a GPS receiving frequency of 1575.42 MHz and the datum WGS 84. Rechargeable Li-ion batteries EN-EL12 were used along with an SD memory card. All photos are saved in JPEG file format. Data was verified in the field and then translated electronically.

Acquisition Information (collection)
Instrument	GPS

Last Modified: 2026-04-17T21:12:59Z
For questions about the information on this page, please email: ncei.info@noaa.gov

Dauphin Island, Alabama: elevation change and beach background oiling from 2018-03-08 to 2018-12-06 (NCEI Accession 0187809)

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