Professional Affiliations

American Geophysical Union (AGU)
Geological Society of America (GSA)

Fields of Expertise

Application of field and laboratory research to resolve and evaluate geologic processes within coastal, estuarine, and oceanic environments. Utilization of GIS and other geospatial software packages to map and define geomorphological processes. Design, acquisition, processing, and interpretation of bathymetric, side-scan sonar, and sub-bottom sonar surveys. Implementation of sediment sampling strategies to ground-truth geophysical survey data (physical properties, sediment stratigraphy, layer thickness) and estimate sedimentation rates. Programming, deployment, and data analysis of oceanographic instruments.

Higher Education

M.S. Marine Studies - Oceanography, Univ. of Delaware (2004)
B.S. Geoscience, Hobart College (1999)

Employment History

2004-Present	Woods Hole Group, Inc. (Coastal Scientist)
2004	Coastal and Estuarine Research, Inc. (Field Technician)
2001-2004	University of Delaware (Research Assistant)
1999-2001	USGS Coastal and Marine Geology Program (Laboratory and Marine Field Technician)

Key Projects

Instituto Mexicano del Petroleo Deepwater Oceanography Enhancement, Bay of Campeche, Gulf of Mexico, 2005; Instrument Specialist.
Facilitated and assisted with classroom and field training in the maintenance, programming, and deployment of oceanographic instruments that comprised a deepwater mooring system (~1,500 meter). Mooring component instruments included the RDI 75 kHz broadband ADCP, RDI 300 kHz broadband ADCP, Nortek Aquadopp ADV, and Benthos 865-A acoustic releases.

Historical Analysis of Wave Climate and Shoreline Change (1889-2001), for the Shinnecock Inlet Area, Suffolk County, Long Island, New York, 2004–2005; Coastal Scientist.
Performed a comprehensive analysis of historical shoreline change for a thirty-mile shoreline segment located between Southampton and East Hampton, Suffolk County, New York. Digital vector shorelines, georeferenced aerial photography, and digital orthophoto quarter quadrangles (DOQQs) were used to perform the analysis. Rates of shoreline change were computed and analyzed throughout the study area. Evaluated and reported the impacts of shoreline structures and storms on the historical rates of shoreline change.

Investigation of Sediment Shoaling in Hyannis Harbor, Hyannis, Massachusetts, 2004–2005; Coastal Scientist, Field Technician. Designed and implemented a one-month oceanographic instrument deployment in order to identify processes responsible for the observed shoaling of Hyannis Harbor. The deployment consisted of two instrument platforms, each housing an ADV current meter and OBS turbidity sensor. Performed the subsequent data editing, analysis, and reporting of the instrument time-series data.

Design, Environmental Impact Analysis, and Permitting for the Dredging of West Falmouth Harbor, Falmouth, MA, 2004–2005; Coastal Scientist, Field Technician.
Designed and performed a hydrographic survey of West Falmouth Harbor to collect up-to-date bathymetry that was used to create a digital terrain model (DTM) of the project area. Using the DTM, potential dredge spoil volumes were calculated for specific cut depths to identify permitting requirements and estimate construction costs. Designed a sampling strategy to survey the potential environmental impact of dredging to the benthic habitat of the project area.

Publications and Presentations

Walsh, D. R. 2004. Anthropogenic influences on the morphology of the tidal Delaware River and Estuary: 1877–1987. Master’s Thesis. University of Delaware. Newark, DE.

Walsh, D. R. and C. K. Sommerfield. 2004. Anthropogenic influences on the morphology of the tidal Delaware River and Estuary. Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs 36(2).