Coastal and Marine Ecological Classifcation Standard (CMECS) geoforms of the Oregon outer continental shelf (OCS) proposed wind farm site

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Frequently anticipated questions:

What does this data set describe?

Title:
Coastal and Marine Ecological Classifcation Standard (CMECS) geoforms of the Oregon outer continental shelf (OCS) proposed wind farm site
Abstract:
This polygon shapefile is part of a data release of the Oregon outer continental shelf (OCS) proposed wind farm map site. The polygons have attribute values for Coastal and Marine Ecological Classification Standard (CMECS) geoforms, substrate, and modifiers. CMECS is the U.S. government standard for marine habitat characterization and was developed by representatives from a consortium of federal agencies. The standard provides an ecologically relevant structure for biologic, geologic, chemical, and physical habitat attributes. This map illustrates the geoform and substrate components of the standard. The CMECS classes are documented at https://www.fgdc.gov/standards/projects/FGDC-standards-projects/cmecs-folder/CMECS_Version_06-2012_FINAL.pdf Please refer to Madden and others (2008) for more information regarding the CMECS. The polygons were derived by classifying multibeam echosounder bathymetry and backscatter collected in 2014; details and data are available in Cochrane and others (2015) and Cochrane and others (2017).
Supplemental_Information:
Any use of trade, product, or firm names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government. Although this Federal Geographic Data Committee-compliant metadata file is intended to document the data set in nonproprietary form, as well as in Esri format, this metadata file may include some Esri-specific terminology.
  1. How might this data set be cited?
    Cochrane, Guy R., 2017, Coastal and Marine Ecological Classifcation Standard (CMECS) geoforms of the Oregon outer continental shelf (OCS) proposed wind farm site: data release DOI:10.5066/F7000069, U.S. Geological Survey, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Santa Cruz, California.

    Online Links:

    This is part of the following larger work.

    Cochrane, Guy R., 2017, Interpretive data release for Oregon OCS seafloor mapping: Selected lease blocks relevant to renewable energy: U.S. Geological Survey, Santa Cruz, CA.

    Online Links:

  2. What geographic area does the data set cover?
    West_Bounding_Coordinate: -124.785251488
    East_Bounding_Coordinate: -124.578935834
    North_Bounding_Coordinate: 43.561784814
    South_Bounding_Coordinate: 43.290149627
  3. What does it look like?
  4. Does the data set describe conditions during a particular time period?
    Calendar_Date: 01-Sep-2015
    Currentness_Reference:
    2014
  5. What is the general form of this data set?
    Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: Vector Digital Data Set (Polygon)
  6. How does the data set represent geographic features?
    1. How are geographic features stored in the data set?
      This is a Vector data set. It contains the following vector data types (SDTS terminology):
      • G-polygon (2279)
    2. What coordinate system is used to represent geographic features?
      Grid_Coordinate_System_Name: Universal Transverse Mercator
      Universal_Transverse_Mercator:
      UTM_Zone_Number: 10
      Transverse_Mercator:
      Scale_Factor_at_Central_Meridian: 0.9996
      Longitude_of_Central_Meridian: -123.0
      Latitude_of_Projection_Origin: 0.0
      False_Easting: 500000.0
      False_Northing: 0.0
      Planar coordinates are encoded using coordinate pair
      Abscissae (x-coordinates) are specified to the nearest 0.6096
      Ordinates (y-coordinates) are specified to the nearest 0.6096
      Planar coordinates are specified in Meter
      The horizontal datum used is D_WGS_1984.
      The ellipsoid used is WGS_1984.
      The semi-major axis of the ellipsoid used is 6378137.0.
      The flattening of the ellipsoid used is 1/298.257223563.
  7. How does the data set describe geographic features?
    Attribute Table
    Table containing attribute information associated with the data set. (Source: Producer defined)
    GEOFORM
    CMECS Geoform code (Source: https://www.fgdc.gov/standards/projects/FGDC-standards-projects/cmecs-folder/CMECS_Version_06-2012_FINAL.pdf)
    ValueDefinition
    Gt2p6g1.4Basin
    Gt2p6g1.46Pockmark field
    Gt2p6g1.47Pockmark
    Gt2p6g1.48Ridge
    Gt2p6g1.50Rock outcrop
    Gt2p6g1.55.2Slump scar
    Gt2p6g1.64Submarine slide deposit
    Gt2p6g3Anthropogenic
    SUBSTRATE
    CMECS Substrate Code (Source: https://www.fgdc.gov/standards/projects/FGDC-standards-projects/cmecs-folder/CMECS_Version_06-2012_FINAL.pdf)
    ValueDefinition
    {Null Value / Empty Field Entry}Unknown substrate class
    S1.1.1Bedrock
    S1.1.2Megaclast
    S1.2.1.2.1Sandy gravel
    S1.2.2.3Muddy sand
    S1.2.2.4Sandy mud
    S1.2.2.5Mud
    MODIFIER
    CMECS Modifier Code (Source: https://www.fgdc.gov/standards/projects/FGDC-standards-projects/cmecs-folder/CMECS_Version_06-2012_FINAL.pdf)
    ValueDefinition
    {Null Value / Empty Field Entry}No modifier assigned
    SI1S1BDZ5Hard, flat, mesobenthic
    SI1S2BDZ5Hard, sloping, mesobenthic
    SI2S1BDZ4Mixed, flat, circalittoral
    SI2S1BDZ5Mixed, flat, mesobenthic
    SI2S2BDZ5Mixed, sloping, mesobenthic
    SI3S1BDZ4Soft, flat, circalittoral
    SI3S1BDZ5Soft, flat, mesobenthic
    SI3S2BDZ5Soft, sloping, mesobenthic
    GeofrmDesc
    Description of CMECS Geoform (Source: https://www.fgdc.gov/standards/projects/FGDC-standards-projects/cmecs-folder/CMECS_Version_06-2012_FINAL.pdf)
    ValueDefinition
    AnthropogenicManmade seafloor feature
    BasinDefined using BPI
    PockmarkDefined using BPI
    Pockmark FieldDefined manually
    RidgeDefined using BPI
    Rock OutcropDefined using seafloor character
    Slump ScarDefined using slope
    Submarine Slide DepositDefined using BPI
    SubstrDesc
    Description of CMECS Substrate (Source: https://www.fgdc.gov/standards/projects/FGDC-standards-projects/cmecs-folder/CMECS_Version_06-2012_FINAL.pdf)
    ValueDefinition
    {Null Value / Empty Field Entry}Unknow substrate type
    BedrockDefined using seafloor character and video
    MegaclastDefined using seafloor character and video
    MudDefined using seafloor character and video
    Muddy SandDefined using seafloor character and video
    Sandy GravelDeffined using seafloor character and video
    Sandy MudDefined using sealoor character and video
    MdfrDesc
    Description of CMECS Modifier (Source: https://www.fgdc.gov/standards/projects/FGDC-standards-projects/cmecs-folder/CMECS_Version_06-2012_FINAL.pdf)
    ValueDefinition
    {Null Value / Empty Field Entry}No modifier assigned
    Hard Flat MesobenthicDefined using seafloor character, slope, BPI and bathymetry
    Hard Sloping MesobenthicDefined using seafloor character, slope, BPI and bathymetry
    Mixed Flat CircalittoralDefined using seafloor character, slope, BPI and bathymetry
    Mixed Flat MesobenthicDefined using seafloor character, slope, BPI and bathymetry
    Mixed Sloping MesobenthicDefined using seafloor character, slope, BPI and bathymetry
    Soft Flat CircalittoralDefined using seafloor character, slope, BPI and bathymetry
    Soft Flat MesobenthicDefined using seafloor character, slope, BPI and bathymetry
    Soft Sloping MesobenthicDefined using seafloor character, slope, BPI and bathymetry
    Area
    Area of polygon in square meters (Source: ESRI ArcMap)
    Range of values
    Minimum:92.2148437133
    Maximum:248765005.675
    Units:meters
    Entity_and_Attribute_Overview:
    The entity and attribute information provided here describes the tabular data associated with the data set. Please review the detailed descriptions that are provided (the individual attribute descriptions) for information on the values that appear as fields/table entries of the data set.
    Entity_and_Attribute_Detail_Citation:
    The entity and attribute information was generated by the individual and/or agency identified as the originator of the data set. Please review the rest of the metadata record for additional details and information.

Who produced the data set?

  1. Who are the originators of the data set? (may include formal authors, digital compilers, and editors)
    • Guy R. Cochrane
  2. Who also contributed to the data set?
    Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
  3. To whom should users address questions about the data?
    U.S. Geological Survey, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
    Attn: PCMSC Science Data Coordinator
    2885 Mission Street
    Santa Cruz, CA
    US

    831-427-4747 (voice)
    831-427-4748 (FAX)
    pcmsc_data@usgs.gov

Why was the data set created?

This work is of potential marine benthic habitat maps characterized using the Coastal and Marine Ecological Classification Standard (CMECS). The intended use is for the management of benthic resources, benthic ecosystems and offshore infrastructure.

How was the data set created?

  1. From what previous works were the data drawn?
    Bathymetry (source 1 of 2)
    Cochrane, Guy R., Dartnell, Peter, Hemery, Lenaig G., and Hatcher, Gerry, 2015, Data release for USGS field activity 2014-607-FA, Oregon OCS seafloor mapping: selected lease blocks relevant to renewable energy: U.S. Geological Survey, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Santa Cruz, CA.

    Online Links:

    Type_of_Source_Media: Digital and/or Hardcopy Resources
    Source_Contribution:
    Source information used in support of the development of the data set.
    Seafloor Character (source 2 of 2)
    Cochrane, Guy R., 2017, Interpretive data release for Oregon OCS seafloor mapping: selected lease blocks relevant to renewable energy: U.S. Geological Survey, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Santa Cruz, CA.

    Online Links:

    Type_of_Source_Media: Digital and/or Hardcopy Resources
    Source_Contribution:
    Source information used in support of the development of the data set.
  2. How were the data generated, processed, and modified?
    Date: 2016 (process 1 of 9)
    Generate bathymetric position index (BPI) using Esri's ArcGIS Benthic Terrain Modeler (BTM) with an annulus that has an inner radius of 36 m and an outer radius of 72 m. The radii of the annulus were determined based on the scale of geoforms identified visually in the hillshade image. Data sources used in this process:
    • Bathymetry
    Date: 2016 (process 2 of 9)
    To produce a continuous CMECS polygon geoform layer, the BPI raster was classified using values of -43 to -0.7 for all depressions, values of -0.7 to 3.0 for flat areas, and 3.0 to 32 for ridges. Data sources used in this process:
    • Bathymetry
    Date: 2016 (process 3 of 9)
    Calculate a slope raster with Benthic Terrain Modeler. Data sources used in this process:
    • Bathymetry
    Date: 2016 (process 4 of 9)
    The slope raster was classified into polygons for CMECS slope classes. Two slope classes were present in the area: flat areas with a slope of 0 deg, and sloping areas with a slope of 5 deg.
    Date: 2016 (process 5 of 9)
    The BPI and slope polygons were merged and then a geoform attribute was manually assigned from the CMECS geoform list.
    Date: 2016 (process 6 of 9)
    The seafloor-character raster, published concurrently with this data set, was converted to polygons, and CMECS substrate classes were asssigned to the polygons based on the seafloor-character raster values. Data sources used in this process:
    • Seafloor Character
    Date: 22-Jun-2018 (process 7 of 9)
    Metadata was modified to bring up to current USGS PCMSC standards. Keywords were added to USGS Thesaurus, and Access Instructions were added. Minor typos were corrected. No data information was changed. Person who carried out this activity:
    Susan A Cochran
    U.S. Geological Survey, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
    Geologist
    2885 Mission Street
    Santa Cruz, CA
    USA

    (831) 460-7545 (voice)
    scochran@usgs.gov
    Date: 30-Aug-2018 (process 8 of 9)
    Minor typos were corrected. No data information was changed. Person who carried out this activity:
    Susan A Cochran
    U.S. Geological Survey, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
    Geologist
    2885 Mission Street
    Santa Cruz, CA
    USA

    (831) 460-7545 (voice)
    scochran@usgs.gov
    Date: 19-Oct-2020 (process 9 of 9)
    Edited metadata to add keywords section with USGS persistent identifier as theme keyword. No data were changed. Person who carried out this activity:
    U.S. Geological Survey
    Attn: VeeAnn A. Cross
    Marine Geologist
    384 Woods Hole Road
    Woods Hole, MA

    508-548-8700 x2251 (voice)
    508-457-2310 (FAX)
    vatnipp@usgs.gov
  3. What similar or related data should the user be aware of?
    Cochrane, Guy R., Dartnell, Peter, Hemery, Lenaig G., and Hatcher, Gerry, 2015, Data release for USGS field activity 2014-607-FA, Oregon OCS seafloor mapping: selected lease blocks relevant to renewable energy: data release 10.5066/F7V40S8V, U.S. Geological Survey, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Santa Cruz, California.

    Online Links:

    Cochrane, Guy R., Hemery, Lenaig G., and Hendel, Sarah K., 2017, Oregon OCS seafloor mapping: selected lease blocks relevant to renewable energy: Open-File Report 2017-1045, U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, VA.

    Online Links:

    Madden, Christopher J., Goodin, Kathleen L., Allee, Rebecca, Finkbeiner, Mark, and Bamford, Danielle E., 2008, Coastal and Marine Ecological Classification Standard: Version III: report v. III, 77 p., National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and NatureServe, Arlington, VA.

    Online Links:

How reliable are the data; what problems remain in the data set?

  1. How well have the observations been checked?
    No formal attribute accuracy tests were conducted.
  2. How accurate are the geographic locations?
    A formal accuracy assessment of the horizontal positional information in the data set has not been conducted.
  3. How accurate are the heights or depths?
    A formal accuracy assessment of the vertical positional information in the data set has either not been conducted, or is not applicable.
  4. Where are the gaps in the data? What is missing?
    Data set is considered complete for the information presented, as described in the abstract. Users are advised to read the rest of the metadata record carefully for additional details.
  5. How consistent are the relationships among the observations, including topology?
    No formal logical accuracy tests were conducted.

How can someone get a copy of the data set?

Are there legal restrictions on access or use of the data?
Access_Constraints: None.
Use_Constraints:
USGS-authored or produced data and information are in the public domain from the U.S. Government and are freely redistributable with proper metadata and source attribution. Please recognize and acknowledge the U.S. Geological Survey as the originator of the dataset and in products derived from these data.
  1. Who distributes the data set? (Distributor 1 of 1)
    U.S. Geological Survey - ScienceBase
    Denver Federal Center, Building 810, Mail Stop 302
    Denver, CO

    1-888-275-8747 (voice)
    sciencebase@usgs.gov
  2. What's the catalog number I need to order this data set? These data are available in shapefile (.shp) format and associated files, contained in a single zip file (cmecs.zip) which also includes CSDGM FGDC-compliant metadata.
  3. What legal disclaimers am I supposed to read?
    Unless otherwise stated, all data, metadata and related materials are considered to satisfy the quality standards relative to the purpose for which the data were collected. Although these data and associated metadata have been reviewed for accuracy and completeness and approved for release by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), no warranty expressed or implied is made regarding the display or utility of the data on any other system or for general or scientific purposes, nor shall the act of distribution constitute any such warranty.
  4. How can I download or order the data?

Who wrote the metadata?

Dates:
Last modified: 19-Oct-2020
Metadata author:
U.S. Geological Survey, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
Attn: PCMSC Science Data Coordinator
2885 Mission Street
Santa Cruz, CA
US

831-427-4747 (voice)
831-427-4748 (FAX)
pcmsc_data@usgs.gov
Metadata standard:
Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata (FGDC-STD-001-1998)
This page is <https://cmgds.marine.usgs.gov/catalog/pcmsc/DataReleases/ScienceBase/DR_F7000069/cmecs.shp.faq.html>
Generated by mp version 2.9.50 on Tue Sep 21 18:17:09 2021