Sediment Data From Cores Collected in 2025 at Midnight Pass, Florida

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Frequently anticipated questions:

What does this data set describe?

Title:
Sediment Data From Cores Collected in 2025 at Midnight Pass, Florida
Abstract:
In June 2025, scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center (SPCMSC) conducted sediment core sampling at Midnight Pass, an inlet between Siesta Key and Casey Key, Florida. This inlet was closed by mechanical action in 1983 and reopened by the passage of hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024, reconnecting Little Sarasota Bay to the Gulf of America (Gulf of Mexico). A total of seven cores were collected, with approximate recovery lengths between 0.54 meters (m) and 1.05 m. The cores were collected using a mechanical post driver and 3-inch (7.62 centimeters [cm]) diameter aluminum barrels.
Supplemental_Information:
Core data were collected as part of USGS FAN 2024-330-FA. This field activity began in December 2024 with an initial data collection along the Florida Gulf coast after the passage of hurricanes Helene and Milton. Since then, additional surveys have been completed, including the coring event at Midnight Pass in June 2025, detailed in this data release. Future surveys under this field activity are planned, with continued acquisition of subsurface geology from washovers associated with these hurricanes. Additional survey and data details are available from the USGS Coastal and Marine Geoscience Data System (CMGDS) at, https://cmgds.marine.usgs.gov/services/activity.php?fan=2024-330-FA.
  1. How might this data set be cited?
    Williams, Breanna N., and Ciarletta, Daniel J., 20260422, Sediment Data From Cores Collected in 2025 at Midnight Pass, Florida:.

    This is part of the following larger work.

    Ciarletta, Daniel J., Smullen, Blake F., Williams, Breanna N., Johnson, Emily L., and DeWitt, Nancy T., 20260422, Sediment Data From Cores Collected in 2025 at Midnight Pass, Florida: U.S. Geological Survey data release doi:10.5066/P1CQ6QRR, U.S. Geological Survey - St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, St. Petersburg, FL.

    Online Links:

  2. What geographic area does the data set cover?
    West_Bounding_Coordinate: -82.51233233
    East_Bounding_Coordinate: -82.5111425
    North_Bounding_Coordinate: 27.20944337
    South_Bounding_Coordinate: 27.20742305
  3. What does it look like?
  4. Does the data set describe conditions during a particular time period?
    Calendar_Date: 25-Jun-2025
    Currentness_Reference:
    ground condition
  5. What is the general form of this data set?
  6. How does the data set represent geographic features?
    1. How are geographic features stored in the data set?
      This is a Point data set. It contains the following vector data types (SDTS terminology):
      • Entity Point (7)
    2. What coordinate system is used to represent geographic features?
      Horizontal positions are specified in geographic coordinates, that is, latitude and longitude. Latitudes are given to the nearest 0.0197864699. Longitudes are given to the nearest 0.0228595953. Latitude and longitude values are specified in Decimal degrees. 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.
      Vertical_Coordinate_System_Definition:
      Altitude_System_Definition:
      Altitude_Datum_Name: North American Vertical Datum 1988
      Altitude_Resolution: 0.001
      Altitude_Distance_Units: meter
      Altitude_Encoding_Method: Attribute values
  7. How does the data set describe geographic features?
    2024-330-FA_MP_CoreSites.csv
    Comma-separated values (.csv) file of the site locations and core collection information for the seven cores collected at Midnight Pass, on June 25, 2025. (Source: USGS)
    Core ID
    Identifier generated for the core. (Source: USGS) Alphanumeric string containing the FAN (2024-330-FA), followed by a dash, and the alternate core identifier. Example: 2024-330-FA-MP2-D.
    Field Activity Number
    USGS field activity number generated for the survey. (Source: USGS)
    ValueDefinition
    2024-330-FAThe USGS field activity number for the data collection is 2024-330-FA.
    Alternate Core ID
    Alternate identifier generated for the core. (Source: USGS) Alphanumeric string containing the survey location name ('MP', for Midnight Pass), followed by a number for the transect (2 or 3, where 2 is north of the inlet and 3 is south), a dash, and then letter for the core site (B, D, E, F, or G). Example: MP2-D.jpg.
    Date Collected
    Date the core was collected, written as M/DD/YYYY (Month, Day, Year). (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:6/25/2025
    Maximum:6/25/2025
    Latitude (DD)
    Latitude of core collection, in decimal degrees, relative to WGS84. (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:27.20742305
    Maximum:27.20944337
    Units:Decimal degrees
    Longitude (DD)
    Longitude of core collection, in decimal degrees, relative to WGS84. (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:-82.51233233
    Maximum:-82.5111425
    Units:Decimal degrees
    Sampling Device
    Type of core sampling device used to collect the sediment material at Midnight Pass. (Source: USGS)
    ValueDefinition
    Mechanical Post DriverThe core was collected using a mechanical post driver made by Skidril Industries, LLC©.
    Elevation (m NAVD88)
    The elevation of each site recorded in meters (m) relative to NAVD88. (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.505
    Maximum:1.507
    Units:meters
    Penetration (cm)
    Penetration made by the coring device at Midnight Pass, in centimeters (cm). (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:94
    Maximum:130.5
    Units:centimeters
    Loss (cm)
    Sediment lost from the core barrel during recovery, used in calculating compaction of the sediment remaining in the barrel (cm). (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:6
    Maximum:49.5
    Units:centimeters
    Field Estimated Core Length (cm)
    Core length estimated in the field, in centimeters (cm). (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:53.5
    Maximum:106
    Units:centimeters
    Actual Length (cm)
    Actual measured length of the core, in centimeters (cm). (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:54
    Maximum:105.5
    Units:centimeters
    Coring Compaction (cm)
    Calculated compaction of sediment remaining in barrel, in centimeters (cm), from coring compaction multiplied by actual core length. (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:4.77
    Maximum:15.58
    Units:centimeters
    Coring Compaction (%)
    Percentage of compaction of actual core (One minus the core loss plus actual length [cm] divided by penetration [cm], then multiplied by 100). (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:5.84%
    Maximum:23.72%
    Units:percent
    Core Diameter (cm)
    Diameter of coring device used, in centimeters (cm). (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:7.62
    Maximum:7.62
    Units:centimeters
    Entity_and_Attribute_Overview:
    2024-330-FA_MP_GrainSizeData.zip: Summary grain-size data for core samples. Files are provided in Microsoft Excel (.xlsx) and comma-separated values (.csv) formats (2024-330-FA_MP_SieveStats.csv, 2024-330-FA_MP_GrainSizeStats.xlsx). For full entity and attribute details, please refer to the accompanying data dictionary, 2024-330-FA_GrainSize_DataDictionary.docx. The 2024-330-FA_GrainSizeStats.xlsx file contains a copy of the data dictionary as well as the summary grain-size data, separated by tabs. These metadata are not complete without the data dictionary file.
    Entity_and_Attribute_Overview:
    2024-330-FA_MP_CorePhotos.zip and 2024-330-FA_CoreLogs.zip JPEG images containing high-resolution photos and descriptive logs for each core. Additional metadata were added to the EXIF and other imagery headers of each core photo and core log image using Phil Harvey’s ExifTool. Please view the imagery headers within each file for more information.
    Entity_and_Attribute_Detail_Citation:
    The entity and attribute information were generated by the individual and/or agency identified as the originator of the dataset. 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)
    • Breanna N. Williams
    • Daniel J. Ciarletta
  2. Who also contributed to the data set?
    Funding and (or) support for this study were provided by the USGS Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program.
  3. To whom should users address questions about the data?
    U.S. Geological Survey, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center
    Attn: Daniel J. Ciarletta
    Research Physical Scientist
    600 4th Street South
    St. Petersburg, FL

    727-502-8000 (voice)
    dciarletta@usgs.gov

Why was the data set created?

The data release associated with this metadata record serves as an archive of sediment cores collected in June 2025 from Midnight Pass (as part of USGS field activity number [FAN] 2024-330-FA). Sedimentologic data published in this data release includes descriptive core site information, core logs, composite core photographs, and grain size data which can be utilized to study the geomorphic evolution of Midnight Pass. Data acquisition and processing methods used are similar to those described in Bernier and others (2024).

How was the data set created?

  1. From what previous works were the data drawn?
  2. How were the data generated, processed, and modified?
    Date: 25-Jun-2025 (process 1 of 5)
    Cores were collected using a Skidril© G2XD-4 mechanical post driver. The aluminum core barrel was fitted to the post driver using an 8.25 cm adapter, and the core barrel was driven into the subsurface until refusal, or full penetration of barrel. Measurements were taken on the inside and outside of the core barrel prior to extraction to determine the amount of compaction, which is the difference between the recovered core length and the total depth the core barrel penetrated below the sediment surface. After extraction, each core was capped, sealed, and labeled with the core number and orientation. All cores were transported to the SPCMSC sediment laboratory for processing and analysis. Core collection information was compiled into a comma-separated values file (.csv), and is included in the data download zip file, 2024-330-FA_MP_CoreSites.zip of this data release. Person who carried out this activity:
    Daniel J. Ciarletta
    U.S. Geological Survey, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center
    Research Physical Scientist
    600 4th Street South
    St. Petersburg, FL

    (727) 502-8000 (voice)
    dciarletta@usgs.gov
    Data sources produced in this process:
    • 2024-330-FA_MP_CoreSites.csv
    Date: 2025 (process 2 of 5)
    Core processing and photographing: At the SPCMSC sediment laboratory, the cores were split lengthwise and photographed. The split cores were photographed in approximately 20- to 25-cm, overlapping segments with a Nikon© D80 digital camera with a 70-millimeter (mm) zoom lens using consistent (manually programmed) settings with autofocus from a fixed height. The raw images were white-balanced using GNU Image Manipulation Program (GIMP) version 2.10 software, cropped to the same extent (to remove areas outside of the core barrel), and "stitched" together using The Panorama Factory version 4.5 software, providing seamless high-resolution whole-core Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG, .jpg) images. Lithologic descriptions for the core logs are based on macroscopic observations. Sediment color is based on the Munsell soil color system (https://munsell.com/color-products/color-communications-products/environmental-color-communication/munsell-soil-color-charts/). Descriptive core logs for the seven cores were compiled using RockWare® LogPlot 8 software, edited in Adobe Illustrator, and exported as JPEG images. The filenames for each core photo are as follows: survey location name ('MP', for Midnight Pass), followed by a number for the transect (2 or 3, where 2 is north of the inlet and 3 is south), a dash, and then letter for the core site (B, D, E, F, or G). Example: MP2-D.jpg. The core logs follow the same naming convention as the core photos, with the addition of the FAN and a dash at the beginning (example: 2024-330-FA-MP2-D.jpg). These images are available in their respective data download zip file, 2024-330-FA_MP_CorePhotos.zip and 2024-330-FA_MP_CoreLogs.zip. Person who carried out this activity:
    Daniel J. Ciarletta
    U.S. Geological Survey, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center
    Research Physical Scientist
    600 4th Street South
    St. Petersburg, FL

    (727) 502-8000 (voice)
    dciarletta@usgs.gov
    Data sources produced in this process:
    • MP2-D.jpg
    • MP2-E.jpg
    • MP2-F.jpg
    • MP2-G.jpg
    • MP3-B.jpg
    • MP3-D.jpg
    • MP3-E.jpg
    • 2024-330-FA-MP2-D.jpg
    • 2024-330-FA-MP2-E.jpg
    • 2024-330-FA-MP2-F.jpg
    • 2024-330-FA-MP2-G.jpg
    • 2024-330-FA-MP3-B.jpg
    • 2024-330-FA-MP3-D.jpg
    • 2024-330-FA-MP3-E.jpg
    Date: 2026 (process 3 of 5)
    Grain-size processing: The raw grain-size data was run through the free software GRADISTAT version 9, (Blott and Pye, 2001), which calculates the mean, sorting, skewness and kurtosis of each sample geometrically, in metric units, and logarithmically, in phi (Φ) units (Krumbein, 1934), using the Folk and Ward (1957) scale. GRADISTAT also reports the descriptive sediment texture after Folk (1954) and calculates the fraction of sediment from each sample by size category (for example, mud, coarse sand, fine gravel) based on a modified Wentworth (1922) size scale. The results for all samples, including multiple samples derived from selected intervals for quality control purposes, are included as a tab in a Microsoft Excel workbook (2024-330-FA_MP_GrainSizeStats.xlsx) and as a comma-separated values (2024-330-FA_MP_SieveStats.csv) data file. Person who carried out this activity:
    Daniel J. Ciarletta
    U.S. Geological Survey
    Research Physical Scientist
    600 4th Street South
    St. Petersburg, FL

    (727) 502-8068 (voice)
    dciarletta@usgs.gov
    Data sources produced in this process:
    • 2024-330-FA_MP_GrainSizeStats.xlsx
    • 2024-330-FA_MP_SieveStats.csv
    Date: 2026 (process 4 of 5)
    Grain-size sieve analysis: Sediment samples were analyzed by dry sieving. The sediment was passed through a stack of sieves with progressively smaller openings using the assistance of a mechanical sieve shaker to determine grain-size distribution. U.S. standard sieves numbers 230 (63 micrometers [µm]), 120 (125 µm), 60 (250 µm), 35 (500 µm), 18 (1 millimeters [mm]), 10 (2 mm), 5 (4 mm), and 5/16" (8 mm) were used, which meet the ASTM E11 standard specifications for determining particle size using woven-wire test sieves. All dry-sieve data was reported as a percent fraction of the total bulk dry weight of each sample subset. The results for all samples are included as a tab in an Excel workbook (2024-330-FA_MP_GrainSizeStats.xlsx) and as a comma-separated values (2024-330-FA_MP_SieveStats.csv) data file. Person who carried out this activity:
    Daniel J. Ciarletta
    U.S. Geological Survey
    Research Physical Scientist
    600 4th Street South
    St. Petersburg, FL

    (727) 502-8068 (voice)
    dciarletta@usgs.gov
    Data sources produced in this process:
    • 2024-330-FA_MP_GrainSizeStats.xlsx
    • 2024-330-FA_MP_SieveStats.csv
    Date: 06-Feb-2026 (process 5 of 5)
    Populating image headers: Additional metadata were added to the exchangeable image file format (EXIF) header of each image using Phil Harvey’s ExifTool version 12.30 (Harvey, 2021). The image headers were populated individually for each of the seven core photos and seven core logs. The information in the scripts were the same among all images, aside from the EXIF:ImageDescription, EXIF:GPSLatitude, and EXIF:GPSLongtitude information, as that information varied for each core. The EXIF:ImageDescription and IPTC:Keywords information varies between the core photos and core logs as well. An example script for core photo MP3-E.jpg is provided below. First, the following command was run on all images in a folder to preserve filenames: exiftool -P "-XMP:PreservedFileName<Filename" *.JPG.
    Second, the following command was run for core photo MP3-E.jpg: exiftool -IPTC:Credit="U.S. Geological Survey" -IPTC:Contact="gs-g-spcmsc_data_inquiries@usgs.gov" -EXIF:Copyright="Public Domain" -XMP:UsageTerms="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 for other purposes, nor on all computer systems, nor shall the act of distribution constitute any such warranty." -EXIF:ImageDescription="https://cmgds.marine.usgs.gov/services/activity.php?fan=2024-330-FA; Photograph of core MP3-E collected at Midnight Pass, between Siesta Key and Casey Key, Florida, from USGS field activity 2024-330-FA." -XMP:AttributionURL="https://doi.org/10.5066/P1CQ6QRR" -EXIF:GPSAreaInformation="Trimble SPS986 and Leica GS16 RTK (Real-time Kinematic), cm-accuracy" -XMP:ExternalMetadataLink="https://www1.usgs.gov/pir/api/identifiers/USGS:cd72480c-1dc9-48b6-a150-955ed04d59ee" -EXIF:GPSMapDatum="EPSG:4326 (WGS 84)" -EXIF:Artist="Daniel Ciarletta (USGS) & Blake Smullen (Contractor to the USGS)" -EXIF:Make="Nikon" -EXIF:Model="D80" -EXIF:GPSLatitude="27.20765771" -EXIF:GPSLatitudeRef="N" -EXIF:GPSLongitudeRef="W" -EXIF:GPSLongitude="-82.5111425" -sep ";" -IPTC:Keywords="drilling and coring, unconsolidated deposits, field sampling" -overwrite_original -P MP3-E.jpg
    Third, the following command run on all images in a folder to copy information into duplicate tags: exiftool -P "-XMP-photoshop:Credit<IPTC:Credit" "-XMP-iptcCore:CreatorWorkEmail<IPTC:Contact" "-XMP-dc:Rights<EXIF:Copyright" "-XMP-dc:Description<EXIF:ImageDescription" "-XMP-exif:all" "-XMP-photoshop:DateCreated<EXIF:DateTimeOriginal" -overwrite_original *.JPG
    To extract the information from the image headers using ExifTool, run the following command after connecting to the unzipped folder containing the images: exiftool -n -csv *.jpg > allheaders.csv Person who carried out this activity:
    Breanna N. Williams
    U.S. Geological Survey, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center
    Geographer
    600 4th Street South
    St. Petersburg, FL
    United States

    727-502-8000 (voice)
    bnwilliams@usgs.gov
    Data sources produced in this process:
    • MP2-D.jpg
    • MP2-E.jpg
    • MP2-F.jpg
    • MP2-G.jpg
    • MP3-B.jpg
    • MP3-D.jpg
    • MP3-E.jpg
    • 2024-330-FA-MP2-D.jpg
    • 2024-330-FA-MP2-E.jpg
    • 2024-330-FA-MP2-F.jpg
    • 2024-330-FA-MP2-G.jpg
    • 2024-330-FA-MP3-B.jpg
    • 2024-330-FA-MP3-D.jpg
    • 2024-330-FA-MP3-E.jpg
  3. What similar or related data should the user be aware of?
    Bernier, Julie C., Everhart, Cheyenne S., Ciarletta, Daniel J., DeWitt, Nancy T., and Miselis, Jennifer L., 20240708, Sediment data from vibracores collected in 2021 from central Florida Gulf Coast barrier islands: U.S. Geological Survey data release doi:10.5066/P14L5SVG, U.S. Geological Survey, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, St. Petersburg, FL.

    Online Links:

    Blott, Simon J., and Pye, Kenneth, 20010928, GRADISTAT: A grain size distribution and statistics package for the analysis of unconsolidated sediments: Earth Surface Processes and Landforms Volume 26, Issue 11.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: Pages 1237-1248
    Folk, Robert L., and Ward, William C., 19570301, Brazos River bar: A study in the significance of grain size parameters: Journal of Sedimentary Petrology Volume 27, No. 1.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: Pages 3-26
    Krumbein, William C., 19340801, Size frequency distributions of sediments: Journal of Sedimentary Petrology Volume 4, No. 2.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: Pages 65-77
    Wentworth, Chester K., 1922, A scale of grade and class terms for clastic sediments: Journal of Geology Volume 30, No. 5.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: Pages 377-392
    Folk, Robert L., 195407, The distinction between grain size and mineral composition in sedimentary-rock nomenclature: Journal of Geology Volume 62, No. 4.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: Pages 344-359
    Harvey, Phil, 20210814, ExifTool by Phil Harvey.

    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?
    Position and elevation associated with each core site was determined by Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) Real-time Kinematic (RTK) corrections using Trimble© SPS986 and Leica© Viva GS16 Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receivers. Horizontal and vertical accuracies were in the sub-centimeter range. Horizontal positions are referenced to the World Geodetic System of 1984 (WGS84) coordinate system.
  3. How accurate are the heights or depths?
    Position and elevation associated with each core site was determined by DGPS RTK corrections using Trimble© SPS986 and Leica© Viva GS16 GNSS receivers. Horizontal and vertical accuracies were in the sub-centimeter range. Vertical positions (elevation) are referenced to the North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD88) coordinate system, using the GEOID18 model.
  4. Where are the gaps in the data? What is missing?
    Dataset is considered complete for the information presented, as described in the abstract.
  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 No access constraints. Please see 'Distribution Information' for details.
Use_Constraints These data are marked with a Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal License. These data are in the public domain and do not have any use constraints. Users are advised to read the dataset's metadata thoroughly to understand appropriate use and data limitations.
  1. Who distributes the data set? (Distributor 1 of 1)
    U.S. Geological Survey, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center
    Attn: USGS SPCMSC Data Management
    600 4th Street South
    Saint Petersburg, FL
    United States

    727-502-8000 (voice)
    gs-g-spcmsc_data_inquiries@usgs.gov
  2. What's the catalog number I need to order this data set? 2024-330_FA_MP_CoreSites.csv, MP2-D.jpg, MP2-E.jpg, MP2-F.jpg, MP2-G.jpg, MP3-B.jpg, MP3-D.jpg, MP3-E.jpg, 2024-330-FA-MP2-D.jpg, 2024-330-FA-MP2-E.jpg, 2024-330-FA-MP2-F.jpg, 2024-330-FA-MP2-G.jpg, 2024-330-FA-MP3-B.jpg, 2024-330-FA-MP3-D.jpg, 2024-330-FA-MP3-E.jpg, 2024-330-FA_MP_SieveStats.csv, 2024-330-FA_MP_GrainSizeStats.xlsx, 2024-330-FA_GrainSize_DataDictionary.docx
  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 for other purposes, nor on all computer systems, nor shall the act of distribution constitute any such warranty. Any use of trade, firm, or product names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.
  4. How can I download or order the data?

Who wrote the metadata?

Dates:
Last modified: 22-Apr-2026
Metadata author:
U.S. Geological Survey, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center
Attn: USGS SPCMSC Data Management
600 4th Street South
Saint Petersburg, FL
United States

727-502-8000 (voice)
gs-g-spcmsc_data_inquiries@usgs.gov
Metadata standard:
Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata (FGDC-STD-001-1998)
This page is <https://cmgds.marine.usgs.gov/catalog/spcmsc/2024-330-FA_MP_core_metadata.faq.html>
Generated by mp version 2.9.51 on Wed Apr 22 13:47:20 2026