Radiometric Ages and Descriptive Data for Late Holocene Acropora spp. Corals From Dry Tortugas National Park

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What does this data set describe?

1. How might this data set be cited?
   Stathakopoulos, Anastasios, 20241125, Radiometric Ages and Descriptive Data for Late Holocene Acropora spp. Corals From Dry Tortugas National Park:.

   This is part of the following larger work.
   Stathakopoulos, Anastasios, Toth, Lauren T., Modys, Alexander B., Johnson, Selena A., and Kuffner, Ilsa B., 2024115, Radiometric Ages and Descriptive Data for Late Holocene Acropora spp. Corals From Dry Tortugas National Park: U.S. Geological Survey data release doi:10.5066/P13L6DTF, U.S. Geological Survey - St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, St. Petersburg, Florida.

   Online Links:

   • https://doi.org/10.5066/P13L6DTF

2. What geographic area does the data set cover?

   West_Bounding_Coordinate: -82.87459
   East_Bounding_Coordinate: -82.77258
   North_Bounding_Coordinate: 24.70289
   South_Bounding_Coordinate: 24.60740
   Description_of_Geographic_Extent: Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida
   

3. What does it look like?
4. Does the data set describe conditions during a particular time period?

   Beginning_Date: 21-May-2015

   Ending_Date: 15-Jun-2023

   Currentness_Reference:

   ground condition

5. What is the general form of this data set?

   Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: tabular and raster digital data
   

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):
      • Point (52)
   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 0.0001. Longitudes are given to the nearest 0.0001. Latitude and longitude values are specified in Decimal degrees. The horizontal datum used is North American Datum of 1983 (NAD 83).
      The ellipsoid used is Geodetic Reference System 1980.
      The semi-major axis of the ellipsoid used is 6378137.000000.
      The flattening of the ellipsoid used is 1/298.257222101.
      

      Vertical_Coordinate_System_Definition:

      Depth_System_Definition:

      Depth_Datum_Name: Mean sea level
      Depth_Resolution: 0.1
      Depth_Distance_Units: meters
      Depth_Encoding_Method: Attribute values
      

7. How does the data set describe geographic features?

   DRTO_late_Holocene_Acropora_radiocarbon_data.xlsx, DRTO_late_Holocene_Acropora_radiocarbon_data.csv

   Comma-separated values (.csv) and Microsoft Excel files (.xlsx) of radiocarbon data for late Holocene sub-fossil coral samples collected from the coral reefs at Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida from 2015 to 2023. (Source: USGS)

   Sample name

   Unique identifier for each coral sample dated in this study. (Source: USGS) A unique sample identifier assigned by USGS researchers at the time of collection. Typically, the sample ID contains an abbreviation of the sampling location or site name (PL, PLS, and PLN=Pulaski Light reef, South=Pulaski Shoal south, PW=Pulaski West, MB=Middle Bank, EK=East Key reef, SE=Southeast Reef, LK=Long Key island, BK=Bird Key reef) and a sample number for that location. Many, but not all sample IDs also contain information about the species of the sample as identified in the field (Ap=Acropora palmata and ACN=Acropora cervicornis).

   Taxon

   The identified taxa of coral sampled. (Source: USGS)

   Value	Definition
   A. palmata	The coral species is Acropora palmata.
   Pseudodiploria sp.	The coral species is Pseudodiploria sp. This coral was initially identified in the field as Acropora cervicornis, but upon closer examination was determined to be Pseudodiploria sp.
   A. cervicornis	The coral species is Acropora cervicornis.

   Location

   The general geomorphic feature within Dry Tortugas National Park where the sample was collected. (Source: USGS)

   Value	Definition
   Pulaski Shoal	The sample was collected from Pulaski Shoal, a shallow-water bank located at the northeast side of Dry Tortugas National Park.
   East Key	The sample was collected near East Key, an emergent sand island to the southwest of Pulaski Light reef and on the eastern side of Dry Tortugas National Park.
   Southeast Reef	The sample was collected from Southeast Reef, a relict spur-and-groove reef located off of Garden Key on the southwest side of Dry Tortugas National Park.
   Long Key island	The sample was collected subaerially on the island called Long Key, which is located east of Garden Key and north of Southeast Reef.

   Site name

   The specific reef site where the sample was collected. (Source: USGS)

   Value	Definition
   Pulaski Light reef	The sample was collected near the navigation light tower at the far east end of Pulaski Shoal.
   Pulaski Shoal south	The sample was collected just south of Pulaski Light reef.
   Pulaski West	The sample was collected on Pulaski Shoal ~3 kilometers (km) northwest of Pulaski Light reef.
   Middle Bank	The sample was collected on a small ridge between Pulaski Light reef and Pulaski West.
   East Key reef	The sample was collected near East Key, an emergent sand island to the southwest of Pulaski Light reef and on the eastern side of Dry Tortugas National Park.
   Long Key reef	The sample was collected from Long Key reef, located to the east and southeast of Long Key island.
   Long Key island	The sample was collected subaerially on the island called Long Key, which is located east of Garden Key and north of Southeast Reef.
   Bird Key reef	The sample was collected near the former location of Bird Key, south of Garden Key and southwest of Long Key reef.

   Latitude

   The approximate latitude (in decimal degrees, NAD83) where the sample was collected. (Source: USGS)

   Range of values
   Minimum:	24.60740
   Maximum:	24.70289
   Units:	Decimal Degrees
   Resolution:	0.00001

   Longitude

   The approximate longitude (in decimal degrees, NAD83) where the sample was collected. (Source: USGS)

   Range of values
   Minimum:	-82.87459
   Maximum:	-82.77258
   Units:	Decimal Degrees
   Resolution:	0.00001

   Depth (m bsl)

   The water depth in meters (m) of the sample below sea level (bsl), as recorded by USGS researchers in the field using underwater depth gauges. (Source: USGS)

   Range of values
   Minimum:	-7.62
   Maximum:	1.91
   Units:	Meters
   Resolution:	0.01

   Corrected depth (m MSL)

   The water depth of the sample in meters (m) corrected to mean sea level (MSL) using local tide information. (Source: USGS)

   Range of values
   Minimum:	-7.63
   Maximum:	1.43
   Units:	Meters
   Resolution:	0.01

   Elevation determination error (m; +/- 2-sigma)

   The two-standard deviation (2-sigma) uncertainty in meters (m) associated with determining the water depth in the field using either underwater depth gauges (0.5 m) or based on the uncertainty of in situ measurements with a global positioning system (GPS) as described in Toth and others (2018). (Source: USGS)

   Range of values
   Minimum:	0.04
   Maximum:	0.50
   Units:	Meters
   Resolution:	0.01

   Coring method error (m; +/- 2-sigma)

   The two-standard deviation (2-sigma) uncertainty in meters (m) associated with determining sample elevation from rotary cores, assumed to be 0.15 m (after Hijma and others, 2015). This uncertainty was only applied to the three samples that were collected from cores. All other cells were left blank. (Source: USGS)

   Range of values
   Minimum:	0.15
   Maximum:	0.15
   Units:	Meters
   Resolution:	0.05

   Sampling method error (m; +/- 2-sigma)

   The two-standard deviation (2-sigma) elevation uncertainty in meters (m) associated with the thickness of the sample collected for radiocarbon dating, taken to be 1 centimeter (cm) (or 0.01 m). (Source: USGS)

   Range of values
   Minimum:	0.01
   Maximum:	0.01
   Units:	Meters
   Resolution:	0.01

   Elevation uncertainty (m; +/- 2-sigma)

   The total two-standard deviation (2-sigma) uncertainty in meters (m) determined by calculating the root-sum-square of the elevation determination error, the sampling method uncertainty, and, where applicable the coring method error. (Source: USGS)

   Range of values
   Minimum:	0.15
   Maximum:	0.50
   Units:	Meters
   Resolution:	0.05

   Coral depth distribution range (m; 95% CI)

   The 95% confidence interval (95% CI) of the empirical depth distribution in meters (m) of the coral in Florida, as determined by Hibbert and others (2018). Blank values indicate the uncertainty was not applied because the sample was not collected underwater. (Source: USGS)

   Range of values
   Minimum:	3.5
   Maximum:	15.6
   Units:	Meters
   Resolution:	0.1

   Paleo-water depth/Lower combined error (m; 2-sigma)

   The estimated lowest paleo-water depth in meters (m) below mean sea level, taken as the root-sum-square of the total elevation uncertainty and 0. (Source: USGS)

   Range of values
   Minimum:	0.15
   Maximum:	0.50
   Units:	Meters
   Resolution:	0.05

   Paleo-water depth/Upper combined error (m; 2-sigma)

   The estimated highest paleo-water depth in meters (m) below mean sea level, taken as the root-sum-square of the total elevation uncertainty and the paleo-water depth. Blank values indicate the uncertainty was not applied because the sample was not collected underwater. (Source: USGS)

   Range of values
   Minimum:	3.5
   Maximum:	15.6
   Units:	Meters
   Resolution:	0.001

   In situ

   Identifies whether the coral was determined to be in its original growth position on the reef (i.e., it was in situ). (Source: USGS)

   Value	Definition
   YES	The sample was determined to be in situ.
   NO	The sample was not determined to be in situ.

   Conv 14C age (yrs)

   The conventional 14C age is the measured 14C age corrected for the isotopic fractionation of δ13C as measured by accelerator mass spectrometry. (Source: USGS)

   Range of values
   Minimum:	685
   Maximum:	4290
   Units:	Years
   Resolution:	5

   Conv 14C error (1-sigma; yrs)

   The one-standard deviation (1-sigma) uncertainty on the conventional radiocarbon (14C) age. (Source: USGS)

   Range of values
   Minimum:	15
   Maximum:	30
   Units:	Years
   Resolution:	5

   delta-13C (‰)

   The measured delta-13C (δ13C) of the sample, used to correct for isotopic fractionation of 12C and 13C. Blank values indicate that the data was not reported by the lab. (Source: USGS)

   Range of values
   Minimum:	-2.50
   Maximum:	1.99
   Units:	Parts per thousand
   Resolution:	0.01

   Delta-R (yrs)

   Marine radiocarbon reservoir age correction, Delta-R (ΔR) values (in years), based on the conventional radiocarbon age of the sample. The values are based on the time-varying models of ΔR for the open ocean regions of south Florida developed by Toth and others (2017). (Source: USGS)

   Range of values
   Minimum:	-229.19
   Maximum:	-119.51
   Units:	Years
   Resolution:	0.01

   Delta-R error (1-sigma; yrs)

   The one-standard deviation (1-sigma) uncertainty in the marine radiocarbon reservoir age correction, Delta-R (ΔR) values (in years), based on the conventional radiocarbon age of the sample. The values are based on the time-varying models of ΔR for the open ocean regions of south Florida developed by Toth and others (2017). (Source: USGS)

   Range of values
   Minimum:	15.87
   Maximum:	25.57
   Units:	Years
   Resolution:	0.01

   Calibrated age (yrs cal BP)

   The calibrated radiocarbon age in years before present (where "present" is 1950). (Source: USGS)

   Range of values
   Minimum:	374
   Maximum:	4503
   Units:	Years
   Resolution:	1

   +2-sigma range (yrs)

   The maximum (oldest age) of the two-standard deviation (2-sigma) uncertainty (95% confidence interval) of the calibrated age. (Source: USGS)

   Range of values
   Minimum:	497
   Maximum:	4704
   Units:	Years
   Resolution:	1

   -2-sigma range (yrs)

   The minimum (youngest age) of the two-standard deviation (2-sigma) uncertainty (95% confidence interval) of the calibrated age. (Source: USGS)

   Range of values
   Minimum:	253
   Maximum:	4318
   Units:	Years
   Resolution:	1

   Lab ID

   A unique sample ID ("WW" or "OS" number) assigned by the radiocarbon laboratory, where the sample was radiocarbon dated. (Source: USGS) A unique sample ID assigned by the laboratory that conducted the radiocarbon analysis. Samples analyzed by the Center for AMS (CAMS) at the Lawrence Livermoore National Laboratory were first processed by the USGS Radiocarbon Laboratory where they were assigned an ID with a "WW" prefix. Samples analyzed by the National Ocean Sciences AMS laboratory at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution have a prefix of "OS".

   Notes

   Additional notes about the samples. (Source: USGS)

   Value	Definition
   See Toth et al., 2018b. Sample from reef core. Previously tide-corrected	This core was previously described in Toth and others (2018).
   Depth was estimated	The depth of this sample was estimated, rather than directly measured in the field.
   Subaerial sample collected from a storm ridge	The sample was collected on land (subaerially) from a storm-deposited ridge on the beach.

   DRTO_late_Holocene_Acropora_USeries_data.xlsx, DRTO_late_Holocene_Acropora_USeries_data.csv

   Comma-separated values (.csv) and Microsoft Excel files (.xlsx) of U-Th data for late Holocene sub-fossil coral samples collected from the coral reefs at Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida from 2015 to 2023. (Source: USGS)

   Sample name

   Unique identifier for each coral sample dated in this study. (Source: USGS) A unique sample identifier assigned by USGS researchers at the time of collection. Typically, the sample ID contains an abbreviation of the sampling location or site name (PLS=Pulaski Light reef, PW=Pulaski West, LK=Long Key island, BK=Bird Key reef) and a sample number for that location. Many, but not all sample IDs also contain information about the species of the sample as identified in the field (Ap=Acropora palmata).

   Taxon

   The identified taxa of coral sampled. (Source: USGS)

   Value	Definition
   A. palmata	The coral species is Acropora palmata.

   Location

   The general geomorphic feature within Dry Tortugas National Park where the sample was collected. (Source: USGS)

   Value	Definition
   Pulaski Shoal	The sample was collected from Pulaski Shoal, a shallow-water bank located at the northeast side of Dry Tortugas National Park.
   Long Key island	The sample was collected subaerially on the island called Long Key, which is located east of Garden Key and north of Southeast Reef.
   Southeast Reef	The sample was collected from Southeast Reef, a relict spur-and-groove reef located off of Garden Key on the southwest side of Dry Tortugas National Park.

   Site name

   The specific reef site where the sample was collected. (Source: USGS)

   Value	Definition
   Pulaski Light reef	The sample was collected near the navigation light tower at the far east end of Pulaski Shoal.
   Long Key island	The sample was collected subaerially on the island called Long Key, which is located east of Garden Key and north of Southeast Reef.
   Pulaski West	The sample was collected on Pulaski Shoal ~3 kilometers (km) northwest of Pulaski Light reef.
   Bird Key reef	The sample was collected near the former location of Bird Key, south of Garden Key and southwest of Long Key reef.

   Latitude

   The approximate latitude (in decimal degrees, NAD83) where the sample was collected. (Source: USGS)

   Range of values
   Minimum:	24.60740
   Maximum:	24.70289
   Units:	Decimal Degrees
   Resolution:	0.00001

   Longitude

   The approximate longitude (in decimal degrees, NAD83) where the sample was collected. (Source: USGS)

   Range of values
   Minimum:	-82.87459
   Maximum:	-82.77294
   Units:	Decimal Degrees
   Resolution:	0.00001

   Depth (m bsl)

   The water depth in meters (m) of the sample below sea level (bsl), as recorded by USGS researchers in the field using underwater depth gauges. (Source: USGS)

   Range of values
   Minimum:	-5.18
   Maximum:	1.91
   Units:	Meters
   Resolution:	0.01

   Corrected depth (m MSL)

   The water depth of the sample in meters (m) corrected to mean sea level (MSL) using local tide information. (Source: USGS)

   Range of values
   Minimum:	-5.64
   Maximum:	1.58
   Units:	Meters
   Resolution:	0.01

   Elevation determination error (m; +/- 2-sigma)

   The two-standard deviation (2-sigma) uncertainty in meters (m) associated with determining the water depth in the field using either underwater depth gauges (0.5 m) or based on the uncertainty of in situ measurements with GPS as described in Toth and others (2018). (Source: USGS)

   Range of values
   Minimum:	0.5
   Maximum:	0.5
   Units:	Meters
   Resolution:	0.1

   Sampling method error (m; +/- 2-sigma)

   The two-standard deviation (2-sigma) elevation uncertainty in meters (m) associated with the thickness of the sample collected for radiocarbon dating, taken to be 1 centimeter (cm) (or 0.01 m). (Source: USGS)

   Range of values
   Minimum:	0.01
   Maximum:	0.01
   Units:	Meters
   Resolution:	0.01

   Elevation uncertainty (m; +/- 2-sigma)

   The total two-standard deviation (2-sigma) uncertainty in meters (m) determined by calculating the root-sum-square of the elevation determination error, the sampling method uncertainty, and, where applicable the coring method error. (Source: USGS)

   Range of values
   Minimum:	0.5
   Maximum:	0.5
   Units:	Meters
   Resolution:	0.1

   Coral depth distribution range (m; 95% CI)

   The 95% confidence interval (95% CI) of the empirical depth distribution in meters (m) of the coral in Florida, as determined by Hibbert and others (2018). Blank values indicate the uncertainty was not applied because the sample was not collected underwater. (Source: USGS)

   Range of values
   Minimum:	3.5
   Maximum:	3.5
   Units:	Meters
   Resolution:	0.1

   Paleo-water depth/Lower combined error (m; 2-sigma)

   The estimated lowest paleo-water depth in meters (m) below mean sea level, taken as the root-sum-square of the total elevation uncertainty and 0. (Source: USGS)

   Range of values
   Minimum:	0.5
   Maximum:	0.5
   Units:	Meters
   Resolution:	0.1

   Paleo-water depth/Upper combined error (m; 2-sigma)

   The estimated highest paleo-water depth in meters (m) below mean sea level, taken as the root-sum-square of the total elevation uncertainty and the paleo-water depth. Blank values indicate the uncertainty was not applied because the sample was not collected underwater. (Source: USGS)

   Range of values
   Minimum:	3.54
   Maximum:	3.54
   Units:	Meters
   Resolution:	0.01

   In situ

   Identifies whether the coral was determined to be in its original growth position on the reef (i.e., it was in situ). (Source: USGS)

   Value	Definition
   YES	The sample was determined to be in situ.
   NO	The sample was not determined to be in situ.

   % Calcite

   The percentage (%) of the coral sample composed of secondary calcite. This is an indicator of diagenetic alteration. (Source: USGS)

   Range of values
   Minimum:	<0.2
   Maximum:	<0.2
   Units:	percentage

   U-Th age

   The measured 230Th (U-Th) age of the coral sample used as age of the sample. (Source: USGS)

   Range of values
   Minimum:	1090
   Maximum:	4328
   Units:	years before 1950

   U-Th age uncertainty (2-sigma)

   The 2-standard error (2-sigma) analytical uncertainty of the 230Th age. (Source: USGS)

   Range of values
   Minimum:	4
   Maximum:	23
   Units:	years

   U-Th age BP

   The 230Th (U-Th) age of the coral sample used as age of the sample before present (where present is 1950). (Source: USGS)

   Range of values
   Minimum:	1017
   Maximum:	4255
   Units:	years

   U-Th age BP uncertainty (2-sigma)

   The 2-standard error (2-sigma) analytical uncertainty of the 230Th age in years before present (1950). (Source: USGS)

   Range of values
   Minimum:	4
   Maximum:	23
   Units:	years

   238U (ppm)

   The measured concentration of the isotope 238U in the sample in parts per million (ppm). (Source: USGS)

   Range of values
   Minimum:	3.1068
   Maximum:	3.6639
   Units:	parts per million (ppm)

   238U uncertainty (2-sigma)

   The 2-standard error (2-sigma) analytical uncertainty of the measured 238U in the sample. (Source: USGS)

   Range of values
   Minimum:	0.0011
   Maximum:	0.0033
   Units:	parts per million (ppm)

   232Th (pg/g)

   The measured concentration of the isotope 232Th in the sample in picograms per gram (pg/g). (Source: USGS)

   Range of values
   Minimum:	22.265
   Maximum:	779.709
   Units:	picograms per gram (pg/g)

   Th232 uncertainty (2-sigma)

   The 2-standard error (2-sigma) analytical uncertainty of the measured 232Th in the sample. (Source: USGS)

   Range of values
   Minimum:	0.0267
   Maximum:	4.5223
   Units:	picograms per gram (pg/g)

   [234U/238U]

   The 234U/238U isotope activity ratio in the sample. (Source: USGS)

   Range of values
   Minimum:	1.1437
   Maximum:	1.1461
   Units:	ratio

   [234U/238U] uncertainty (2-sigma)

   The 2-standard error (2-sigma) uncertainty of the 234U/238U isotope activity ratio in the sample. (Source: USGS)

   Range of values
   Minimum:	0.0003
   Maximum:	0.0010
   Units:	ratio

   delta-234U initial

   Corrected initial δ234U (delta-234U initial) in the sample. (Source: USGS)

   Range of values
   Minimum:	145.0
   Maximum:	147.8
   Units:	ratio

   delta-234U initial uncertainty (2-sigma)

   The 2-standard error (2-sigma) corrected initial δ234U (delta-234U initial) in the sample. (Source: USGS)

   Range of values
   Minimum:	0.5
   Maximum:	1.4
   Units:	ratio

   [230Th/234U]

   The 230Th/234U isotope activity ratio in the sample. (Source: USGS)

   Range of values
   Minimum:	0.0099
   Maximum:	0.0389
   Units:	ratio

   [230Th/234U] uncertainty (2-sigma)

   The 2-standard error (2-sigma) uncertainty of the 230Th/234U isotope activity ratio in the sample. (Source: USGS)

   Range of values
   Minimum:	0.0000
   Maximum:	0.0002
   Units:	ratio

   [230Th/238U]

   The 230Th/238U isotope activity ratio in the sample. (Source: USGS)

   Range of values
   Minimum:	0.0113
   Maximum:	0.0445
   Units:	ratio

   [230Th/238U] uncertainty (2-sigma)

   The 2-standard error (2-sigma) uncertainty of the 230Th/238U isotope activity ratio in the sample. (Source: USGS)

   Range of values
   Minimum:	0.0000
   Maximum:	0.0002
   Units:	ratio

   [230Th/232Th]

   The 230Th/232Th isotope activity ratio in the sample. (Source: USGS)

   Range of values
   Minimum:	570.9
   Maximum:	18828.0
   Units:	ratio

   [230Th/232Th] uncertainty (2-sigma)

   The 2-standard error (2-sigma) uncertainty of the 230Th/232Th isotope activity ratio in the sample. (Source: USGS)

   Range of values
   Minimum:	0.4
   Maximum:	23.3
   Units:	ratio

   [238U/232Th]

   The 238U/232Th isostope activity ratio in the sample. (Source: USGS)

   Range of values
   Minimum:	13695
   Maximum:	434499
   Units:	ratio

   [238U/232Th] uncertainty (2-sigma)

   The 2-standard error (2-sigma) uncertainty of the 238U/232Th isotope activity ratio in the sample. (Source: USGS)

   Range of values
   Minimum:	43
   Maximum:	602
   Units:	ratio

   Notes

   Additional notes about the samples. (Source: USGS)

   Value	Definition
   Subaerial sample collected from a storm ridge	The sample was collected on land (subaerially) from a storm-deposited ridge on the beach.

   Entity_and_Attribute_Overview:

   DRTO_late_Holocene_Acropora_photographs.zip - This file contains photographic images in Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) format of late Holocene Acropora palmata corals, reef framework, storm ridges, and associated rubble that were sampled. The file names include the site identification code (BK for Bird Key, EK for East Key, LK for Long Key, PLS for Pulaski Light reef, and PLW for Pulaski West), and a short description of what the image shows (example- BK_in_situ_Apal_1). EXIF imagery headers were added using EXIFTool to include pertinent metadata for each image.

   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)
   • Anastasios Stathakopoulos
2. Who also contributed to the data set?
3. To whom should users address questions about the data?
   Anastasios Stathakopoulos

   U.S. Geological Survey - St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center

   Physical Scientist

   600 4Th Street South

   St. Petersburg, FL
   

   US

   727-502-8136 (voice)

   727-502-8182 (FAX)

   astathakopoulos@usgs.gov

Why was the data set created?

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: 15-Jun-2023 (process 1 of 7)

   Most of the samples detailed in this data release were collected by hand via self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA)- and free-diving. For those samples, divers used a small sledgehammer and chisel to sub-sample suspected Acropora palmata or Acropora cervicornis reef frameworks and associated coral rubble within Dry Tortugas National Park. Three samples were obtained via rotary coring as described in Toth and others (2018).

   Date: 2023 (process 2 of 7)

   The water depths where the samples were collected were recorded in the field using underwater depth gauges. The field-based measurements were corrected to mean sea level (MSL) using data from the nearest National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) tidal datum. Elevation errors were incorporated and are associated with 1) estimating water depths with underwater depth gauges (0.5 meters [m]), 2) a sampling depth uncertainty based on the size of the samples collected for radiocarbon dating (0.01 m), and 3) for cores, the rotary coring method (0.15 m) as described by Hijma and others (2015) and Hibbert and others (2018). A total elevation uncertainty was estimated based on the root-sum-square of the elevation errors. The elevation uncertainty was combined with the empirical depth distribution of Acropora palmata in Florida determined by Hibbert and others (2018) to estimate paleo-water depth in which the samples were growing. Person who carried out this activity:
   

   Anastasios Stathakopoulos

   U.S. Geological Survey - St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center

   Physical Scientist

   600 4th Street South

   St. Petersburg, FL
   

   United States

   727-502-8136 (voice)

   astathakopoulos@usgs.gov

   Date: 2023 (process 3 of 7)

   At the U.S. Geological Survey St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center (USGS SPCMSC), a tile saw equipped with a diamond blade was used on the collected coral samples to obtain small pieces of internal coral aragonite free of visually observable diagenesis for dating. These subsamples were then sonicated in warm deionized water to remove any detrital material and were further processed for either Radiocarbon or Uranium-Thorium (U-Th) dating later in a dedicated laboratory, respectively. Person who carried out this activity:
   

   Anastasios Stathakopoulos

   U.S. Geological Survey - St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center

   Physical Scientist

   600 4th Street South

   St. Petersburg, FL
   

   United States

   727-502-8136 (voice)

   astathakopoulos@usgs.gov

   Date: 2023 (process 4 of 7)

   Radiocarbon ages of the samples were determined by accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) performed at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) National Ocean Sciences Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (NOSAMS) facility (266 Woods Hole Rd., Woods Hole, MA 02543) or the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (7000 East Ave., Livermore, CA 94550-9234) using standard methodologies (https://www2.whoi.edu/site/nosams/radiocarbon-data-and-calculations/). Measured radiocarbon ages were corrected for the fractionation of δ13C based on δ13C measured by AMS. All radiocarbon ages were calibrated to years before present (where “present” is 1950) using the temporally-explicit local radiocarbon reservoir age offsets for the nearshore regions of south Florida derived by Toth and others (2017). Data sources produced in this process:

   • DRTO_late_Holocene_Acropora_radiocarbon_data.csv
   • DRTO_late_Holocene_Acropora_radiocarbon_data.xlsx

   Date: 2024 (process 5 of 7)

   Subsamples of each coral sample were powdered and analyzed for evidence of secondary alteration to calcite by X-ray diffraction (XRD) following methods described by Abdul and others (2016) using a Philips XPert Powder Diffractometer at the Department of Chemistry at Rutgers University (123 Bevier Rd, Piscataway, NJ 08854) or at the U.S. Geological Survey in Denver, Colorado (Federal Ave, Denver, CO 80225). Only subsamples with less than 0.2% calcite were used for Uranium-Thorium (U-Th) dating. U-Th isotopes were measured using the Thermo Scientific™ NEPTUNEPLUS™ Multi-collector Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (MC-ICP-MS) at the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at Rutgers University following the methods described in Mortlock and others (2005), which were revised in Abdul and others (2016). All dates and activity ratios were calculated using half-lives published in Cheng and others (2013). These data were used to estimate ages before present (relative to 1950) with 2-sigma uncertainties. Data sources produced in this process:

   • DRTO_late_Holocene_Acropora_Useries_data.csv
   • DRTO_late_Holocene_Acropora_Useries_data.xlsx

   Date: 2023 (process 6 of 7)

   Photography: Photographs were taken by USGS personnel (L. Toth, A. Stathakopoulos, A. Modys, and J. Morrison) using a GoPro™ camera in an underwater housing. The digital photographs were taken in the field of Acropora palmata reef framework and associated rubble and the samples taken from each. Images were color corrected as needed using Adobe Photoshop CC version 23.3.2 to adjust for light regime and enhance contrast and brightness. Person who carried out this activity:
   

   Lauren T. Toth

   U.S. Geological Survey - St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center

   Research Marine Geologist

   600 4th Street South

   St. Petersburg, FL
   

   United States

   727-502-8000 (voice)

   ltoth@usgs.gov

   Data sources produced in this process:

   • DRTO_late_Holocene_Acropora_photographs.zip

   Date: 08-Aug-2024 (process 7 of 7)

   Populating the image headers: Credit, contact information, copyright, usage terms, image descriptions, attribution url, metadata link, and georeferencing information were added to the exchangeable image file format (EXIF) header of each image using Phil Harvey’s ExifTool (version 12.2). All information in the script were the same among all images, aside from the EXIF:ImageDescription, EXIF:Artist, EXIF:GPSLatitude and EXIF:GPSLongtitude information, as that information varied between images. First, the following command was run on the images to preserve filenames: exiftool -P "-XMP:PreservedFileName<Filename" *.JPG. Second, the following command was run on the images to populate the image headers. This example command was run on all images: 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="XXXX" -XMP:AttributionURL="https://doi.org/10.5066/P13L6DTF" -XMP:ExternalMetadataLink="https://www1.usgs.gov/pir/api/identifiers/USGS:33e67440-5882-4faf-af2e-9f2b19b53780" -EXIF:Artist="XXXX " -EXIF:GPSMapDatum="EPSG:4326 (WGS 84)" -EXIF:GPSLatitude="XXXX" -EXIF:GPSLatitudeRef="N" -EXIF:GPSLongitude="XXXX" -EXIF:GPSLongitudeRef="W" -sep ";" -IPTC:Keywords="coelenterates; paleoceanography; reef ecosystems; radiometric dating; marine geology; Holocene" -overwrite_original -P XXXX.jpg Third, the following command run on all images in a folder to copy information into duplicate tags: exiftool "-XMP-photoshop:Credit<IPTC:Credit" "-XMP-iptcCore:CreatorWorkEmail<IPTC:Contact" "-XMP-dc:Rights<EXIF:Copyright" "-XMP-dc:Description<EXIF:ImageDescription" -overwrite_original -P *.jpg To read out the complete imagery header information to a comma-separated values (CSV) file, run the following command line script: 'exiftool -csv *.tif > allheaders.csv'. Specific tags may be specified with this command, if preferred. 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:

   • DRTO_late_Holocene_Acropora_photographs.zip

3. What similar or related data should the user be aware of?
   Williams, Breanna N., Schreppel, Heather A., Reich, Christopher D., Smith, Kathryn E.L., Tiling-Range, Ginger, Stalk, Chelsea A., Douglas, Steven H., Dadisman, Shawn V., Flocks, James G., Toth, Lauren T., and Stathakopoulos, Anastasios, 20130725, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center's geologic core and sample database: Esri, ArcGIS Online.

   Online Links:

   • https://doi.org/10.5066/F7319TR3

   Toth, Lauren T., Cheng, Hai, Edwards, R. Lawrence, Ashe, Erica, and Richey, Julie N., 20170907, Local Radiocarbon reservoir age (ΔR) variability from the nearshore and open-ocean environments of the Florida Keys reef tract during the Holocene and associated U-Series and radiocarbon data: U.S. Geological Survey data release doi:10.5066/F7P8492Q, U.S. Geological Survey, St. Petersburg, FL.

   Online Links:

   • https://doi.org/10.5066/F7P8492Q

   Hibbert, Fiona D., Williams, Felicity H., Fallon, Stewart J., and Rohling, Eelco J., 20180529, A database of biological and geomorphological sea-level markers from the Last Glacial Maximum to present: Scientific Data Volume 5, Article 180088, Springer Nature, Online.

   Online Links:

   • https://doi.org/10.1038/sdata.2018.88

   Toth, Lauren T., Stathakopoulos, Anastasios, and Kuffner, Ilsa B., 20180426, Descriptive core logs, core photographs, radiocarbon ages, and accretion data from Holocene reef cores collected throughout the Florida Keys reef tract: U.S. Geological Survey data release doi:10.5066/F7NV9HJX, U.S. Geological Survey, St. Petersburg, FL.

   Online Links:

   • https://doi.org/10.5066/F7NV9HJX

   Hijma, Marc P., Engelhart, Simon E., Törnqvist, Torbjörn E., Horton, Benjamin P., Hu, Ping, and Hill, David F., 20150217, A protocol for a geological sea-level database: John Wiley & Sons, West Sussix, UK.

   Online Links:

   • https://doi.org/10.1002/9781118452547.ch34

   Other_Citation_Details: Handbook of Sea‐Level Research, Chapter 34
   

   Mortlock, Richard A., Fairbanks, Richard G., Chiu, Tzu-chien, and Rubenstone, James, 20050201, 230Th/234U/238U and 231Pa/235U ages from a single fossil coral fragment by multi-collector magnetic-sector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry: Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta Volume 69, Issue 3, Elsevier B.V., Amsterdam, Netherlands.

   Online Links:

   • https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gca.2004.06.033

   Other_Citation_Details: Pages 649-657
   

   Abdul, Nicole A., Mortlock, Richard A., Wright, James D., and Fairbanks, Richard G., 20160227, Younger Dryas sea level and meltwater pulse 1B recorded in Barbados reef crest coral Acropora palmata: Paleoceanography Volume 31, Issue 2, American Geophysical Union (AGU), Online.

   Online Links:

   • https://doi.org/10.1002/2015PA002847

   Other_Citation_Details: Pages 330-344
   

   Cheng, Hai, Edwards, R. Lawrence, Shen, Chuan-Chou, Polyak, Victor J., Asmerom, Yemane, Woodhead, Jon, Hellstrom, John, Wang, Yongjin, Kong, Xinggong, Spötl, Christoph, Wang, Xianfeng, and Alexander, E. Calvin Jr., 20130623, Improvements in 230Th dating, 230Th and 234U half-life values, and U–Th isotopic measurements by multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry: Earth and Planetary Science Letters Volumes 371-372, Elsevier, Online.

   Online Links:

   • https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2013.04.006

   Other_Citation_Details: Pages 82-91
   

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?
   No formal horizontal positional accuracy tests were conducted.
3. How accurate are the heights or depths?
   No formal vertical positional accuracy tests were conducted.
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?

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? DRTO_late_Holocene_Acropora_radiocarbon_data.csv, DRTO_late_Holocene_Acropora_radiocarbon_data.xlsx, DRTO_late_Holocene_Acropora_Useries_data.csv, DRTO_late_Holocene_Acropora_Useries_data.xlsx, DRTO_late_Holocene_Acropora_photographs.zip
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?
   • Availability in digital form:

     Data format:	comma-delimited text, Microsoft Excel format, JPEG
     Network links:	https://coastal.er.usgs.gov/data-release/doi-P13L6DTF/data/DRTO_late_Holocene_Acropora_radiocarbon_data.zip https://coastal.er.usgs.gov/data-release/doi-P13L6DTF/data/DRTO_late_Holocene_Acropora_Useries_data.zip https://coastal.er.usgs.gov/data-release/doi-P13L6DTF/data/DRTO_late_Holocene_Acropora_photographs.zip

   • Cost to order the data: None

Who wrote the metadata?

Dates:

Last modified: 25-Nov-2024

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:

FGDC Biological Data Profile of the Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata (FGDC-STD-001.1-1999)