Grain-size analysis results and locations of sediment samples collected in Little Egg Inlet and offshore the southern end of Long Beach Island, NJ, during USGS Field Activity 2018-049-FA (simplified point shapefile and CSV files)

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What does this data set describe?

Title:
Grain-size analysis results and locations of sediment samples collected in Little Egg Inlet and offshore the southern end of Long Beach Island, NJ, during USGS Field Activity 2018-049-FA (simplified point shapefile and CSV files)
Abstract:
The natural resiliency of the New Jersey barrier island system, and the efficacy of management efforts to reduce vulnerability, depends on the ability of the system to recover and maintain equilibrium in response to storms and persistent coastal change. This resiliency is largely dependent on the availability of sand in the beach system. In an effort to better understand the system's sand budget and processes in which this system evolves, high-resolution geophysical mapping of the sea floor in Little Egg Inlet and along the southern end of Long Beach Island near Beach Haven, New Jersey was conducted from May 31 to June 10, 2018, followed by a sea floor sampling survey conducted from October 22 to 23, 2018, as part of a collaborative effort between the U.S. Geological Survey and Stockton University. Multibeam echo sounder bathymetry and backscatter data were collected along 741 kilometers of tracklines (approximately 200 square kilometers) of the coastal sea floor to regionally define its depth and morphology, as well as the type and distribution of sea-floor sediments. Six hundred ninety-two kilometers of seismic-reflection profile data were also collected to define the thickness and structure of sediment deposits in the inlet and offshore. These new data will help inform future management decisions that affect the natural and recreational resources of the area around and offshore of Little Egg Inlet. These mapping surveys provide high-quality data needed to build scientific knowledge of the evolution and behavior of the New Jersey barrier island system.
Supplemental_Information:
Bottom still images and video were also taken at most sampling sites (see shapefiles 2018-049-FA_photos.shp and 2018-049-FA_VideoLines.shp available from the larger work citation. The sampling data were collected to ground truth (verify) acoustic data collected during USGS field activity 2018-001-FA.
The sampling data were collected to ground truth (verify) acoustic data collected during USGS field activity 2018-001-FA. Additional information on the field activities associated with this project are available at https://cmgds.marine.usgs.gov/fan_info.php?fan=2018-001-FA and https://cmgds.marine.usgs.gov/fan_info.php?fan=2018-049-FA.
  1. How might this data set be cited?
    U.S. Geological Survey, 20210422, Grain-size analysis results and locations of sediment samples collected in Little Egg Inlet and offshore the southern end of Long Beach Island, NJ, during USGS Field Activity 2018-049-FA (simplified point shapefile and CSV files): data release DOI:10.5066/P9C3J33K, U.S. Geological Survey, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center, Woods Hole, Massachusetts.

    Online Links:

    This is part of the following larger work.

    Ackerman, Seth D., Barnhardt, Walter A., Worley, Charles R., Nichols, Alex R., Baldwin, Wayne E., and Evert, Steve, 2021, High-resolution geophysical and geological data collected in Little Egg Inlet and offshore the southern end of Long Beach Island, NJ, during USGS Field Activities 2018-001-FA and 2018-049-FA: data release DOI:10.5066/P9C3J33K, U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, VA.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details:
    Suggested citation: Ackerman, S.D., Barnhardt, W.A., Worley, C.R., Nichols, A.R., Baldwin, W.E., and Evert, S., 2021, High-resolution geophysical and geological data collected in Little Egg Inlet and offshore the southern end of Long Beach Island, NJ, during USGS Field Activities 2018-001-FA and 2018-049-FA: U.S. Geological Survey data release, https://doi.org/10.5066/P9C3J33K.
  2. What geographic area does the data set cover?
    West_Bounding_Coordinate: -74.45935057
    East_Bounding_Coordinate: -74.20287643
    North_Bounding_Coordinate: 39.55655412
    South_Bounding_Coordinate: 39.38759603
  3. What does it look like?
    https://www.sciencebase.gov/catalog/file/get/5f5e36c882ce3550e3bfed9a/?name=2018-049-FA_samples_browse.jpg (JPEG)
    Image of sediment sample locations off southern Long Beach Island, New Jersey during USGS Field Activity 2018-049-FA.
  4. Does the data set describe conditions during a particular time period?
    Beginning_Date: 22-Oct-2018
    Ending_Date: 23-Oct-2018
    Currentness_Reference:
    ground condition
  5. What is the general form of this data set?
    Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: vector and tabular digital data
  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):
      • Entity point (68)
    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 0.000005. Longitudes are given to the nearest 0.000005. 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 6378137.000000.
      The flattening of the ellipsoid used is 1/298.257224.
  7. How does the data set describe geographic features?
    2018-018-FA_samples_GS-LD.csv
    Comma separated values table containing grain-size analysis results using the HORIBA LA-960 laser diffraction analyzer and sieving of the >= -2-phi fraction for sediment samples collected during USGS survey 2018-049-FA along the southern end of Long Beach Island, NJ in 2018. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    ANALYSIS_I
    An identifier for the sample that is unique to the database. This identifier begins with the assigned multi-letter code GS-, which corresponds to the type of analysis performed on the sample (grain-size analysis), followed by a six-digit number assigned sequentially as samples are registered for analysis. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey) Character string.
    SAMPLE_ID
    The identification value assigned to the sample at the time of collection. This varies from field activity to field activity and the ID can contain any combination of letters and numbers. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey) Character string.
    PROJECT
    Name of project or project number under which samples were taken or data generated; sometimes project name indicates a more specific area. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey) Character sting.
    FAN
    The serial number assigned to the dataset field activity during which the sample was collected. This value is in the format YYYY-XXX-FA where YYYY is the year, XXX is the number assigned to the activity within the year, and FA indicates Field Activity. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey) Character string.
    SUBMITTER
    Name of Principal investigator or chief scientist responsible for data collection, or researcher submitting samples for analysis (usually first initial and last name). (Source: U.S. Geological Survey) Character string.
    AREA
    General geographic area of data collection. Name is general enough to easily locate area on a map. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey) Character string.
    SUBMISSION
    Unique sample submission identifier. This identifier begins with the initials of the submitter, followed by a two-digit number assigned sequentially relative to previous submissions. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey) Character string.
    LATITUDE
    Latitude coordinate, in decimal degrees (WGS 84), of sample location. South latitude is recorded as negative values. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Range of values
    Minimum:39.387596
    Maximum:39.556554
    Units:decimal degrees
    LONGITUDE
    Longitude coordinate, in decimal degrees (WGS 84), of sample location. West longitude is recorded as negative values. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Range of values
    Minimum:-74.459351
    Maximum:-74.202876
    Units:decimal degrees
    DEPTH_M
    Approximate depth of water in meters at the sample location derived from a composite bathymetry dataset used by the LISMaRC project. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Range of values
    Minimum:2
    Maximum:18.4
    Units:meters
    Resolution:1
    T_DEPTH
    Top depth of the sample below the sediment-water interface in centimeters. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:0
    Units:centimeters
    B_DEPTH
    Bottom depth of the sample below the sediment-water interface in centimeters. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Range of values
    Minimum:2
    Maximum:2
    Units:centimeters
    DEVICE
    Device used to collect the sample. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey) Character string.
    DATE COLLECTED
    Calendar date in UTC indicating when the sample was collected in the format MM/DD/YYYY where MM is the numeric month, DD is the day of the month, and YYYY is the year. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey) Character string.
    ANALYSIS COMPLETION DATE
    Calendar date indicating when analyses on the sample were completed in the format MM/DD/YYYY where MM is the numeric month, DD is the day of the month, and YYYY is the year. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey) Character string.
    ANALYSIS METHOD
    Method used to analyze the sample for grain-size distribution. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    ValueDefinition
    GS-LDGrain-size analysis using the HORIBA laser diffraction unit and sieving of the >= -2 phi fraction.
    WEIGHT WET SAMPLE (g)
    Weight of initial sample in grams. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Range of values
    Minimum:4.3594
    Maximum:24.7073
    Units:grams
    Resolution:0.0001
    GRAVEL (wt%)
    Gravel content in percent dry weight of the sample. Gravel consists of particles with nominal diameters greater than 2 mm (-1 phi and larger). (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.0
    Maximum:30.53267662
    Units:weight percent
    SAND (wt%)
    Sand content in percent dry weight of the sample. Sand consists of particles with nominal diameters less than 2 mm, but greater than or equal to 0.0625 mm (0 phi through 4 phi, inclusive). (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Range of values
    Minimum:32.0945
    Maximum:100.00200000000001
    Units:weight percent
    SILT (wt%)
    Silt content in percent dry weight of the sample. Silt consists of particles with nominal diameters less than 0.0625 mm, but greater than or equal to 0.004 mm (5 phi through 8 phi, inclusive). (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.0
    Maximum:67.5455
    Units:weight percent
    CLAY (wt%)
    Clay content in percent dry weight of the sample. Clay consists of particles with nominal diameters less than 0.004 mm (9 phi and smaller). (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:11.00438629
    Units:weight percent
    CLASSIFICATION (Shepard)
    Sediment classification based on a rigorous definition (Shepard [1954] as modified by Schlee and Webster [1967], Schlee [1973], and Poppe and others [2005]). In the definitions below, gravel is defined as particles with nominal diameters greater than 2 mm; sand consists of particles with nominal diameters less than 2 mm, but greater than or equal to 0.0625 mm; silt consists of particles with nominal diameters less than 0.0625 mm, but greater than or equal to 0.004 mm; and clay consists of particles with nominal diameters less than 0.004 mm. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    ValueDefinition
    gravelly sedimentSediment whose main phase is gravel, but with significant other sediment. Gravel greater than 10 percent.
    sandSediment whose main phase is sand.
    sandy siltSediment whose main phase is silt, but with significant sand.
    MEAN (Method of Moments Statistics - Logarithmic [phi])
    Average value in the grain-size distribution in phi units. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Range of values
    Minimum:-0.600646984
    Maximum:4.6877675
    Units:phi
    STDEV (Method of Moments Statistics - Logarithmic [phi])
    Standard deviation (root mean square of the deviations) of the grain-size distribution in phi units (sorting). (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.392708114
    Maximum:3.8946334000000005
    Units:phi
    SKEWNESS (Method of Moments Statistics - Logarithmic [phi])
    Skewness (deviation from symmetrical form) of the grain-size distribution in phi units. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Range of values
    Minimum:-0.9509509190000001
    Maximum:3.92520441
    Units:phi
    KURTOSIS (Method of Moments Statistics - Logarithmic [phi])
    Kurtosis (degree of curvature near the mode) of the grain-size distribution in phi units. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Range of values
    Minimum:1.70133143
    Maximum:24.32617717
    Units:phi
    D10 (Method of Moments Statistics - Logarithmic [phi])
    Diameter at which 10% of the sample mass is comprised of sediment particles with a diameter less than this value. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Range of values
    Minimum:-3.6697438539999996
    Maximum:1.862552292
    Units:phi
    D25 (Method of Moments Statistics - Logarithmic [phi])
    Diameter at which 25% of the sample mass is comprised of sediment particles with a diameter less than this value. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Range of values
    Minimum:-3.174359635
    Maximum:2.9164595419999997
    Units:phi
    MEDIAN (D50; Method of Moments Statistics - Logarithmic [phi])
    Diameter at which 50% of the sample mass is comprised of sediment particles with a diameter less than this value and 50% is larger; middle point in the grain-size distribution in phi units. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Range of values
    Minimum:-0.00860687
    Maximum:5.3318150310000005
    Units:phi
    D75 (Method of Moments Statistics - Logarithmic [phi])
    Diameter at which 75% of the sample mass is comprised of sediment particles with a diameter less than this value. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.6318632439999999
    Maximum:6.305708054
    Units:phi
    D90 (Method of Moments Statistics - Logarithmic [phi])
    Diameter at which 90% of the sample mass is comprised of sediment particles with a diameter less than this value. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.9033149009999999
    Maximum:8.211241171000001
    Units:phi
    MEAN (Method of Moments Statistics - Arithmetic [micron])
    Average value in the grain-size distribution in microns. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Range of values
    Minimum:98.32200037
    Maximum:3856.3704409999996
    Units:microns
    STDEV (Method of Moments Statistics - Arithmetic [micron])
    Standard deviation (root mean square of the deviations) of the grain-size distribution in microns (sorting). (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Range of values
    Minimum:59.68837927
    Maximum:4919.650976
    Units:microns
    Resolution:0.01
    SKEWNESS (Method of Moments Statistics - Arithmetic [micron])
    Skewness (deviation from symmetrical form) of the grain-size distribution in microns. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.282273655
    Maximum:18.85191395
    Units:microns
    KURTOSIS (Method of Moments Statistics - Arithmetic [micron])
    Kurtosis (degree of curvature near the mode) of the grain-size distribution in microns. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Range of values
    Minimum:1.7344376719999999
    Maximum:471.4717274
    Units:microns
    D10 (Method of Moments Statistics - Arithmetic [micron])
    Diameter at which 10% of the sample mass is comprised of sediment particles with a diameter less than this value. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Range of values
    Minimum:3.9705079660000004
    Maximum:599.2129269999999
    Units:microns
    D25 (Method of Moments Statistics - Arithmetic [micron])
    Diameter at which 25% of the sample mass is comprised of sediment particles with a diameter less than this value. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Range of values
    Minimum:14.82946739
    Maximum:789.1625449000001
    Units:microns
    MEDIAN (D50; Method of Moments Statistics - Arithmetic [micron])
    Diameter at which 50% of the sample mass is comprised of sediment particles with a diameter less than this value and 50% is larger; middle point in the grain-size distribution in microns. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Range of values
    Minimum:25.39032353
    Maximum:1022.823633
    Units:microns
    D75 (Method of Moments Statistics - Arithmetic [micron])
    Diameter at which 75% of the sample mass is comprised of sediment particles with a diameter less than this value. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Range of values
    Minimum:143.60703769999998
    Maximum:9394.877077
    Units:microns
    D90 (Method of Moments Statistics - Arithmetic [micron])
    Diameter at which 90% of the sample mass is comprised of sediment particles with a diameter less than this value. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Range of values
    Minimum:273.1486475
    Maximum:13357.95083
    Units:microns
    PHI_16
    Weight percent of the sample in the 16-phi fraction and smaller (nominal diameter of particles less than 0.00003125 mm); colloid. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:0
    Units:weight percent
    Resolution:0.001
    PHI_15
    Weight percent of the sample in the 15-phi fraction (nominal diameter of particles greater than or equal to 0.00003125 mm, but less than 0.0000625 mm); colloid. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:0
    Units:weight percent
    Resolution:0.001
    PHI_14
    Weight percent of the sample in the 14-phi fraction (nominal diameter of particles greater than or equal to 0.0000625 mm, but less than 0.000125 mm); colloid. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:0
    Units:weight percent
    Resolution:0.001
    PHI_13
    Weight percent of the sample in the 13-phi fraction (nominal diameter of particles greater than or equal to 0.000125 mm, but less than 0.00025 mm); fine clay. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:0.193
    Units:weight percent
    Resolution:0.001
    PHI_12
    Weight percent of the sample in the 12-phi fraction (nominal diameter of particles greater than or equal to 0.00025 mm, but less than 0.0005 mm); fine clay. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:2.064
    Units:weight percent
    Resolution:0.001
    PHI_11
    Weight percent of the sample in the 11-phi fraction (nominal diameter of particles greater than or equal to 0.0005 mm, but less than 0.001 mm); fine clay. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:2.737
    Units:weight percent
    Resolution:0.001
    PHI_10
    Weight percent of the sample in the 10-phi fraction (nominal diameter of particles greater than or equal to 0.001 mm, but less than 0.002 mm); medium clay. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:1.179
    Units:weight percent
    Resolution:0.001
    PHI_9
    Weight percent of the sample in the 9-phi fraction (nominal diameter of particles greater than or equal to 0.002 mm, but less than 0.004 mm); coarse clay. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:4.831
    Units:weight percent
    Resolution:0.001
    PHI_8
    Weight percent of the sample in the 8-phi fraction (nominal diameter of particles greater than or equal to 0.004 mm, but less than 0.008 mm); very fine silt. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:6.537000000000001
    Units:weight percent
    Resolution:0.001
    PHI_7
    Weight percent of the sample in the 7-phi fraction (nominal diameter of particles greater than or equal to 0.008 mm, but less than 0.016 mm); fine silt. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:26.594
    Units:weight percent
    Resolution:0.001
    PHI_6
    Weight percent of the sample in the 6-phi fraction (nominal diameter of particles greater than or equal to 0.016 mm, but less than 0.031 mm); medium silt. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:25.248
    Units:weight percent
    Resolution:0.001
    PHI_5
    Weight percent of the sample in the 5-phi fraction (nominal diameter of particles greater than or equal to 0.031 mm, but less than 0.0625 mm); coarse silt. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:10.763
    Units:weight percent
    Resolution:0.001
    PHI_4
    Weight percent of the sample in the 4-phi fraction (nominal diameters of particles greater than or equal to 0.0625 mm, but less than 0.125 mm); very fine sand. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:23.288
    Units:weight percent
    Resolution:0.001
    PHI_3
    Weight percent of the sample in the 3-phi fraction (nominal diameter of particles greater than or equal to 0.125 mm, but less than 0.25 mm); fine sand. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:75.438
    Units:weight percent
    Resolution:0.001
    PHI_2
    Weight percent of the sample in the 2-phi fraction (nominal diameter of particles greater than or equal to 0.25 mm, but less than 0.5 mm); medium sand. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Range of values
    Minimum:2.844
    Maximum:71.82
    Units:weight percent
    Resolution:0.001
    PHI_1
    Weight percent of the sample in the 1-phi fraction (nominal diameter of particles greater than or equal to 0.5 mm, but less than 1 mm); coarse sand. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.0
    Maximum:84.015
    Units:weight percent
    Resolution:0.001
    PHI_0
    Weight percent of the sample in the 0-phi fraction (nominal diameters of particles greater than or equal to 1 mm, but less than 2 mm); very coarse sand. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:47.586999999999996
    Units:weight percent
    Resolution:0.001
    PHI_-1
    Weight percent of the sample in the -1-phi fraction (nominal diameter of particles greater than or equal to 2 mm, but less than 4 mm); very fine pebbles (granules). (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:2.866
    Units:weight percent
    Resolution:0.001
    PHI_-2
    Weight percent of the sample in the -2-phi fraction (nominal diameter of particles greater than or equal to 4 mm, but less than 8 mm); fine pebbles. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:18.867
    Units:weight percent
    Resolution:0.001
    PHI_-3
    Weight percent of the sample in the -3-phi fraction (nominal diameter of particles greater than or equal to 8 mm, but less than 16 mm); medium pebbles. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:30.280
    Units:weight percent
    Resolution:0.001
    PHI_-4
    Weight percent of the sample in the -4-phi fraction (nominal diameter of particles greater than or equal to 16 mm, but less than 32 mm); coarse pebbles. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:0
    Units:weight percent
    Resolution:0.001
    PHI_-5
    Weight percent of the sample in the -5-phi fraction (nominal diameter of particles greater than or equal to 32 mm, but less than 64 mm); very coarse pebbles. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:0
    Units:weight percent
    Resolution:0.001
    PHI_-6
    Weight percent of the sample in the -6-phi fraction and larger (nominal diameter of particles greater than or equal to 64 mm); cobbles and boulders. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:0
    Units:weight percent
    Resolution:0.001
    ANALYST
    Name (usually first, middle, and last initials) of person who performed the grain-size or physical properties analysis. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey) Character string.
    QUALITY GRADE
    Samples are assigned a quality grade based on the examination of the analytical data. Data quality grades may be determined by several factors, and any comments or notes that indicate the data for a particular sample may be suspect are included in the results table for that sample under "comments". Quality grades for sample data that do not have any additional comments are assigned based on the calculated percent difference between the weights of the coarse fraction remaining after wet sieving and the sum of all of the weighed fractions after dry sieving the coarse fraction, indicating an estimated differing amount of material which could skew the calculated grain size results: A = percent differences between 0% and ±1.5%, B = percent differences between ±1.5% and ±3%, C = percent differences between ±3% and ±4.5%, and D = percent differences greater than ±4.5%. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey) Character string.
    QA/QC COMMENTS
    Relevant comments on analytical observations or anomalies that may affect the quality of the data. Entries with no comments are left blank. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey) Character string.
    2018-049-FA_samples.shp
    Simplified sediment sample analyses in shapefile format created by removing the attribute fields for STDEV, SKEWNESS, KURTOSIS, MEDIAN and other Method of Moments Statistics [e.g. D10], and the individual phi measurements [e.g., PHI_11] from the csv file. Description of the attribute fields remaining in this shapefile are the same as listed for the csv file above. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Entity_and_Attribute_Overview:
    The shapefile is a simplified version of the CSV file of the laser diffraction analysis results (2018-049-FA_samples_GS-LD.csv) with fewer attribute fields. Specifically, STDEV, SKEWNESS, KURTOSIS, MEDIAN and other Method of Moments Statistics [e.g. D10], the individual phi measurements [e.g., PHI_11], QUALITY_GR and QA/QC_COMM were removed.
    All the other attributes in the shapefile have the same definitions as the CSV file attributes (see the detailed description section for the 2018-049-FA_samples_GS-LD entity for definitions of the CSV file attributes). The following fields are included in the shapefile: ANALYSIS_I (truncated field name for ANALYSIS_ID), SAMPLE_ID, PROJECT, FAN, SUBMITTER, AREA, SUBMISSION, LATITUDE, LONGITUDE, DEPTH_M, T_DEPTH, B_DEPTH, DEVICE, DATE COLLE (truncated field name for DATE_COLLECTED), ANALYSIS C (truncated field name for ANALYSIS COMPLETION DATE), ANALYSIS M (truncated field name for ANALYSIS METHOD), WEIGHT WET, GRAVEL (wt, SAND (wt %, SILT (wt %, CLAY (wt %, CLASSIFICA (truncated field name for CLASSIFICATION), MEAN, ANALYST, QUALITY GR and QA/QC COMM.
    If you open the shapefile in ArcGIS software, the field names may be slightly different than described above as the softwares truncate field names differently. ArcGIS will also have two additional attributes, FID and Shape, which have the following descriptions:
    Attribute: Attribute Label: FID Attribute Definition: Internal feature number. Attribute Definition_Source: Esri Attribute Domain Values: Unrepresentable Domain: Sequential unique whole numbers that are automatically generated.
    Attribute: Attribute Label: Shape Attribute Definition: Feature geometry. Attribute Definition Source: Esri Attribute Domain Values: Unrepresentable Domain: Coordinates defining the features.
    Entity_and_Attribute_Detail_Citation: U.S. Geological Survey

Who produced the data set?

  1. Who are the originators of the data set? (may include formal authors, digital compilers, and editors)
    • U.S. Geological Survey
  2. Who also contributed to the data set?
  3. To whom should users address questions about the data?
    Seth Ackerman
    U.S. Geological Survey
    Geologist
    384 Woods Hole Rd.
    Woods Hole, MA
    USA

    508-548-8700 x2315 (voice)
    508-457-2310 (FAX)
    sackerman@usgs.gov

Why was the data set created?

This dataset includes the locations and grain-size analysis results of surficial sediments collected with a modified Van Veen grab on the mini-SEABed Observation and Sampling System (SEABOSS) aboard the Research Vessel (R/V) Petrel during USGS field activity 2018-049-FA (October 22-23). The sediments were analyzed at the sediment laboratory at the USGS Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center using the HORIBA LA-960 laser diffraction analyzer and sieving of the >= -2-phi fraction.

How was the data set created?

  1. From what previous works were the data drawn?
    Sediment samples and raw navigation files (source 1 of 1)
    U.S. Geological Survey, Unpublished Material, Sediment samples and navigation data.

    Type_of_Source_Media: disc
    Source_Contribution:
    Bottom imagery was acquired using the mini-SEABOSS. The observations from still and video cameras and the sediment data are used to explore the nature of the sea floor and, in conjunction with high-resolution geophysical data, to make interpretive maps of sedimentary environments and validate acoustic remote sensing data. This configuration of the mini-SEABOSS incorporates a downward-looking SeaViewer HD video camera with a topside feed, two GoPro HERO4 Black cameras recording still images (one was attached to the SEABOSS frame another was extended on a removable pole that was forward of the SEABOSS approximately 1 meter in hopes of getting a clearer, unobstructed view of the seabed), a modified Van Veen sediment grab sampler, and lights to illuminate the seabed for video and photographs. The elements of this particular SEABOSS system are held within a stainless-steel frame that measures 0.9 x 0.9 x 1.25 meters. The frame has two stabilizer fins that orient the system as it drifts over the seabed. Two red lasers were set 20 centimeters apart (both as they are mounted on the SEABOSS frame and as seen in photographs and video on the seabed) for scale measurements. The red laser dots can usually be seen in the imagery depending on the bottom type and distance to the sea floor. The R/V Petrel occupied one of the target stations and the SEABOSS was deployed off the vessel's A-frame on the stern of the ship. The winch operator lowered the sampler until the sea floor was observed in the topside live video feed. The vessel and sampler then drifted with wind and current for up to a few minutes to ensure a decent image with a clear view of the sea floor was acquired. Usually at the end of a short drift, the winch operator lowered the Van Veen sampler until it rested on the sea floor. When the system was raised, the Van Veen sampler closed and collected a sample as it was lifted off the sea floor. The sampler was recovered to the deck of the survey vessel where a subsample was taken for analysis at the sediment laboratory at the USGS Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center. The GoPro camera time were set to UTC; calibration photographs with the navigation system indicate that the camera time were off by an average of 5 seconds from the GPS time, so the time offsets were corrected during the geotagging process. During some of the survey, the seabed turbidity made it such that no usable images were able to be acquired. In these cases, brief glimpses of the sea floor may be visible in the coincident video files. Bottom video was recorded from the downward-looking camera directly to hard drives using an Odyssey7 video recorder. The image dimensions of the GoPro photos are 4,000 x 3,000 pixels. The imaged area is most often within 0.5 to 1.25 meters from left to right. DGPS navigation from the R/V Petrel's Hemisphere VS330 GPS receiver was logged to the ship's HYPACK computer (HYPACK version 2017a) and, as a backup, through ArcGIS using the ArcMap GPS extension. The main source of navigation data was the ship's HYPACK files.
  2. How were the data generated, processed, and modified?
    Date: 23-Oct-2018 (process 1 of 5)
    Seventy stations were occupied aboard the R/V Rafael during USGS survey 2018-049-FA with the mini-SEABOSS (Blackwood and Parolski, 2001). The mini-SEABOSS was equipped with a Van Veen grab sampler, two GoPro HERO4 Black digital cameras, and a downward-looking video camera. Physical sediment samples were collected at 68 of the 70 sampling sites. Sediment samples were only attempted in areas where collecting a sample would not damage the mini-SEABOSS; therefore, no samples were collected in areas with a cobble, boulder, or rocky seabed, as identified in real time using the top-side live video feed. At two sites (2018-049-FA-026 and 2018-049-FA-047), a sample was attempted but was not successfully collected. The sediment sample collection times were recorded in the survey log when the sampler was lifted from the seabed (the Van Veen sampler closed and collected a sample as it was lifted off the sea floor). These manually recorded times would later be used to derive the sample location. Once the sampler was recovered on deck, a subsample was taken for grain-size analysis at the sediment laboratory at the USGS Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center. This process step and all subsequent steps were performed by the same person unless otherwise noted. Person who carried out this activity:
    Seth Ackerman
    U.S. Geological Survey
    Geologist
    384 Woods Hole Rd.
    Woods Hole, MA
    USA

    508-548-8700 x2315 (voice)
    508-457-2310 (FAX)
    sackerman@usgs.gov
    Data sources produced in this process:
    • Sediment samples
    • Survey log
    Date: 13-Nov-2018 (process 2 of 5)
    Differential GPS (DGPS) navigation from the ship's receiver was logged through HYPACK navigation software and in ArcGIS using the ArcMap GPS extension. The DGPS was set to receive fixes at a one-second interval in geographic coordinates (WGS 84). Dates and times were recorded in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). Sediment sample locations were determined by matching the sampling time recorded in the survey log with the time in the navigation logs using the Python Notebook Grabs_LatLong_NJ2018_HYPACK.ipynb. Approximate depth was derived by extracting the depth values from the preliminary bathymetry data collected during USGS field activity 2018-001-FA (2018001FA_Sept2018_4m.tiff) in QGIS (version 3.4) the Point Sampling Tool plugin. Data sources produced in this process:
    • Survey log
    • Processed HYPACK navigation files
    • Sediment sample submission spreadsheet
    Date: 17-May-2019 (process 3 of 5)
    Samples submitted to the sediment analysis laboratory for grain size analysis using the Horiba laser diffraction unit (LA-960) and sieving of the ≥ -2 phi fraction are assigned unique analysis identifiers (ANALYSIS_ID) and divided into batches of no more than 30 samples. Each batch is entered into a Microsoft Excel data entry spreadsheet (LD Worksheet Template_xxxx.xlsx, where xxxx is the identifier assigned to the sample submission) to record the initial and dried sample weights, as well as the sieved coarse fraction weights. Each batch is also entered into macro-enabled Microsoft Excel data entry spreadsheets (GrainSizeWorksheet_LD1-30_xxxx(batch_yy).xlsm or GrainSizeWorksheet_LD31-600_xxxx(batch_yy).xlsm, where xxxx is the identifier assigned to the sample submission, 'LD1-30' and 'LD31-60' refer to the pre-labeled and weighed glass laser diffraction vials the samples will be run in, and 'batch_yy' refers to the sample batch) to record the measurement data coming from the laser diffraction unit and incorporate the initial, dried, and sieved weights.
    About 10-15 grams of wet sediment are placed in a pre-weighed beaker and the gross weight is recorded. The sample is wet sieved through a 4 mm (No. 5) sieve. If there is any coarse fraction remaining in the sieve, the coarse material is oven dried at 100°C in a pre-weighed beaker and weighed again when dry. This coarse fraction is dry sieved to determine the individual weights of the -2 to -5 phi fractions, and the weights are recorded in the data entry spreadsheet LD Worksheet Template_xxxx.xlsx. The fine fraction in water is collected in a pre-labeled and weighed glass laser diffraction vial. If there is any coarse fraction remaining in the sieve from wet sieving, this vial is also oven dried at 100°C and weighed when dry. If there is no coarse fraction remaining from wet sieving, the sample can proceed directly to processing for analyses by the Horiba laser diffraction unit (LA-960).
    Fine fractions ready for analysis by the Horiba laser diffraction unit are rehydrated with distilled water if they've been dry. Fifteen (15) ml of pre-mixed 40 g/l sodium hexametaphosphate [(NaPO3)6] are added to each sample. If the height of the fluid in the laser diffraction vial is less than 5 cm, more distilled water is added to raise the level to no more than 8 cm in the vial. The samples are gently stirred, covered, and allowed to soak for at least 1 hour (for samples that were not dried) up to 24 hours (for samples that were dried). Soaked vials are placed into an ultrasonic bath and run for 10 minutes at a frequency of 37 Hz with a power level of 100. If the samples appear to be fully disaggregated, they are placed into pre-determined autosampler locations, and are run using the Horiba LA-960 for Windows software to get the fine fraction grain size distributions. The fine fraction distribution data are added to the appropriate data entry spreadsheets (GrainSizeWorksheet_LD1-30_xxxx(batch_yy).xlsm or GrainSizeWorksheet_LD31-600_xxxx(batch_yy).xlsm). The spreadsheet is used to calculate a continuous phi class distribution from the original fractions. Person who carried out this activity:
    Lab Manager
    U.S. Geological Survey
    Lab Manager
    384 Woods Hole Rd.
    Woods Hole, MA
    USA

    508-548-8700 (voice)
    508-457-2310 (FAX)
    Data sources used in this process:
    • Sediment samples
    • Sediment sample submission spreadsheet
    Data sources produced in this process:
    • Sediment subsamples
    • Laser diffraction data entry spreadsheets
    Date: 18-Apr-2019 (process 4 of 5)
    Continuous phi class distribution from the original fractions are transposed to the "results" tab in the macro-enabled Microsoft Excel data entry workbook (GrainSizeWorksheet_LD1-30_xxxx(batch_yy).xlsm or GrainSizeWorksheet_LD31-600_xxxx(batch_yy).xlsm, where xxxx is the identifier assigned to the sample submission, 'LD1-30' and 'LD31-60' refer to the pre-labeled and weighed glass laser diffraction vials the samples will be run in, and 'batch_yy' refer to the sample batch). Macros in the workbook ('GS_MoM_Arithmatic,' 'GS_statistics,' and 'sedimentname') are run to calculate grain size classification and statistical analyses and finish processing the data. Sample, navigation, and field identifiers, along with continuous phi class distribution data, grain size classification, and statistical analysis results are copied and pasted into a final Microsoft Excel spreadsheet (xxxx_GS-LD_results.xlsx, where xxxx is the batch number assigned to the sample submission). The processed data are quality control checked and assigned a quality grade based on the examination of the analytical data. Processed data are released to the submitter and incorporated into the laboratory's database. All raw analytical data generated by the samples are archived in the sediment analysis laboratory. Person who carried out this activity:
    Lab Manager
    U.S. Geological Survey
    Lab Manager
    384 Woods Hole Rd.
    Woods Hole, MA
    USA

    508-548-8700 (voice)
    508-457-2310 (FAX)
    Data sources used in this process:
    • Laser diffraction data entry spreadsheets
    Data sources produced in this process:
    • Final Microsoft Excel spreadsheet (SA12_GS-LD_results.xlsx)
    Date: Apr-2020 (process 5 of 5)
    The Microsoft Excel spreadsheet was then saved as a CSV file (2018-049-FA_samples_GS-LD.csv) and opened in QGIS (version 3.8). A simplified shapefile of the sediment analyses was created by removing the attribute fields for STDEV, SKEWNESS, KURTOSIS, MEDIAN and other Method of Moments Statistics [e.g. D10], and the individual phi measurements [e.g., PHI_11] prior to export. Person who carried out this activity:
    Seth Ackerman
    U.S. Geological Survey
    Geologist
    384 Woods Hole Rd.
    Woods Hole, MA
    USA

    508-548-8700 x2315 (voice)
    508-457-2310 (FAX)
    sackerman@usgs.gov
    Data sources used in this process:
    • Final Microsoft Excel spreadsheet (SA12_GS-LD_results.xlsx)
    • Survey logs
    Data sources produced in this process:
    • CSV file of sediment grain-size analysis results (2018-049-FA_samples_GS-LD.csv)
    • shapefile of simplified sediment grain-size analysis results (2018-049-FA_samples.shp)
  3. What similar or related data should the user be aware of?
    Blackwood, D., and Parolski, K., 2001, Seabed observation and sampling system: Sea Technology v. 42, no. 2, p. 39-43, Compass Publications, Inc., Arlington, VA.

    Shepard, F.P., 1954, Nomenclature based on sand-silt-clay ratios: Journal of Sedimentary Petrology v. 24, no. 3., p. 151-158, Society of Economic Paleontologists and Mineralogists, Tulsa, OK.

    Online Links:

    Schlee, J.S., and Webster, J., 1967, A computer program for grain-size data: Sedimentology v. 8, no. 1., p. 45-53, Elsevier Publishing Company, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

    Online Links:

    Schlee, J.S., 1973, Atlantic continental shelf and slope of the United States - sediment texture of the northeastern part: Professional Paper 529-L, U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, VA.

    Online Links:

    Poppe, L.J., McMullen, K.Y., Williams, S.J., and Paskevich, V.F., 2014, USGS east-coast sediment analysis: Procedures, database, and GIS data: Open-File Report 2005-1001, U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, VA.

    Online Links:

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

  1. How well have the observations been checked?
    All attributes were evaluated during data processing as standard quality control to ensure attributes contain accurate and relevant information and values. Due to rounding, the sum of the aggregate class percentages (e.g., GRAVEL (wt%), GRAVEL_PCT, etc.) and the sum of the phi fraction percentages (e.g., PHI_11, PHI_10, etc.) may not always add up to exactly 100.000%.
  2. How accurate are the geographic locations?
    The R/V Petrel's Differential GPS (DGPS) system supplied navigation for survey 2018-049-FA. The GPS was set to receive fixes at a one-second interval in geographic coordinates (World Geodetic System of 1984 [WGS 84]). The recorded position of each sediment sample location is the position of the GPS antenna on the survey vessel, located on the aft starboard side of the wheelhouse, not the location of the SEABOSS sampler. The antenna was located approximately 3 meters from the deployment point of the sampler. No layback or offset was applied to the recorded position. In addition, the sampler may drift away from the survey vessel when deployed to the sea floor. Based on the various sources of horizontal offsets, a conservative estimate of the horizontal accuracy of the bottom image locations is 5-7 meters.
  3. How accurate are the heights or depths?
    The depths recorded for each sample are approximate and were derived from preliminary bathymetry from the geophysical survey 2018-001-FA.
  4. Where are the gaps in the data? What is missing?
    All 70 sampling sites were occupied during USGS field activity 2018-049-FA; however, physical sediment samples were only collected at 68 of the 70 sites. There is no sample location for sites 2018-049-FA-026 and 2018-049-FA-047. Sediment samples were only attempted in areas where collecting a sample would not damage the SEABOSS; therefore, no samples were collected in areas with a cobble, boulder, or rocky seabed, as identified in real time using the topside live video feed. Samples were also not attempted if the current was too strong or if the sampler accidentally tripped earlier in the deployment. Each deployment of the sampler is generally considered a unique site; however, three sites (2018-049-FA-005, 2018-049-FA-016, 2018-049-FA-064) had two separate deployments each. The sediment sample locations for these three sites are from the second deployment when a grab sample was successfully collected. Ten samples were randomly selected by the Sediment Lab technician and run as replicates using the laser diffraction analyzer for internal testing purposes. The replicate results are not included in this publication.
  5. How consistent are the relationships among the observations, including topology?
    The sediment samples were all collected with the same modified Van Veen grab sampler mounted on the mini-SEABOSS. This dataset is based on the final Microsoft Excel spreadsheet received after analysis in the Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center's Sediment Analysis Laboratory. These data were checked but no modifications or corrections have been made to the file.

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 Public domain data from the U.S. Government are freely distributable with proper metadata and source attribution. Please recognize the U.S. Geological Survey as the originator of the dataset.
  1. Who distributes the data set? (Distributor 1 of 1)
    U.S. Geological Survey - ScienceBase
    U.S. Geological Survey
    Denver Federal Center, Building 810, Mail Stop 302
    Denver, CO
    United States

    1-888-275-8747 (voice)
    sciencebase@usgs.gov
  2. What's the catalog number I need to order this data set? Sea floor grain-size analysis results and locations for sediment samples collected off southern Long Beach Island, New Jersey during USGS Field Activity 2018-049-FA, using a modified Van Veen grab sampler on the USGS SEABOSS: includes a CSV file of the sediment sample locations and analysis results using the HORIBA LA-960 laser diffraction analyzer and sieving of the >= -2-phi fraction (2018-049-FA_samples_GS-LD.csv); a simplified shapefile of the sediment sample locations and analysis results (2018-049-FA_samples.shp); a browse graphic of sediment sample locations (2018-049-FA_samples_browse.jpg); and a Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata (CSDGM) metadata file (2018-049-FA_samples_meta.xml).
  3. What legal disclaimers am I supposed to read?
    Neither the U.S. Government, the Department of the Interior, nor the USGS, nor any of their employees, contractors, or subcontractors, make any warranty, express or implied, nor assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, apparatus, product, or process disclosed, nor represent that its use would not infringe on privately owned rights. The act of distribution shall not constitute any such warranty, and no responsibility is assumed by the USGS in the use of these data or related materials. Although these data and associated metadata have been reviewed for accuracy and completeness and approved for release by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), and have been processed successfully on a computer system at the 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. The USGS or the U.S. Government shall not be held liable for improper or incorrect use of the data described and/or contained herein. 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?
  5. What hardware or software do I need in order to use the data set?
    This dataset contains data available as a CSV file and a point shapefile. The CSV file can be read with a text editor. The user must have software capable of reading shapefile format to use the point shapefile.

Who wrote the metadata?

Dates:
Last modified: 19-Mar-2024
Metadata author:
Seth Ackerman
U.S. Geological Survey
Geologist
384 Woods Hole Rd.
Woods Hole, MA
USA

508-548-8700 x2315 (voice)
508-457-2310 (FAX)
whsc_data_contact@usgs.gov
Contact_Instructions:
The metadata contact email address is a generic address in the event the person is no longer with USGS. (updated on 20240319)
Metadata standard:
FGDC Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata (FGDC-STD-001-1998)
This page is <https://cmgds.marine.usgs.gov/catalog/whcmsc/SB_data_release/DR_P9C3J33K/2018-049-FA_samples_meta.faq.html>
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