Locations and grain-size analysis results of sediment samples collected in the vicinity of Buffalo Reef, Michigan, within Lake Superior during USGS Field Activity 2021-005-FA using the USGS MiniSEABOSS (CSV, GCS WGS 84)

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What does this data set describe?

Title:
Locations and grain-size analysis results of sediment samples collected in the vicinity of Buffalo Reef, Michigan, within Lake Superior during USGS Field Activity 2021-005-FA using the USGS MiniSEABOSS (CSV, GCS WGS 84)
Abstract:
In August 2021, the U.S. Geological Survey, in collaboration with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, collected high-resolution geophysical data, sediment samples, and bottom imagery to determine the distribution of historical mine tailings on the floor of Lake Superior. Large amounts of waste material from copper mining, locally known as “stamp sands,” were dumped into the lake in the early 20th century, with wide-reaching consequences that have continued into the present. Mapping was focused offshore of the town of Gay on the Keweenaw Peninsula of Michigan, where ongoing erosion and re-deposition of the stamp sands has buried miles of native, white-sand beaches. Stamp sands are also encroaching onto Buffalo Reef, a large area of cobble/boulder substrate that supports productive fisheries in the lake.
The objectives of this cooperative mapping project are to develop a framework for scientific research and provide baseline information required for management of resources within the coastal zone of northern Michigan. High-resolution bathymetry and backscatter data reveal the irregular topography of the shallow, cobble-covered Buffalo Reef and the relatively smooth surface of finer-grained sediment that covers adjacent, deeper parts of the lake floor. Previous research used numerous sediment samples to determine the general distribution of mine tailings on the lake floor in this area, but little information exists on the extent and thickness of the surficial deposits. The main priority of this project is to image the near-surface stratigraphy, specifically the thickness of surficial sand and mud that threaten to cover the reef, with seismic-reflection profiling systems. In addition to continuous coverage of bathymetric and backscatter data, this project collected a dense grid of closely spaced seismic profiles in 2018, which will guide efforts to mitigate the environmental impacts of the shifting stamp sands.
This 2021 (2021-005-FA) survey is the second survey conducted by the Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center (WHCMSC) in Grand Traverse Bay, Houghton County MI. The first survey conducted in September 2018 (2018-043-FA) was a regional geologic framework study that covered a large area (30 sq km) and lower resolution (2-m) and included both single-channel, and swept frequency (chirp) subbottom seismic profiles. Data from this survey were published in Andrews and other (2020), see cross-reference section below for details. The data from the 2018 survey was used to plan the higher resolution (less than 1-m) 2021 survey that covered a smaller area (14 sq km) focused on Buffalo Reef and included 410 bottom photographs, and 60 sediment samples collected using the MiniSEABOSS.
Supplemental_Information:
Data were collected using the R/V Rafael, owned, and operated by the USGS Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center. Additional information on the field activity is available from https://cmgds.marine.usgs.gov/fan_info.php?fan=2021-005-FA
Field Activity 2021-005-FA was conducted in coordination with the USGS Great Lakes Science Center (GLSC), while they were surveying the inshore (shallow) portions of the study area concurrently. Multibeam depth and backscatter data collected by GLSC at the same time are published in Pecoraro and others 2022 (see cross reference below).
  1. How might this data set be cited?
    U.S. Geological Survey, 20220609, Locations and grain-size analysis results of sediment samples collected in the vicinity of Buffalo Reef, Michigan, within Lake Superior during USGS Field Activity 2021-005-FA using the USGS MiniSEABOSS (CSV, GCS WGS 84): data release DOI:10.5066/P9NJY125, 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.

    Andrews, Brian D., Barnhardt, Walter A., Moore, Eric M., Nichols, Alex R., Ackerman, Seth D., and Berube, Patrick J., 2022, High-resolution geophysical and sample data collected in the vicinity of Buffalo Reef, Michigan, within Lake Superior, U.S. Geological Survey Field Activity 2021-005-FA: data release DOI:10.5066/P9NJY125, U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, VA.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details:
    Suggested citation: Andrews, B.D., Barnhardt, W.A., Moore, E.M., Nichols, A.R., Ackerman, S.D., and Berube, P.J. 2022, High-resolution geophysical and sample data collected in the vicinity of Buffalo Reef, Michigan, within Lake Superior, U.S. Geological Survey Field Activity 2021-005-FA: U.S. Geological Survey data release, https://doi.org/10.5066/P9NJY125
  2. What geographic area does the data set cover?
    West_Bounding_Coordinate: -88.23546486
    East_Bounding_Coordinate: -88.17093712
    North_Bounding_Coordinate: 47.20907679
    South_Bounding_Coordinate: 47.16931312
  3. What does it look like?
    https://www.sciencebase.gov/catalog/file/get/623c9211d34e915b67d395e7?name=2021-005-FA_SEABOSS_samples_browse.jpg (JPEG)
    Browse graphic showing the extent of sediment sample locations within Grand Traverse Bay, Lake Superior, Michigan.
  4. Does the data set describe conditions during a particular time period?
    Beginning_Date: 13-Aug-2021
    Ending_Date: 15-Aug-2021
    Currentness_Reference:
    data were collected on the following dates: 20210813-20210815 (Julian day 225-227).
  5. What is the general form of this data set?
    Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: 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 Point data set. It contains the following vector data types (SDTS terminology):
      • Entity point (60)
    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 0.000001. Longitudes are given to the nearest 0.000001. 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.
      Vertical_Coordinate_System_Definition:
      Depth_System_Definition:
      Depth_Datum_Name: none
      Depth_Resolution: 0.1
      Depth_Distance_Units: meters
      Depth_Encoding_Method: Implicit coordinate
  7. How does the data set describe geographic features?
    2021-005-FA_SEABOSS_samples.csv
    Data spreadsheet containing the grain size analysis results for sample submission of sediments from field activity 2021-005-FA, analyzed using the Horiba laser diffraction unit and sieving of the ≥ -2 phi fraction. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    ANALYSIS_ID
    An identifier for the sample which 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 set
    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 set
    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) Mapping Buffalo Reef, Keweenaw Peninsula
    FAN
    The serial number assigned to the dataset field activity from which the sample belongs. 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) 2021-005-FA
    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) Barnhardt/Ackerman
    AREA
    General geographic area of data collection. Name is general enough to easily locate area on a map. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey) Lake Superior, MI
    LATITUDE
    Latitude coordinate, in decimal-degrees, of sample location. South latitude recorded as negative values. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Range of values
    Minimum:47.16931312
    Maximum:47.20907679
    Units:decimal degrees
    Resolution:0.000001
    LONGITUDE
    Longitude coordinate, in decimal degrees, of sample location. West longitude is recorded as negative values. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Range of values
    Minimum:-88.23546486
    Maximum:-88.17093712
    Units:decimal degrees
    Resolution:0.000001
    DEPTH_M
    Measured depth of water overlying sediment at sample time, generally not corrected for tides, in meters. Entries with no depth indicated are left blank. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Range of values
    Minimum:-23.54
    Maximum:-1.773
    Units:meters
    Resolution:1.0
    T_DEPTH
    Top depth of the sample below the sediment-water interface, in centimeters. Entries with no depth indicated are left blank. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:0
    Units:centimeters
    Resolution:1
    B_DEPTH
    Bottom depth of the sample below the sediment-water interface, in centimeters. Entries with no depth indicated are left blank. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Range of values
    Minimum:2
    Maximum:2
    Units:centimeter
    Resolution:1
    DEVICE
    Device used to collect the sample. Below lists all possible sample collection devices, please note that all devices may not be present in the table. Entries with no device indicated are left blank. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    ValueDefinition
    MiniSEABOSSCollection device name provided by the sample submitter.
    DATE COLLECTED
    Calendar date indicating when the sample was collected in the format MM/DD/YYYY where DD is the day of the month, MM is the numeric month, and YYYY is the year. Entries with no date indicated are left blank. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey) Character set
    ANALYSIS COMPLETION DATE
    Calendar date indicating when analyses on the sample were completed in the format MM/DD/YYYY where DD is the day of the month, MM is the numeric month, and YYYY is the year. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey) Character set
    WEIGHT_WET
    Wet weight of initial sample in grams. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Range of values
    Minimum:16.5582
    Maximum:24.6666
    Units:grams
    Resolution:.0001
    GRAVEL_PCT
    Gravel content in percent dry weight of the sample (particles with nominal diameters greater than 2 mm; -1 phi and larger). (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.0
    Maximum:38.69428687
    Units:weight percent
    Resolution:.0001
    SAND_PCT
    Sand content in percent dry weight of the sample (particles with nominal diameters less than 2 mm, but greater than or equal to 0.0625 mm; 0 phi through 4 phi). (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Range of values
    Minimum:44.2425
    Maximum:100.003
    Units:weight percent
    Resolution:.0001
    SILT_PCT
    Silt content in percent dry weight of the sample (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:55.759
    Units:weight percent
    Resolution:.0001
    CLAY_PCT
    Clay content in percent dry weight of the sample (particles with nominal diameters less than 0.004 mm; 9 phi and smaller). (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.0
    Maximum:0.5275
    Units:weight percent
    Resolution:.0001
    CLASSIFICATION (Shepard)
    Sediment classification - Sediment description based on a rigorous definition, usually Shepard (1954) as modified by Schlee and Webster (1967), Schlee (1973), and Poppe and others (2005). Below lists all possible sediment classifications, please note that all classifications may not be present in the table. (Source: Shepard, F.P., 1954, Nomenclature based on sand-silt-clay ratios: Journal of Sedimentary Petrology, v. 24, p. 151-158. Schlee, J.S., and Webster, Jacqueline, 1967, A computer program for grain-size data: Sedimentology, v. 8, p. 45-54. Schlee, J.S., 1973, Atlantic continental shelf and slope of the United States—Sediment texture of the northeastern part: U.S. Geological Survey Professional Paper 529–L, 64 p. Poppe, L.J., McMullen, K.Y., Williams, S.J., and Paskevich, V.F., eds., 2014, USGS east-coast sediment analysis: Procedures, database, and GIS data (ver. 3.0, November 2014): U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2005-1001.)
    ValueDefinition
    gravelly sedimentSediment whose main phase is >2 mm, but with significant other sediment. Gravel > 10 percent.
    sandSediment whose main phase is less than 2 mm, but greater than or equal to 0.062 mm.
    sandy siltSediment whose main phase is silt, but with significant sand.
    silty sandSediment whose main phase in sand, but with significant silt.
    MEAN_L
    Method of Moments Statistics - Logarithmic (φ):Average value in the grain size distribution in phi units. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Range of values
    Minimum:-1.01567673
    Maximum:4.2133875
    Units:phi
    STDEV_L
    Method of Moments Statistics - Logarithmic (φ):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:0.541025841
    Maximum:2.867489646
    Units:phi
    SKEWNESS_L
    Method of Moments Statistics - Logarithmic (φ):Skewness (deviation from symmetrical form) of the grain size distribution in phi units. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Range of values
    Minimum:-0.271758758
    Maximum:3.85964652
    Units:phi
    KURTOSIS_L
    Method of Moments Statistics - Logarithmic (φ):Kurtosis (degree of curvature near the mode) of the grain size distribution in phi units. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Range of values
    Minimum:2.195416557
    Maximum:32.62042066
    Units:phi
    D10_L
    Method of Moments Statistics - Logarithmic (φ):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:-4.714285714
    Maximum:2.999661953
    Units:phi
    D25_L
    Method of Moments Statistics - Logarithmic (φ):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:-4.285714286
    Maximum:3.438002891
    Units:phi
    MEDIAN (D50_L
    Method of Moments Statistics - Logarithmic (φ):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:-0.38067985
    Maximum:4.162103189
    Units:phi
    D75_L
    Method of Moments Statistics - Logarithmic (φ):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:-0.019825346
    Maximum:4.865981558
    Units:phi
    D90_L
    Method of Moments Statistics - Logarithmic (φ):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:0.609359628
    Maximum:5.812068647
    Units:phi
    MEAN_A
    Method of Moments Statistics - Arithmetic (μm):Average value in the grain size distribution in microns. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Range of values
    Minimum:63.9467968
    Maximum:8451.508245
    Units:microns
    STDEV_A
    Method of Moments Statistics - Arithmetic (μm):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:44.3598184
    Maximum:10440.71195
    Units:microns
    SKEWNESS_A
    Method of Moments Statistics - Arithmetic (μm):Skewness (deviation from symmetrical form) of the grain size distribution in microns. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.609329993
    Maximum:17.20261687
    Units:microns
    KURTOSIS_A
    Method of Moments Statistics - Arithmetic (μm):Kurtosis (degree of curvature near the mode) of the grain size distribution in microns. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Range of values
    Minimum:1.390895931
    Maximum:327.5867935
    Units:microns
    D10_A
    Method of Moments Statistics - Arithmetic (μm):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:19.92531909
    Maximum:860.1380669
    Units:microns
    D25_A
    Method of Moments Statistics - Arithmetic (μm):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:38.9378769
    Maximum:1030.442981
    Units:microns
    MEDIAN (D50)_A
    Method of Moments Statistics - Arithmetic (μm):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:61.90160723
    Maximum:1231.99232
    Units:microns
    D75_A
    Method of Moments Statistics - Arithmetic (μm):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:92.86692818
    Maximum:20571.42857
    Units:microns
    D90_A
    Method of Moments Statistics - Arithmetic (μm):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:133.1220297
    Maximum:27428.57143
    Units:microns
    PHI_16
    16 phi: weight percent of the sample in the 16 phi fraction and smaller (nominal diameter of particles greater than or equal to 0.000015625 mm, less than 0.00003125 mm); colloid. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.0
    Maximum:0.0
    Units:weight percent
    Resolution:.001
    PHI_15
    15 phi: weight percent of the sample in the 15 phi fraction and smaller (nominal diameter of particles greater than or equal to 0.00003125 mm, less than 0.0000625 mm); colloid. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.0
    Maximum:0.0
    Units:weight percent
    Resolution:.001
    PHI_14
    14 phi: weight percent of the sample in the 14 phi fraction and smaller (nominal diameter of particles greater than or equal to 0.0000625 mm, less than 0.000125 mm); colloid. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.0
    Maximum:0.0
    Units:weight percent
    Resolution:.001
    PHI_13
    13 phi: weight percent of the sample in the 13 phi fraction and smaller (nominal diameter of particles greater than or equal to 0.000125 mm, less than 0.00025 mm); fine clay. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.0
    Maximum:0.0
    Units:weight percent
    Resolution:.001
    PHI_12
    12 phi: 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:0.0
    Maximum:0.0
    Units:weight percent
    Resolution:.001
    PHI_11
    11 phi: weight percent of the sample in the 11 phi fraction and smaller (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:0.0
    Maximum:0.0
    Units:weight percent
    Resolution:.001
    PHI_10
    10 phi: 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:0.0
    Maximum:0.0
    Units:weight percent
    Resolution:.001
    PHI_9
    9 phi: 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:0.0
    Maximum:0.528
    Units:weight percent
    Resolution:.001
    PHI_8
    8 phi: 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:0.0
    Maximum:1.533
    Units:weight percent
    Resolution:.001
    PHI_7
    7 phi: 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:0.0
    Maximum:6.723
    Units:weight percent
    Resolution:.001
    PHI_6
    6 phi: 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:0.0
    Maximum:14.628
    Units:weight percent
    Resolution:.001
    PHI_5
    5 phi: 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:0.0
    Maximum:35.518
    Units:weight percent
    Resolution:.001
    PHI_4
    4 phi: weight percent of the sample in the 4 phi fraction (nominal diameters of particles greater than or equal to .0625 mm, but less than 0.125 mm); very fine sand. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.0
    Maximum:34.24
    Units:weight percent
    Resolution:.001
    PHI_3
    3 phi: 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:0.0
    Maximum:66.877
    Units:weight percent
    Resolution:.001
    PHI_2
    2 phi: 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:0.264
    Maximum:65.626
    Units:weight percent
    Resolution:.001
    PHI_1
    1 phi: 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:66.743
    Units:weight percent
    Resolution:.001
    PHI_0
    0 phi: 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:0.0
    Maximum:69.28
    Units:weight percent
    Resolution:.001
    PHI_-1
    -1 phi: 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:0.0
    Maximum:7.094
    Units:weight percent
    Resolution:.001
    PHI_-2
    -2 phi: 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:0.0
    Maximum:2.599
    Units:weight percent
    Resolution:.001
    PHI_-3
    -3 phi: 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:0.0
    Maximum:0.0
    Units:weight percent
    Resolution:.001
    PHI_-4
    -4 phi: 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:0.0
    Maximum:35.0
    Units:weight percent
    Resolution:.001
    PHI_-5
    -5 phi: weight percent of the sample in the -5 phi fraction and larger (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:0.0
    Maximum:0.0
    Units:weight percent
    Resolution:.001
    PHI_-6
    -6 phi: weight percent of the sample in the -6 phi fraction and larger (nominal diameter of particles greater than or equal to 64 mm, but less than 128 mm); cobbles. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.0
    Maximum:0.0
    Units:weight percent
    Resolution:.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) SAG/BJB
    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) A-BJB B-BJB
    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 set

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 Road
    Woods Hole, Massachusetts
    USA

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

Why was the data set created?

This dataset provides access to the locations and grain-size analysis results of surficial sediments collected with a modified Van Veen grab sampler on the Mini SEABed Observation and Sampling System (MiniSEABOSS) using the R/V Rafael, owned, and operated by the USGS Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center. These data were collected to characterize the lakebed by identifying sediment texture and to ground-truth acoustic data collected during the same USGS field activity.

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-Aug-2021 (process 1 of 3)
    STEP 1: COLLECT SEDIMENT SAMPLES WITH THE MINISEABOSS.
    A geophysical and geological sampling survey (field activity 2021-005-FA) was conducted in Lake Superior, Michigan, in August 2021. The R/V Rafael occupied preselected target sites, and the MiniSEABOSS was deployed off the vessel's port side from a davit just aft of the cabin. The MiniSEABOSS was equipped with a modified Van Veen grab sampler, Canon PowerShot G12 digital still camera, an independent strobe, an oblique downward-looking monochrome video camera with a topside feed and a dive light to illuminate the lakebed for photograph collection. The elements of this particular MiniSEABOSS were held within a stainless-steel frame that measured ~1 x 1 meter. The frame had a stabilizer fin that oriented the system as it drifted over the lakebed. Two red lasers were set 20 centimeters apart (both as they were mounted on the MiniSEABOSS frame and as seen in photographs and video on the lake) for scale measurements. The red laser dots can usually be seen in the lakebed photos depending on the bottom type and distance to the bottom. The winch operator lowered the MiniSEABOSS until the lakebed was observed in the topside live video feed. Generally, the vessel and MiniSEABOSS drifted with wind and current for up to a few minutes to ensure a decent photo with a clear view of the lakebed was acquired. The Canon camera was triggered manually by an operator watching the video stream. The photographed area is usually 0.5 to 1.25 meters (across) from left to right. Bottom video used to guide the photo-taking and avoid obstacles was not recorded. Fourteen sites did not have any usable photographs. After photographs were taken, the winch operator lowered the Van Veen grab sampler until it rested on the bottom. When the system was raised, the Van Veen grab sampler closed and collected a sample as it was lifted off the lakebed. The sampler was recovered to the deck of the survey vessel where a photograph of the sample in the Van Veen grab was taken. Then a subsample was taken for grain-size analysis at the sediment laboratory at the USGS Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center. During the survey, DGPS navigation from a Hemisphere R131 DGPS receiver was logged through a serial connection to a computer running the Global Mapper software package to visualize and record the vessel's spatial location throughout the sampling survey. The DGPS was set to receive fixes at a 1-second interval in geographic coordinates (WGS 84). Dates and times were recorded in UTC. Log files were saved for each survey in NMEA text format. 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
    Date: Feb-2022 (process 2 of 3)
    STEP 2: SUBMIT SAMPLES TO USGS SEDIMENT LAB.
    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 is 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:
    U.S. Geological Survey
    Lab Manager
    384 Woods Hole Road
    Woods Hole, MA
    USA

    (508) 548-8700 (voice)
    (508) 457-2310 (FAX)
    Date: Feb-2022 (process 3 of 3)
    STEP 3: QA/QC
    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 in xlsx and csv format 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:
    U.S. Geological Survey
    WHCMSC Sediment Laborator Manager
    384 Woods Hole Road
    Woods Hole, MA
    USA

    (508) 548-8700 (voice)
    (508) 457-2310 (FAX)
  3. What similar or related data should the user be aware of?
    Andrews, Brian D., Barnhardt, Walter A., Foster, David S., Irwin, Barry J., and Nichols, Alex R., 2020, High-resolution geophysical data collected in the vicinity of Buffalo Reef, Michigan, within Lake Superior, U.S. Geological Survey Field Activity 2018-043-FA: data release DOI:10.5066/P9K4HX8V, U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, VA.

    Online Links:

    Pecoraro, Samuel D., Arnold, Anthony J., Esselman, Peter C., and Wright, Chris, 2022, High-resolution bathymetry and backscatter data from the Stamp Sands of Lake Superior collected using a Norbit iWBMSh multibeam echosounder during 2021: data release DOI:10.5066/P9LY9F09, 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?
  2. How accurate are the geographic locations?
    Navigation data were acquired using the WGS 84 coordinate system with a Hemisphere R131 DGPS receiver. DGPS positions were obtained from an antenna on the aft port side of the cabin of the R/V Rafael. DGPS positions are horizontally accurate to 0.5 - 2 meters. The horizontal offset between the antenna location and the SEABOSS deployment location (approximately 2-meter) is not accounted for.
  3. How accurate are the heights or depths?
    The water depth recorded for each sample was derived using the vessel's fathometer as recorded in the survey log and used for the sediment sample water depth. These water depths are all uncorrected and are rough estimates +/- 1 meter.
  4. Where are the gaps in the data? What is missing?
    This dataset includes a Microsoft Excel table with the locations, and grain-size analysis results of the sediment samples collected during field activity 2021-005-FA. Physical sediment samples were collected at 60 sites occupied during the sampling survey. Each deployment of the MiniSEABOSS is generally considered a unique site; however, if a sample was not collected successfully, a second deployment may have been attempted using the same station number.
  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 MiniSEABOSS. This is the final Microsoft Excel spreadsheet returned to the submitting researcher after analysis in the Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center sediment analysis laboratory. These data were checked but no modifications or corrections have been made to the file. Several replicate samples were run by the sediment lab, but those duplicate analyses are not included in this dataset.

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 re-distributable with proper metadata and source attribution. Please recognize the U.S. Geological Survey as the originator of the dataset. These data are not to be used for navigation.
  1. Who distributes the data set? (Distributor 1 of 1)
    GS 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? Locations and grain-size analysis results of sediment samples collected in Lake Superior, Michigan, in August 2021 during USGS field activity 2021-005-FA. This dataset contains the following files: a comma separated values (CSV) file of the sediment sample locations and grain-size analysis results using the laser diffraction method; a browse graphic of sediment sample locations (2021-005-FA_samples_browse.jpg); and Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata (CSDGM) metadata files in standard formats.
  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. Any use of trade, product, or firm 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 Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. Open source software can be used to read the csv format file.

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 Standards for Digital Geospatial Metadata (FGDC-STD-001-1998)

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