Water content and grain density analyses of sediment cores from the New England Mud Patch collected on USGS Field Activity 2016-001-FA

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What does this data set describe?

Title:

Water content and grain density analyses of sediment cores from the New England Mud Patch collected on USGS Field Activity 2016-001-FA

Abstract:

Variability in sediment properties with depth and the thickness of individual sedimentary layers are critical determinants of seabed acoustic response. The New England Mud Patch (NEMP), located south of Cape Cod, is an unusual feature on the U.S. Continental Shelf in that it is composed of fine-grained sediment layers containing a relatively-homogeneous mix of sand, silt, and clay-sized particles bounded by more typical sandy shelf sediments. The unique characteristics and nature of this deposit is due to a derivation of sediments that have been transported to, and deposited in, a basal bowl-shaped depression since the last glacial maximum. Ninety-two piston, vibra-, and gravity cores with a maximum length of 8.2 meters were collected from across the New England Mud Patch during a 2-leg, 10-day cruise aboard the R/V Endeavor in the spring of 2016. Geologic characterization and analysis of a subset of the cores including grain size, CaCO3, mineral composition, and bulk index properties (undrained shear strength, water content, density, and porosity) of discrete samples was carried out at the USGS Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center's (WHCMSC) Sediment Analysis Laboratory. This data release contains the results of these analyses, along with visual core descriptions and summary sheets for each core analyzed for this study.

Supplemental_Information:

Cores were collected on the 2016 R/V Endeavor cruise EN577 from April 19, 2016 to May 2, 2016. Information about this expedition, also known as USGS Field Activity 2016-001-FA, is available at https://cmgds.marine.usgs.gov/fan_info.php?fan=2016-001-FA

How might this data set be cited?
Boggess, A.A., Buczkowski, B.J., and Chaytor, J.D., 20210819, Water content and grain density analyses of sediment cores from the New England Mud Patch collected on USGS Field Activity 2016-001-FA: data release DOI:10.5066/P9ZYK3PX, U.S. Geological Survey, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center, Woods Hole, MA.
Online Links:
- https://doi.org/10.5066/P9ZYK3PX
- https://www.sciencebase.gov/catalog/item/60cb7a56d34e86b938a3a4a7
This is part of the following larger work.
Boggess, A.A., Buczkowski, B.J., and Chaytor, J.D., 2021, Sedimentological and geotechnical analyses of marine sediment cores from the New England Mud Patch: U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, VA.
Online Links:
- https://doi.org/10.5066/P9ZYK3PX
- https://www.sciencebase.gov/catalog/item/604b8bc4d34eb120311b3800
Other_Citation_Details:
Suggested citation: Boggess, A.A., Buczkowski, B.J., and Chaytor, J.D., 2021, Sedimentological and geotechnical analyses of marine sediment cores from the New England Mud Patch: U.S. Geological Survey data release, https://doi.org/10.5066/P9ZYK3PX.
What geographic area does the data set cover?
West_Bounding_Coordinate: -70.7979
East_Bounding_Coordinate: -70.4370
North_Bounding_Coordinate: 40.5952
South_Bounding_Coordinate: 40.3058
What does it look like?

https://www.sciencebase.gov/catalog/file/get/60cb7a56d34e86b938a3a4a7/?name=MudPatchCores_BrowseGraphic.png (PNG)
Browse image of the core collection locations and spatial extent of the study area
Does the data set describe conditions during a particular time period?

Beginning_Date: 19-Apr-2016

Ending_Date: 02-May-2016

Currentness_Reference:

ground condition
What is the general form of this data set?
Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: spreadsheet
How does the data set represent geographic features?
1. How are geographic features stored in the data set?
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 0.0197464427. Longitudes are given to the nearest 0.0258271413. Latitude and longitude values are specified in Decimal degrees. The horizontal datum used is WGS_1984.
  The ellipsoid used is WGS_84.
  The semi-major axis of the ellipsoid used is 6378137.0.
  The flattening of the ellipsoid used is 1/298.257223563.
  
  Vertical_Coordinate_System_Definition:
  Depth_System_Definition:
  Depth_Datum_Name: Local surface
  Depth_Resolution: 0.1
  Depth_Distance_Units: meters
  Depth_Encoding_Method: Attribute values

How does the data set describe geographic features?

EN577_Density_PistonCores.csv

Data spreadsheet of results of water content and grain density analyses for NEMP piston cores. Point dataset. 684 data records. (Source: Producer Defined)

Sample ID

Sample ID. Naming convention: 16001-CC-P-SSS-# (16001= Field Activity 2016-001-FA) (CC=Core ID number) (P=Sample from piston core) (SSS = Sample type: DEN= Sample was originally taken for grain density analysis; WC=Sample was originally taken for water content analysis; GM=Sample was originally taken for gamma counting) (# = Number of sample taken from core) (Source: Producer Defined) character string

Cruise ID

Cruise identification code assigned by vessel (Source: Producer Defined)

Value	Definition
EN577	R/V Endeavor Cruise 577, April to May of 2016; also known by USGS field activity number 2016-001-FA

Contact

Contact for samples (Source: Producer Defined)

Value	Definition
JCHAYTOR	Jason D. Chaytor

Area

General area where samples were taken (Source: Producer Defined)

Value	Definition
Mud Patch	Offshore of Martha’s Vineyard, SE Massachusetts

Core ID

Core identification number assigned in field. Naming convention piston and trigger cores: EN577-XXPC (EN577=Cruise ID) (XX=Core number) (PC= Piston Core) (Source: Producer Defined) character string

Latitude

Latitude of core that grain-size data came from (Source: Producer Defined)

Range of values
Minimum:	39.852573
Maximum:	40.516666
Units:	decimal degrees

Longitude

Longitude of core that grain-size analysis came from (Source: Producer Defined)

Range of values
Minimum:	-70.979775
Maximum:	-70.482964
Units:	decimal degrees

Water Depth (m)

Water depth at location where core was collected (Source: Producer Defined)

Range of values
Minimum:	69.3
Maximum:	860.0
Units:	meters below sea level
Resolution:	0.1

Sample Depth Top (cm)

Top of interval that was sampled for grain-size analysis (Source: Producer Defined)

Range of values
Minimum:	2
Maximum:	780
Units:	centimeters

Sample Depth Bottom (cm)

Bottom of interval that was sampled for grain-size analysis (Source: Producer Defined)

Range of values
Minimum:	3
Maximum:	781
Units:	centimeters

Date Collected (MM/DD/YYYY)

Date that core was collected in the field (Month/Day/Year) (Source: Producer Defined) character string

Collection Device

Device used to collect core (Source: Producer Defined)

Value	Definition
PISTON CORER	Piston Corer

Date of MAD Analysis (MM/DD/YYYY)

Date that moisture and density analysis was marked as complete (Month/Day/Year) (Source: Producer Defined)

Value	Definition
<<empty cell>>	This sample was not analyzed using the moisture and density (MAD) methods.

Range of values
Minimum:	6/29/2016
Maximum:	9/19/2019
Units:	days

Date of Pycnometer Analysis (MM/DD/YYYY)

Date that pycnometer density analysis was marked as complete (Month/Day/Year) (Source: Producer Defined)

Value	Definition
<empty cell>	This sample was not analyzed for density using a pycnometer.

Range of values
Minimum:	8/21/2019
Maximum:	9/26/2019
Units:	days

Analysis Type

Which type of density/water content analysis was performed on the sample (Source: Producer Defined)

Value	Definition
Wet Bulk Density (MAD)	Moisture and density analysis was performed on this sample.
Water Content	Water content analysis was performed on this sample.
MAD and Pycnometer	Moisture and density analysis and pycnometer density analysis were performed on this sample.
Pycnometer	Pycnometer density analysis was performed on this sample.
Water Content and Pycnometer	Water content analysis and pycnometer density analysis were performed on this sample.

Sample Volume (cm^3)

Volume of sample analyzed. In MAD analysis, a fixed-volume sediment sample collected a 3.10809 cm^3 plug. Pycnometer analysis measures sample volume by gas displacement in a sealed chamber. (Source: Producer Defined)

Value	Definition
<empty cell>	Sample was neither collected with a fixed-volume collection tool nor measured for volume with a pycnometer.

Range of values
Minimum:	2.001
Maximum:	3.10809
Units:	cubic centimeters
Resolution:	0.0001

Vessel Weight (g)

Weight of aluminum dish or glass beaker used to hold sample (Source: Producer Defined)

Value	Definition
<<empty cell>>	The density of this sample was only analyzed using the pycnometer method.

Range of values
Minimum:	1.0193
Maximum:	52.2930
Units:	grams

Gross Wet Weight (g)

Combined weight of vessel and wet sediment sample (Source: Producer Defined)

Value	Definition
<<empty cell>>	The density of this sample was only analyzed using the pycnometer method.

Range of values
Minimum:	3.7141
Maximum:	73.0244
Units:	grams

Sample Wet Weight (g)

Initial weight of the sample before drying process; weight difference between gross wet weight and vessel weight. (Source: Producer Defined)

Value	Definition
<<empty cell>>	The density of this sample was only analyzed using the pycnometer method.

Range of values
Minimum:	2.6144
Maximum:	22.0688
Units:	grams

Gross Dry Weight (g)

Combined vessel and sample weight after 24 hours of oven drying at 100 degrees celsius (Source: Producer Defined)

Value	Definition
<<empty cell>>	The density of this sample was only analyzed using the pycnometer method.

Range of values
Minimum:	2.9743
Maximum:	70.932
Units:	grams

Sample Dry Weight (g)

Weight of the dry sample; weight difference between gross dry weight and vessel weight. (Source: Producer Defined)

Value	Definition
<<empty cell>>	The density of this sample was only analyzed using the pycnometer method.

Range of values
Minimum:	1.8746
Maximum:	19.9764
Units:	grams

Sample Water Loss (g)

Mass of water lost during drying process; weight difference between wet sample weight and dry sample weight. (Source: Producer Defined)

Value	Definition
<<empty cell>>	The density of this sample was only analyzed using the pycnometer method.

Range of values
Minimum:	0.2533
Maximum:	37.6360
Units:	grams

Percent Water Loss

Percent water loss as Weight of water loss as a percentage of sample wet weight (Source: Producer Defined)

Value	Definition
<<empty cell>>	The density of this sample was only analyzed using the pycnometer method.

Range of values
Minimum:	5.3631
Maximum:	48.1520
Units:	weight percent

Wet Bulk Density (g/cm^3)

Density of wet sample; calculated from sample wet weight divided by fixed wet sample volume (Source: Producer Defined)

Value	Definition
<<empty cell>>	Moisture and Density (MAD) analysis was not performed on this sample.

Range of values
Minimum:	1.3364
Maximum:	2.1102
Units:	grams per cubic centimeter

Dry Bulk Density (g/cm^3)

Density of dry sample; calculated from sample dry weight divided by the dry volume. Dry sample volume was calculated using the known density of water and the mass of water loss during the drying process. (Source: Producer Defined)

Value	Definition
<<empty cell>>	Moisture and Density (MAD) analysis was not performed on this sample.

Range of values
Minimum:	0.7501
Maximum:	1.7811
Units:	grams per cubic centimeter

Volume of Pore Water (cm^3)

Volume occupied by water, calculated from sample water loss divided by density of pore water (fixed at 1.026 g/cm^3). (Source: Producer Defined)

Value	Definition
<<empty cell>>	Moisture and Density (MAD) analysis was not performed on this sample.

Range of values
Minimum:	0.2558
Maximum:	3.8789
Units:	cubic centimeters

Mass Salt (g)

Mass of salt precipitated from evaporation of pore water. (Source: Producer Defined)

Value	Definition
<<empty cell>>	Moisture and Density (MAD) analysis was not performed on this sample.

Range of values
Minimum:	0.0092
Maximum:	0.1393
Units:	grams

Volume Salt (cm^3)

Volume of salt precipitated from evaporation of pore water (Source: Producer Defined)

Value	Definition
<<empty cell>>	Moisture and Density (MAD) analysis was not performed on this sample.

Range of values
Minimum:	0.0042
Maximum:	0.0633
Units:	cubic centimeters

Volume Dry Sample (cm^3) (no salt)

Volume of sample after drying process; calculated by subtracting volume of pore water and salt that was evaporated and precipitated, respectively, from the initial wet sample volume. (Source: Producer Defined)

Value	Definition
<<empty cell>>	Moisture and Density (MAD) analysis was not performed on this sample.

Range of values
Minimum:	0.7393
Maximum:	2.8481
Units:	cubic centimeters

Volume Bulk (cm^3)

Volume of all dry solids in sample, including salt. (Source: Producer Defined)

Value	Definition
<<empty cell>>	Moisture and Density (MAD) analysis was not performed on this sample.

Range of values
Minimum:	1.9850
Maximum:	5.8141
Units:	cubic centimeters
Resolution:	0.0001

Porosity (with salt)

Fraction of total initial sample volume occupied by pore water prior to drying process; a calculated proportion of volume of pore water to total volume of dry solids, including salt. (Source: Producer Defined)

Value	Definition
<<empty cell>>	Moisture and Density (MAD) analysis was not performed on this sample.

Range of values
Minimum:	0.0823
Maximum:	0.7368
Units:	(unitless)

Porosity (without salt)

Fraction of total initial sample volume occupied by pore water prior to drying process; a calculated proportion of volume of pore water to total volume of dry solids, not including salt. (Source: Producer Defined)

Value	Definition
<<empty cell>>	Moisture and Density (MAD) analysis was not performed on this sample.

Range of values
Minimum:	0.0824
Maximum:	0.7458
Units:	(unitless)

Grain Density (g/cm3)

Density of solid materials (sediment grains) in initial sample prior to drying process, not including the dissolved salt in pore water. (Source: Producer Defined)

Value	Definition
<<empty cell>>	Moisture and Density (MAD) analysis was not performed on this sample.

Range of values
Minimum:	1.5661
Maximum:	3.5075
Units:	grams per cubic centimeter

Pycnometer Sample Weight (g)

Weight of dry sample as measured by pycnometer (Source: Producer Defined)

Value	Definition
<<empty cell>>	Pycnometer density analysis was not performed on sample

Range of values
Minimum:	2.1038
Maximum:	8.5951
Units:	grams

Pycnometer Volume (cm^3)

Volume of dry sample as measured by pycnometer (Source: Producer Defined)

Value	Definition
<empty cell>	Pycnometer density analysis was not performed on sample

Range of values
Minimum:	0.8042
Maximum:	3.2673
Units:	cubic centimeters
Resolution:	0.0001

Pycnometer Grain Density (g/cm^3)

Grain density of dry sample measured by pycnometer (Source: Producer Defined)

Value	Definition
<empty cell>	Pycnometer density analysis was not performed on sample

Range of values
Minimum:	2.4679
Maximum:	2.8241
Units:	grams per cubic centimeter
Resolution:	0.0001

Pycnometer Bulk Density (g/cm^3) (no salt)

Bulk density of dry sample measured by pycnometer (Source: Producer Defined)

Value	Definition
<empty cell>	Pycnometer density analysis was not performed on sample

Range of values
Minimum:	0.8042
Maximum:	3.2673
Units:	grams per cubic centimeter
Resolution:	0.001

Pycnometer Porosity (w/o salt)

Porosity of dry sample measured by pycnometer, not including salt precipitated during drying process. (Source: Producer Defined)

Value	Definition
<empty cell>	Pycnometer density analysis was not performed on sample

Range of values
Minimum:	0.1390
Maximum:	0.7054
Units:	percent of 1
Resolution:	0.0001

Pycnometer Grain Density (g/cm^3) (no salt)

Grain density of dry sample measured by pycnometer (Source: Producer Defined)

Value	Definition
<empty cell>	Pycnometer density analysis was not performed on sample

Range of values
Minimum:	2.4784
Maximum:	2.8257
Units:	grams per cubic centimeter
Resolution:	0.001

EN577_Density_TriggerCores.csv

Data spreadsheet of results of water content and grain density analyses for NEMP trigger cores. Point dataset. 66 data records. (Source: Producer Defined)

Sample ID

Sample ID. Naming convention: 16001-CC-T-SSS-# (16001= Field Activity 2016-001-FA) (CC=Core ID number) (T=Sample from trigger core) (SSS = Sample type: DEN= Sample was originally taken for grain density analysis; WC=Sample was originally taken for water content analysis; GM=Sample was originally taken for gamma counting) (# = Number of sample taken from core) (Source: Producer Defined) character string

Cruise ID

Cruise identification code assigned by vessel (Source: Producer Defined)

Value	Definition
EN577	R/V Endeavor Cruise 577, April to May of 2016; also known by USGS field activity number 2016-001-FA

Contact

Contact for samples (Source: Producer Defined)

Value	Definition
JCHAYTOR	Jason D. Chaytor

Area

General area where samples were taken (Source: Producer Defined)

Value	Definition
Mud Patch	Offshore of Martha’s Vineyard, SE Massachusetts

Core ID

Core identification number assigned in field. Naming convention piston and trigger cores: EN577-XXPC (EN577=Cruise ID) (XX=Core number) (PC= Piston Core) (Source: Producer Defined) character string

Latitude

Latitude of core that grain-size data came from (Source: Producer Defined)

Range of values
Minimum:	40.305839
Maximum:	40.520818
Units:	decimal degrees

Longitude

Longitude of core that grain-size analysis came from (Source: Producer Defined)

Range of values
Minimum:	-70.7472293
Maximum:	-70.482964
Units:	decimal degrees

Water Depth (m)

Water depth at location where core was collected (Source: Producer Defined)

Range of values
Minimum:	68.6
Maximum:	107.9
Units:	meters below sea level
Resolution:	0.1

Sample Depth Top (cm)

Top of interval that was sampled for grain-size analysis (Source: Producer Defined)

Range of values
Minimum:	8
Maximum:	65
Units:	centimeters

Sample Depth Bottom (cm)

Bottom of interval that was sampled for grain-size analysis (Source: Producer Defined)

Range of values
Minimum:	9
Maximum:	66
Units:	centimeters

Date Collected (MM/DD/YYYY)

Date that core was collected in the field (Month/Day/Year) (Source: Producer Defined)

Range of values
Minimum:	4/19/2016
Maximum:	4/24/2016
Units:	days

Collection Device

Device used to collect core (Source: Producer Defined)

Value	Definition
TRIGGER CORER	trigger corer

Date of MAD Analysis (MM/DD/YYYY)

Date that moisture and density analysis was marked as complete (Month/Day/Year) (Source: Producer Defined)

Value	Definition
<< empty cell >>	Bulk density (moisture and density) analysis was not performed on this sample.

Range of values
Minimum:	10/25/2017
Maximum:	6/28/2016
Units:	days

Date of Pycnometer Analysis (MM/DD/YYYY)

Date that pycnometer density analysis was marked as complete (Month/Day/Year) (Source: Producer Defined)

Value	Definition
<< empty cell >>	This sample was not analyzed for density using a pycnometer.

Range of values
Minimum:	nan
Maximum:	nan

Analysis Type

Which type of density/water content analysis was performed on the sample (Source: Producer Defined)

Value	Definition
Wet Bulk Density (MAD)	Moisture and density analysis was performed on this sample.
Water Content	Water content analysis was performed on this sample.

Sample Volume (cm^3)

Value	Definition
<< empty cell >>	Moisture and Density (MAD) analysis was not performed on this sample.

Range of values
Minimum:	1.0726
Maximum:	5.867
Units:	cubic centimeters

Vessel Weight (g)

Weight of aluminum dish or glass beaker used to hold sample (Source: Producer Defined)

Range of values
Minimum:	1.0756
Maximum:	52.1307
Units:	grams

Gross Wet Weight (g)

Combined weight of vessel and wet sediment sample (Source: Producer Defined)

Range of values
Minimum:	5.6675
Maximum:	60.8313
Units:	grams

Sample Wet Weight (g)

Initial weight of the sample before drying process; weight difference between gross wet weight and vessel weight. (Source: Producer Defined)

Range of values
Minimum:	3.8288
Maximum:	9.9011
Units:	grams

Gross Dry Weight (g)

Vessel and sample weight after 24 hours of oven drying at 100 degrees celsius (Source: Producer Defined)

Range of values
Minimum:	3.74
Maximum:	56.9908
Units:	grams

Sample Dry Weight (g)

Weight of the dry sample; weight difference between gross dry weight and vessel weight. (Source: Producer Defined)

Range of values
Minimum:	2.2996
Maximum:	5.9071
Units:	grams

Sample Water Loss (g)

Mass of water lost during drying process; weight difference between wet sample weight and dry sample weight. (Source: Producer Defined)

Range of values
Minimum:	0.8325
Maximum:	37.6360
Units:	grams

Percent Water Loss

Weight of water loss as a percentage of sample wet weight (Source: Producer Defined)

Range of values
Minimum:	14.8496
Maximum:	45.4774
Units:	weight percent

Wet Bulk Density (g/cm^3)

Density of wet sample; calculated from sample wet weight divided by fixed wet sample volume (Source: Producer Defined)

Value	Definition
<< empty cell >>	Moisture and Density (MAD) analysis was not performed on this sample.

Range of values
Minimum:	1.3364
Maximum:	1.6988
Units:	grams per cubic centimeter

Dry Bulk Density (g/cm^3)

Value	Definition
<< empty cell >>	Moisture and Density (MAD) analysis was not performed on this sample.

Range of values
Minimum:	0.7765
Maximum:	1.059
Units:	grams per cubic centimeter

Volume of Pore Water (cm^3)

Volume occupied by water, calculated from sample water loss divided by density of pore water (fixed at 1.026 g/cm^3). (Source: Producer Defined)

Value	Definition
<< empty cell >>	Moisture and Density (MAD) analysis was not performed on this sample.

Range of values
Minimum:	1.5445
Maximum:	3.8789
Units:	cubic centimeters

Mass Salt (g)

Mass of salt precipitated from evaporation of pore water (Source: Producer Defined)

Value	Definition
<< empty cell >>	Moisture and Density (MAD) analysis was not performed on this sample.

Range of values
Minimum:	0.0555
Maximum:	0.1393
Units:	grams

Volume Salt (cm^3)

Volume of salt precipitated from evaporation of pore water (Source: Producer Defined)

Value	Definition
<< empty cell >>	Moisture and Density (MAD) analysis was not performed on this sample.

Range of values
Minimum:	0.0252
Maximum:	0.0633
Units:	cubic centimeters

Volume Dry (cm^3) (no salt)

Value	Definition
<< empty cell >>	Moisture and Density (MAD) analysis was not performed on this sample.

Range of values
Minimum:	0.7393
Maximum:	2.5725
Units:	cubic centimeters

Volume Bulk (cm^3)

Volume of all dry solids in sample, including salt. (Source: Producer Defined)

Value	Definition
<< empty cell >>	Moisture and Density (MAD) analysis was not performed on this sample.

Range of values
Minimum:	2.2838
Maximum:	5.8141
Units:	cubic centimeters

Porosity (with salt)

Value	Definition
<< empty cell >>	Moisture and Density (MAD) analysis was not performed on this sample.

Range of values
Minimum:	0.5525
Maximum:	0.7368
Units:	(unitless)

Porosity (without salt)

Value	Definition
<< empty cell >>	Moisture and Density (MAD) analysis was not performed on this sample.

Range of values
Minimum:	0.5575
Maximum:	0.7458

Grain Density (g/cm^3)

Density of solid materials (sediment grains) in initial sample prior to drying process, not including the dissolved salt in pore water. (Source: Producer Defined)

Value	Definition
<< empty cell >>	Moisture and Density (MAD) analysis was not performed on this sample.

Range of values
Minimum:	1.7783
Maximum:	3.7542
Units:	grams per cubic centimeter

Pycnometer Sample Weight (g)

Weight of dry sample as measured by pycnometer (Source: Producer Defined)

Value	Definition
<< empty cell >>	Pycnometer density analysis was not performed on sample

Range of values
Minimum:	nan
Maximum:	nan
Units:	grams

Pycnometer Volume (cm^3)

Volume of dry sample as measured by pycnometer (Source: Producer Defined)

Value	Definition
<< empty cell >>	Pycnometer density analysis was not performed on sample

Range of values
Minimum:	nan
Maximum:	nan
Units:	cubic centimeters

Pycnometer Grain Density (g/cm^3)

Grain density of dry sample measured by pycnometer (Source: Producer Defined)

Value	Definition
<< empty cell >>	Pycnometer density analysis was not performed on sample

Range of values
Minimum:	nan
Maximum:	nan
Units:	grams per cubic centimeter

Pycnometer Bulk Density (g/cm^3) (no salt)

Bulk density of dry sample measured by pycnometer (Source: Producer Defined)

Value	Definition
<< empty cell >>	Pycnometer density analysis was not performed on sample

Range of values
Minimum:	nan
Maximum:	nan
Units:	grams per cubic centimeter

Pycnometer Porosity (w/o salt)

Porosity of dry sample measured by pycnometer, not including salt precipitated during drying process. (Source: Producer Defined)

Value	Definition
<< empty cell >>	Pycnometer density analysis was not performed on sample

Range of values
Minimum:	nan
Maximum:	nan
Units:	percent of 1

Pycnometer Grain Density (g/cm^3) (no salt)

Grain density of dry sample measured by pycnometer (Source: Producer Defined)

Value	Definition
<< empty cell >>	Pycnometer density analysis was not performed on sample

Range of values
Minimum:	nan
Maximum:	nan
Units:	grams per cubic centimeter

EN577_Density_AcousticCores.csv

Data spreadsheet of results of water content and grain density analyses for NEMP gravity/acoustic cores. Point dataset. 57 data records. (Source: Producer Defined)

Sample ID

Sample ID. Naming convention: 16001-CC-G-SSS-# (16001= Field Activity 2016-001-FA) (CC=Core ID number) (G=Sample from gravity/acoustic core) (SSS = Sample type: DEN= Sample was originally taken for grain density analysis; WC=Sample was originally taken for water content analysis; GM=Sample was originally taken for gamma counting) (# = Number of sample taken from core) (Source: Producer Defined) character string

Cruise ID

Cruise identification code assigned by vessel (Source: Producer Defined)

Value	Definition
EN577	R/V Endeavor Cruise 577, April to May of 2016; also known by USGS field activity number 2016-001-FA

Contact

Contact for samples (Source: Producer Defined)

Value	Definition
JCHAYTOR	Jason D. Chaytor

Area

General area where samples were taken (Source: Producer Defined)

Value	Definition
Mud Patch	Offshore of Martha’s Vineyard, SE Massachusetts

Core ID

Core identification number assigned in field. Naming convention piston and trigger cores: EN577-XXPC (EN577=Cruise ID) (XX=Core number) (PC= Piston Core) (Source: Producer Defined) character string

Latitude

Latitude of core that grain-size data came from (Source: Producer Defined)

Range of values
Minimum:	40.4329
Maximum:	40.51077
Units:	decimal degrees

Longitude

Longitude of core that grain-size analysis came from (Source: Producer Defined)

Range of values
Minimum:	-70.79252
Maximum:	-70.56642
Units:	decimal degrees

Water Depth (m)

Water depth at location where core was collected (Source: Producer Defined)

Range of values
Minimum:	71
Maximum:	86
Units:	meters below sea level

Sample Depth Top (cm)

Top of interval that was sampled for grain-size analysis (Source: Producer Defined)

Range of values
Minimum:	15
Maximum:	215
Units:	centimeters

Sample Depth Bottom (cm)

Bottom of interval that was sampled for grain-size analysis (Source: Producer Defined)

Range of values
Minimum:	16
Maximum:	216
Units:	centimeters

Date Collected (MM/DD/YYYY)

Date that core was collected in the field (Month/Day/Year) (Source: Producer Defined)

Range of values
Minimum:	4/27/2016
Maximum:	4/30/2016
Units:	days

Collection Device

Device used to collect core (Source: Producer Defined)

Value	Definition
ACOUSTIC (GRAVITY) CORER	Acoustic/gravity corer

Date of MAD Analysis (MM/DD/YYYY)

Date that moisture and density analysis was marked as complete (Month/Day/Year) (Source: Producer Defined)

Range of values
Minimum:	10/3/2019
Maximum:	7/31/2018
Units:	days

Date of Pycnometer Analysis (MM/DD/YYYY)

Date that pycnometer density analysis was marked as complete (Month/Day/Year) (Source: Producer Defined)

Value	Definition
<< empty cell >>	This sample was not analyzed for density using a pycnometer.

Range of values
Minimum:	10/10/2019
Maximum:	9/3/2019
Units:	days

Analysis Type

Which type of density/water content analysis was performed on the sample (Source: Producer Defined)

Value	Definition
Wet Bulk Density (MAD)	Moisture and density analysis was performed on this sample.
MAD and Pycnometer	Moisture and density analysis and pycnometer density analysis were performed on this sample.

Sample Volume (cm^3)

Range of values
Minimum:	3.10809
Maximum:	3.10809
Units:	cubic centimeters

Vessel Weight (g)

Weight of aluminum dish or glass beaker used to hold sample (Source: Producer Defined)

Range of values
Minimum:	1.0704
Maximum:	1.1409
Units:	grams

Gross Wet Weight (g)

Combined weight of vessel and wet sediment sample (Source: Producer Defined)

Range of values
Minimum:	5.4771
Maximum:	6.5026
Units:	grams

Sample Wet Weight (g)

Initial weight of the sample before drying process; weight difference between gross wet weight and vessel weight. (Source: Producer Defined)

Range of values
Minimum:	4.3756
Maximum:	5.4115
Units:	grams

Gross Dry Weight (g)

Vessel and sample weight after 24 hours of oven drying at 100 degrees celsius (Source: Producer Defined)

Range of values
Minimum:	3.6553
Maximum:	4.8896
Units:	grams

Sample Dry Weight (g)

Weight of the dry sample; weight difference between gross dry weight and vessel weight. (Source: Producer Defined)

Range of values
Minimum:	2.5538
Maximum:	3.7985

Sample Water Loss (g)

Mass of water lost during drying process; weight difference between wet sample weight and dry sample weight. (Source: Producer Defined)

Range of values
Minimum:	1.6130
Maximum:	2.101
Units:	grams

Percent Water Loss

Percent water loss as Weight of water loss as a percentage of sample wet weight (Source: Producer Defined)

Range of values
Minimum:	29.8069
Maximum:	44.1542
Units:	weight percent

Wet Bulk Density (g/cm^3)

Density of wet sample; calculated from sample wet weight divided by fixed wet sample volume (Source: Producer Defined)

Range of values
Minimum:	1.4078
Maximum:	1.7411
Units:	grams per cubic centimeter

Dry Bulk Density (g/cm^3)

Range of values
Minimum:	0.8217
Maximum:	1.2221
Units:	grams per cubic centimeter

Volume of Pore Water (cm^3)

Volume occupied by water, calculated from sample water loss divided by density of pore water (fixed at 1.026 g/cm^3). (Source: Producer Defined)

Range of values
Minimum:	1.6291
Maximum:	2.122
Units:	cubic centimeters

Mass Salt (g)

Mass of salt precipitated from evaporation of pore water (Source: Producer Defined)

Range of values
Minimum:	0.0585
Maximum:	0.0762
Units:	grams

Volume Salt (g/cm3)

Volume of salt precipitated from evaporation of pore water (Source: Producer Defined)

Range of values
Minimum:	0.0266
Maximum:	0.0346
Units:	cubic centimeters

Volume Dry (cm^3) (no salt)

Range of values
Minimum:	0.9514
Maximum:	1.4524
Units:	cubic centimeters

Volume Bulk (cm^3)

Volume of all dry solids in sample, including salt. (Source: Producer Defined)

Range of values
Minimum:	3.0735
Maximum:	3.0815
Units:	cubic centimeters

Porosity (with salt)

Range of values
Minimum:	0.5242
Maximum:	0.6827
Units:	(unitless)

Porosity (without salt)

Range of values
Minimum:	0.5287
Maximum:	0.6904
Units:	(unitless)

Grain Density (g/cm^3)

Density of solid materials (sediment grains) in initial sample prior to drying process, not including the dissolved salt in pore water. (Source: Producer Defined)

Range of values
Minimum:	2.0094
Maximum:	3.2206
Units:	grams per cubic centimeter

Pycnometer Sample Weight (g)

Weight of dry sample as measured by pycnometer (Source: Producer Defined)

Value	Definition
<< empty cell >>	Pycnometer density analysis was not performed on sample

Range of values
Minimum:	2.6320
Maximum:	3.4624
Units:	grams

Pycnometer Volume (cm^3)

Volume of dry sample as measured by pycnometer (Source: Producer Defined)

Value	Definition
<< empty cell >>	Pycnometer density analysis was not performed on sample

Range of values
Minimum:	0.978
Maximum:	1.3276
Units:	cubic centimeters

Pycnometer Grain Density (g/cm^3)

Grain density of dry sample measured by pycnometer (Source: Producer Defined)

Value	Definition
<< empty cell >>	Pycnometer density analysis was not performed on sample

Range of values
Minimum:	2.5225
Maximum:	2.7956
Units:	grams per cubic centimeter

Pycnometer Bulk Density (g/cm^3) (no salt)

Bulk density of dry sample measured by pycnometer (Source: Producer Defined)

Value	Definition
<< empty cell >>	Pycnometer density analysis was not performed on sample

Range of values
Minimum:	2.9379
Maximum:	3.1545
Units:	grams per cubic centimeter

Pycnometer Porosity (w/o salt)

Porosity of dry sample measured by pycnometer, not including salt precipitated during drying process. (Source: Producer Defined)

Value	Definition
<< empty cell >>	Pycnometer density analysis was not performed on sample

Range of values
Minimum:	0.5876
Maximum:	0.6782
Units:	percent of 1

Pycnometer Grain Density (g/cm^3) (no salt)

Grain density of dry sample measured by pycnometer (Source: Producer Defined)

Value	Definition
<< empty cell >>	Pycnometer density analysis was not performed on sample

Range of values
Minimum:	2.5315
Maximum:	2.8124
Units:	grams per cubic centimeter

Entity_and_Attribute_Overview:

Finalized water content and density data was taken from individual batch tables and compiled into three CSV (comma-separated value) spreadsheets containing data pertaining to each core type (piston, trigger, and acoustic).

Entity_and_Attribute_Detail_Citation: U.S. Geological Survey

Who produced the data set?

Who are the originators of the data set? (may include formal authors, digital compilers, and editors)
- A.A. Boggess
- B.J. Buczkowski
- J.D. Chaytor
Who also contributed to the data set?
To whom should users address questions about the data?

Jason Chaytor

U.S. Geological Survey, Northeast Region

Research Geologist

384 Woods Hole Road
Woods Hole, MA

US

508-548-8700 x2351 (voice)

jchaytor@usgs.gov

Why was the data set created?

The data gained through the analyses of cores collected from the New England Mud Patch help provide a comprehensive understanding of the nature and properties of the sediments found in this geographic location. Water content and grain density analyses were used to determine the density and porosity of samples collected from the cores.

How was the data set created?

From what previous works were the data drawn?
Blum, 1997 (source 1 of 1)
Blum, Peter, 1997, Physical properties handbook: a guide to the shipboard measurements of physical properties of the deep-sea cores: ODP Tech., Online.
Online Links:
- http://www-odp.tamu.edu/publications/tnotes/tn26/INDEX.HTM
Other_Citation_Details: Note, 26

Type_of_Source_Media: Digital and/or Hardcopy
Source_Contribution: Description of methods used in moisture and density analysis
How were the data generated, processed, and modified?
Date: 2016 (process 1 of 5)
Each core was cut into sections on the ship after collection. The cores were then split into halves back on shore. Person who carried out this activity:

Jason Chaytor

U.S. Geological Survey, Northeast Region

Research Geologist

384 Woods Hole Road
Woods Hole, MA

US

508-548-8700 x2351 (voice)

jchaytor@usgs.gov

Date: 2020 (process 2 of 5)
Moisture and Density (MAD) samples were collected at 30-50 cm intervals from undisturbed sediment cores using a 5g soil sampling tool, then placed into a pre-weighed aluminum tray. Water content samples were collected from sediment cores using a spatula, then placed into a pre-weighed aluminum tray or glass beaker. Sample was then dried at 100 degrees C after at least 24 hours, then reweighed. Pre-dried sediment samples, some previously analyzed for bulk density, were further analyzed for density using a HyPyc gas pycnometer. Person who carried out this activity:

Allyson A Boggess

U.S. Geological Survey, NORTHEAST REGION

Geologist

384 Woods Hole Road
Woods Hole, MA

US

508-548-8700 x2341 (voice)

508-457-2310 (FAX)

aboggess@usgs.gov

Date: 2020 (process 3 of 5)
Sample weights were entered into multiple spreadsheets, divided by analysis type and year performed. The resulting weight differential between the initial (wet) sample weights and final (dry) sample weights were used to calculate water content in all samples. In MAD samples, wet bulk density, dry bulk density, porosity, and grain density were calculated using equations from Blum (1997). In total, 796 water content and MAD analyses were performed; 123 samples were analyzed with a pycnometer. Person who carried out this activity:

Allyson A Boggess

U.S. Geological Survey, NORTHEAST REGION

Geologist

384 Woods Hole Road
Woods Hole, MA

US

508-548-8700 x2341 (voice)

508-457-2310 (FAX)

aboggess@usgs.gov

Data sources used in this process:
- Blum, 1997
Date: 2021 (process 4 of 5)
Water content, MAD, and pycnometer data were compiled from yearly data spreadsheets into three CSV (comma-separated value) spreadsheets, each containing data from different core types: piston cores, trigger cores, and acoustic cores. Person who carried out this activity:

Allyson A Boggess

U.S. Geological Survey, NORTHEAST REGION

Geologist

384 Woods Hole Road
Woods Hole, MA

US

508-548-8700 x2341 (voice)

508-457-2310 (FAX)

aboggess@usgs.gov

Date: 17-Nov-2021 (process 5 of 5)
Tweaked a thesaurus name (20211117). Person who carried out this activity:

U.S. Geological Survey

Attn: VeeAnn A. Cross

Marine Geologist

384 Woods Hole Road
Woods Hole, MA

508-548-8700 x2251 (voice)

508-457-2310 (FAX)

vatnipp@usgs.gov
What similar or related data should the user be aware of?
Chaytor, Jason D., Ballard, Megan S., Buczkowski, Brian J., Goff, John A., Lee, Kevin M., Reed, Allen H., and Boggess, Allyson A., 2021, Measurements of Geologic Characteristics and Geophysical Properties of Sediments from the New England Mud Patch: IEEE Oceanic Engineering Society, Piscataway, NJ.
Online Links:
- https://doi.org/10.1109/JOE.2021.3101013
Other_Citation_Details:
This journal article is the publication supported by this data release.

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

How well have the observations been checked?
Attributes were double checked that they related the correct interval data to sample ID.
How accurate are the geographic locations?
How accurate are the heights or depths?
Where are the gaps in the data? What is missing?
Of the 98 cores collected during the R/V Endeavor EN577 cruise, 74 cores are included in this set of water content and density data. Cores chosen for analysis were those that were thought to represent the full range of sediments expected to be encountered. Any cores omitted from analysis were not included because the coring locations were in close proximity to previously analyzed cores.
How consistent are the relationships among the observations, including topology?
Results of water content and density analyses are generally consistent with expected values.

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	Not to be used for navigation. The public domain data from the U.S. Government are freely redistributable with proper metadata and source attribution. Please recognize the U.S. Geological Survey as the originator of the dataset.

Who distributes the data set? (Distributor 1 of 1)

U.S. Geological Survey - ScienceBase

Denver Federal Center, Building 810, Mail Stop 302
Denver, CO

United States

1-888-275-8747 (voice)

sciencebase@usgs.gov
What's the catalog number I need to order this data set? Comma-separated value spreadsheets (EN577_Density_PistonCores.csv, EN577_Density_TriggerCores.csv, EN577_Density_AcousticCores.csv), browse graphic (MudPatchCores_BrowseGraphic.png), and associated FGDC CSDGM metadata in XML (EN577_Density_Metadata.xml).
What legal disclaimers am I supposed to read?
Unless otherwise stated, all data, metadata and related materials are considered to satisfy the quality standards relative to the purpose for which the data were collected. Although these data and associated metadata have been reviewed for accuracy and completeness and approved for release by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), no warranty expressed or implied is made regarding the display or utility of the data on any other system or for general or scientific purposes, nor shall the act of distribution constitute any such warranty.

How can I download or order the data?

Availability in digital form:

Data format:	The dataset contains the water content and density data in CSV format and the associated FGDC CSDGM metadata. in format CSV (version Microsoft Excel 2008) Size: 1.31
Network links:	https://www.sciencebase.gov/catalog/file/get/60cb7a56d34e86b938a3a4a7 https://www.sciencebase.gov/catalog/item/60cb7a56d34e86b938a3a4a7 https://doi.org/10.5066/P9ZYK3PX

Cost to order the data: None

Who wrote the metadata?

Dates:

Last modified: 22-May-2023

Metadata author:

Allyson A Boggess

U.S. Geological Survey, NORTHEAST REGION

Geologist

384 Woods Hole Road

Woods Hole, MA

508-548-8700 x2341 (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 metadata contact is no longer with the USGS or the email is otherwise invalid.

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_P9ZYK3PX/EN577_Density_Metadata.faq.html>