usSEABED facies data for the entire U.S. Atlantic Coast (ATL_FAC)

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Frequently anticipated questions:


What does this data set describe?

Title:
usSEABED facies data for the entire U.S. Atlantic Coast (ATL_FAC)
Abstract:
The facies data layer (_FAC.txt) is a point coverage of known sediment samplings, inspections, and probings from the usSEABED data collection and integrated using the software system dbSEABED. The facies data layer (_FAC.txt)represents concatenated information about components (minerals and rock type), genesis (igneous, metamorphic, carbonate, terrigenous), and other appropriate groupings of information about the seafloor. The facies data are parsed from written descriptions from cores, grabs, photographs, and videos, and may apply only to a subsample as denoted by the Top, Bottom, and SamplePhase fields. Lack of values in a defined facies field does not necessarily imply lack of the components defining that field, but may imply a lack of data for that field.
Supplemental_Information:
This layer can be used in a relational data base, using the DataSetKey to link to the ATL_SRC.txt file for brief metadata information and to formal metadata written on each source, and to the other data files of usSEABED using the SiteKey or SampleKey as relational links. The usSEABED database is a work-in-progress. Updates will be completed as additional information becomes available, and/or significant changes to the data mining software are completed.
  1. How might this data set be cited?
    U.S. Geological Survey, and Colorado, University of, 2005, usSEABED facies data for the entire U.S. Atlantic Coast (ATL_FAC):.

    Online Links:

    This is part of the following larger work.

    Reid, J.M., Reid, J.A., Jenkins, C.J., Hastings, M.E., Williams, S.J., and Poppe, L.J., 2005, usSEABED: Atlantic Coast Offshore Surficial Sediment Data Release: Data Series 118, U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, VA.

    Online Links:

  2. What geographic area does the data set cover?
    West_Bounding_Coordinate: -81.99860
    East_Bounding_Coordinate: -65.00000
    North_Bounding_Coordinate: 44.90600
    South_Bounding_Coordinate: 23.02000
  3. What does it look like?
    https://pubs.usgs.gov/ds/2005/118/data/atl_fac.jpg (JPEG)
    Image map showing extent of data layer coverage
  4. Does the data set describe conditions during a particular time period?
    Calendar_Date: 2005
    Currentness_Reference:
    publication date
  5. What is the general form of this data set?
    Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: vector 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):
      • Point (13679)
    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 0.00001. Longitudes are given to the nearest 0.00001. Latitude and longitude values are specified in Decimal degrees. The horizontal datum used is North American Datum of 1983.
      The ellipsoid used is Geodetic Reference System 80.
      The semi-major axis of the ellipsoid used is 6378137.000000.
      The flattening of the ellipsoid used is 1/298.257222.
  7. How does the data set describe geographic features?
    alt_prs
    Shapefile Attribute Table (Source: ESRI)
    FID
    Internal feature number. (Source: ESRI) Sequential unique whole numbers that are automatically generated.
    Shape
    Feature geometry. (Source: ESRI) Coordinates defining the features.
    LATITUDE
    Latitude coordinate of sample location (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:24.16667
    Maximum:45.16500
    LONGITUDE
    Longitude coordinate of sample location (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:-81.96972
    Maximum:-65.00000
    Units:decimal degrees
    Resolution:.00001
    WATERDEPTH
    Water depth of sample (Source: USGS)
    ValueDefinition
    -99No data
    SAMPLETOP
    Measured subbottom depth information for each point sample or subsample (top) (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.00
    Maximum:296.40
    Units:meters
    Resolution:.001
    SAMPLEBASE
    Measured subbottom depth information for each point sample or subsample (bottom) (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.00
    Maximum:304.80
    SITE
    Survey or laboratory code for site (non-unique) (Source: USGS) Character string
    DATASETKEY
    Data set key (relational link); Unique sequential numeric key to SRC file (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:1
    Maximum:294
    Resolution:1
    SITEKEY
    Site key (relational link); Unique sequential numeric key to information about the same site in other usSEABED data files (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:9
    Maximum:87868
    Resolution:1
    SAMPLEKEY
    Sample key (relational link); Unique sequential numeric key to information about the same sample or subsample in other usSEABED data files (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:7
    Maximum:89485
    Resolution:1
    SAMPLER
    Equipment used to collect samples (Source: USGS) Character string containing name of device used to acquire sample
    DATATYPE
    Type of data that were used to derive values held in characterization (Source: USGS) Character string
    TERRIGENOU
    Those samples with a terrigenous component (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:100
    Resolution:1
    CARBONATE
    Those samples with a carbonate component (Source: USGS) Result of filters based on fuzzy set theory determining degree of membership (0-100) for samples that include those terms which denote a specific carbonate, calcareous crust, calcite, dolomite, limestone, or siderite component; see table D in the data publication (Larger_Work_Citation) for list of trigger terms under each component mentioned.
    IGNEOUS
    Those samples with a igneous component (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:100
    Resolution:1
    VOLCANIC
    Those samples with a volcanic component (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:100
    Resolution:1
    METAMORPHI
    Those samples with a metamorphic component (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:100
    Resolution:1
    MINERALIZE
    Those samples with a mineralized component (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:100
    Resolution:1
    AUTHFEMN
    Those samples with an authigenic iron/manganese component (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:100
    Resolution:1
    OOZE
    Those samples with a ooze component (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:100
    Resolution:1
    CARBON
    Those samples with a carbon component (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:100
    Resolution:1
    GEOCHEMSIG
    Those samples with a geochemical signal or component (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:100
    Resolution:1
    FORAMS
    Those samples with a foraminferal component (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:100
    Resolution:1
    OTHERCALCP
    Those samples with another calcareous pelagic component (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:100
    Resolution:1
    SILCPELAG
    Silceous pelagic fauna/flora (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:100
    Resolution:1
    SHELL
    Those samples with a shell component (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:100
    Resolution:1
    CORAL
    Corals (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:100
    Resolution:1
    HARDPLANT
    Hard marine plants (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:100
    Resolution:1
    SAMPLEPHAS
    Sample Phase; records whether the results are for the whole, bulk sediment or other defined part (Source: dbSEABED program MNEu and thesaurus) Output as a word-based description that may involve numerics. This field will need to be selected against when GIS mappings of the bulk sedient characters are being mapped. Only blank entries should be included in such a mapping.
    Entity_and_Attribute_Overview:
    Values of -99 for any field are indications that there was no data available.
    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
    • University of Colorado
  2. Who also contributed to the data set?
    We thank the following interns for their assistance in data entry, coding, and data testing: Viness Ubert, Emma Mitchell, Emily Denham and Shea Quinn.
  3. To whom should users address questions about the data?
    Jane A. Reid
    U.S. Geological Survey
    Geologist
    Pacific Science Center
    Santa Cruz, CA
    USA

    (831) 427-4727 (voice)
    jareid@usgs.gov
    Contact_Instructions: email preferred

Why was the data set created?

The Facies layer can be used to investigate the known information about a particular area of the seafloor. These data are intended for science researchers, policy makers, students, and the general public. The data can be used with geographic information systems (GIS) software to display geologic and oceanographic information.

How was the data set created?

  1. From what previous works were the data drawn?
    Varies with source (source 1 of 1)
    Various, Unknown, See separate listing, ATL_SRC.txt, and links provided therein, within this publication for the specific sources and associated metadata.: Various, Various.

    Type_of_Source_Media: Hard copy and digital
    Source_Contribution:
    Point locations, descriptions, and various analytical data (textural, granulometric, geochemical, geophysical, acoustic) on sediments, rock exposure, and benthos. Varies with source. X number of sources, both published and unpublished, are used as the sources of information for usSEABED. Metadata for each source is linked through the usSEABED source file (ATL_SRC.txt). Sources include the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Minerals Management Service (MMS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS), the Maryland and New Jersey State Geological Surveys (MGS, NJGS), NOAA's National Geophysical Data Center (NGDC), the Smithsonian Institution, and others.
  2. How were the data generated, processed, and modified?
    Date: unknown (process 1 of 5)
    Source data may be digitized as necessary (typed or scanned in), with a visual inspection of digitized data to the source report and corrections as necessary, and are tested for completeness in Microsoft Excel as appropriate. Other digital data may be decoded using source-specific programs, downloaded via the web, or sent directly to the USGS or University of Colorado via email. Data are formatted into the dbSEABED Data Entry template (db9_DataEntry.xls, version 08/07/2004) by hand, and tested using the dbSEABED relational database program (RDBi, version 01/05/2005) for correctness of formatting. Data are compiled into source data resource files (DRF) and processed through the dbSEABED data mining program (MNEt, version 04/07/2005) program, using the dbSEABED thesaurus (db9_dct.rtf, version 04/07/2005) and facies set up file for U.S. waters (db9_FAC.txt, version 04/07/2005). Data are iteratively reprocessed and corrected until noted errors are fixed, as recorded by the _RBDS.2fx and _MNE.DGN files. Data are exercised in a GIS for location tests and useability. Person who carried out this activity:
    U.S. Geological Survey
    Attn: Jamey M. Reid
    IT Specialist (Data Management)
    USGS Woods Hole Science Centers
    Woods Hole, MA

    (508) 548-8700 x2204 (voice)
    jreid@usgs.gov
    Contact_Instructions: email preferred
    Data sources used in this process:
    • ATL_FAC.txt
    Data sources produced in this process:
    • atl_fac.shp
    Date: 26-Jan-2017 (process 2 of 5)
    Edits to the metadata were made to fix any errors that MP v 2.9.36 flagged. This is necessary to enable the metadata to be successfully harvested for various data catalogs. In some cases, this meant adding text "Information unavailable" or "Information unavailable from original metadata" for those required fields that were left blank. Other minor edits were probably performed (title, publisher, publication place, etc.). Fixed a link in the distribution section. The source information was incomplete and had to be modified to meet the standard. Minor fixes to the attribute format for some attributes were needed. Attempted to modify http to https where appropriate. The metadata date (but not the metadata creator) was edited to reflect the date of these changes. The metadata available from a harvester may supersede metadata bundled within a download file. Compare the metadata dates to determine which metadata file is most recent. 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
    Date: 26-Apr-2018 (process 3 of 5)
    Keywords added to metadata support discovery in the USGS Coastal and Marine Geology Data Catalog. Person who carried out this activity:
    U.S. Geological Survey
    Attn: Alan O. Allwardt
    Contractor -- Information Specialist
    2885 Mission Street
    Santa Cruz, CA

    831-460-7551 (voice)
    831-427-4748 (FAX)
    aallwardt@usgs.gov
    Date: 15-Nov-2019 (process 4 of 5)
    Crossref DOI link was added as the first link in the metadata. 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
    Date: 08-Sep-2020 (process 5 of 5)
    Added keywords section with USGS persistent identifier as theme keyword. 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
  3. What similar or related data should the user be aware of?

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

  1. How well have the observations been checked?
    Accuracy of each attribute is dependent on the accuracy of the original source description and the values calculated by the mining software, dbSEABED. Values are based on filters using fuzzy set theory and represent a measure of truth about the attribute.
  2. How accurate are the geographic locations?
    Locational accuracy is dependent on both the accuracy of the navigational technique and the level of detail about the location as recorded in the individual data sources, and may vary widely (ie.g., from 0.005 km (differential GPS) in the more recent surveys to greater than 2 km based on radar, Loran, or dead reckoning in the older surveys. Users of the data should note the metadata written about the original sources and use their own criteria for assessing the accuracy of the locations.
  3. How accurate are the heights or depths?
    Depth determinations, both water depth and subsample depth, are dependent on the accuracy of the depth determination technique and the level of detail noted in the original source. Users of the data should note the metadata written about the original sources and use their own criteria for assessing the accuracy of the locations.
  4. Where are the gaps in the data? What is missing?
    Additional useable data may exist in this area; the authors appreciate any information and leads.
  5. How consistent are the relationships among the observations, including topology?
    Data in the usSEABED data collection are based on the observations and analyses of others, filtered through a unifying and mining software. Each source report varies in type of information/data recorded and format. Only those observations that are recorded can be filtered and mined; only presence (not absences) of information can be noted.

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 redistributable with the proper metadata and source attribution. Please recognize the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) as the source of this information.
  1. Who distributes the data set? (Distributor 1 of 1)
    U.S. Geological Survey
    Attn: Brian Buczkowski
    Core Curator and Data Management Specialist
    384 Woods Hole Road
    Woods Hole, MA
    USA

    (508) 548-8700 x2361 (voice)
    (508) 457-2310 (FAX)
    bbuczkowski@usgs.gov
  2. What's the catalog number I need to order this data set? Downloadable Data
  3. What legal disclaimers am I supposed to read?
    Although this data set has been used by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), no warranty, expressed or implied, is made by the USGS as to the accuracy of the data and/or related materials. 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. Trade, firm, or product names and other references to non-USGS products and services are provided for information only and do not constitute endorsement or warranty, express or implied, by the USGS, USDOI, or U.S. Government, as to their suitability, content, usefulness, functioning, completeness, or accuracy.
  4. How can I download or order the data?
    • Availability in digital form:
      Data format: Text file containing data input to usSEABED. Fields are comma separated values. First record of file contains field names. in format ASCII Size: 2.17
      Network links: https://pubs.usgs.gov/ds/2005/118/data/ATL_FAC.TXT
      https://pubs.usgs.gov/ds/2005/118/htmldocs/data_cata.htm
      Media you can order: CD-ROM (Density 650 Mbytes) (format ISO and HFS)
      Data format: The SHP file contains the geospatial data. The SHX file contains the index of the geospatial data. The DBF file contains the attribute data in dBASE format. The PRJ file contains the coordinate system information (optional). The AVL file contains the legend information (optional). The SBN and SBX files contain the spatial index of the geospatial data (optional). The XML file contains the metadata describing the data set <data set name>.shp.xml. An ASCII version of the metadata file. A browse graphic showing the data layer coverage and extent (optional). in format SHP (version 3.3) ESRI Shapefile
      Network links: https://pubs.usgs.gov/ds/2005/118/data/atl_fac.zip
      http://pubs.usgs.gov/ds/2005/118/htmldocs/data_cata.htm
      Media you can order: CD-ROM (Density 650 Mbytes) (format ISO and HFS)
    • Cost to order the data: None

  5. What hardware or software do I need in order to use the data set?
    These data are available in Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) shapefile format. The user must have ArcGIS or ArcView 3.0 or greater software to read and process the data file. In lieu of ArcView or ArcGIS, the user may utilize another GIS application package capable of importing the data. A free data viewer, arcexplorer, capable of displaying the data is available from ESRI at www.esri.com.

Who wrote the metadata?

Dates:
Last modified: 18-Mar-2024
Metadata author:
Jane A. Reid
U.S. Geological Survey
Geologist
Pacific Science Center
Santa Cruz, CA
USA

(831) 427-4727 (voice)
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 20240318)
Metadata standard:
FGDC Content Standards for Digital Geospatial Metadata (FGDC-STD-001-1998)

This page is <https://cmgds.marine.usgs.gov/catalog/whcmsc/data_series/DS-118/atl_fac.shp.faq.html>
Generated by mp version 2.9.51 on Mon Mar 25 16:05:16 2024