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

Frequently anticipated questions:

• What does this data set describe?
  1. How might this data set be cited?
  2. What geographic area does the data set cover?
  3. What does it look like?
  4. Does the data set describe conditions during a particular time period?
  5. What is the general form of this data set?
  6. How does the data set represent geographic features?
  7. How does the data set describe geographic features?
• Who produced the data set?
  1. Who are the originators of the data set?
  2. Who also contributed to the data set?
  3. To whom should users address questions about the data?
• Why was the data set created?
• How was the data set created?
  1. From what previous works were the data drawn?
  2. How were the data generated, processed, and modified?
  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?
  2. How accurate are the geographic locations?
  3. How accurate are the heights or depths?
  4. Where are the gaps in the data? What is missing?
  5. How consistent are the relationships among the data, including topology?
• How can someone get a copy of the data set?
  1. Are there legal restrictions on access or use of the data?
  2. Who distributes the data?
  3. What's the catalog number I need to order this data set?
  4. What legal disclaimers am I supposed to read?
  5. How can I download or order the data?
• Who wrote the metadata?

What does this data set describe?

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:

   • https://doi.org/10.3133/ds118
   • https://pubs.usgs.gov/ds/2005/118/htmldocs/data_cata.htm
   • https://pubs.usgs.gov/ds/2005/118/data/atl_fac.zip

   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:

   • https://pubs.usgs.gov/ds/2005/118/

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)

   Value	Definition
   -99	No 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?

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?

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)