usSEABED CaLCulated data for the entire U.S. Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean (GMX_CLC, Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands)

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Frequently anticipated questions:

What does this data set describe?

Title:
usSEABED CaLCulated data for the entire U.S. Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean (GMX_CLC, Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands)
Abstract:
This data layer is a point coverage of known sediment samplings, inspections and probings from the usSEABED data collection and integrated using the software system dbSEABED. This data layer represents the calculated (CLC) output of the dbSEABED mining software. It contains results from calculating variables using empirical functions working on the results of extraction or parsing. The CLC data is the most derivative and certainly the least accurate; however, many clients appreciate that it extends the coverage of map areas with attributes, especially physical properties attributes.
  1. How might this data set be cited?
    U.S. Geological Survey, and Colorado, University of, 2006, usSEABED CaLCulated data for the entire U.S. Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean (GMX_CLC, Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands): Data Series 146, U.S. Geological Survey, Coastal and Marine Geology Program, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center, Woods Hole, MA.

    Online Links:

    This is part of the following larger work.

    Buczkowski, B.J., Reid, J.A., Jenkins, C.J., Reid, J.M., Williams, S.J., and Flocks, J.G., 2006, usSEABED: Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean (Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands) Offshore Surficial Sediment Data Release: Data Series 146, U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, VA.

    Online Links:

  2. What geographic area does the data set cover?
    West_Bounding_Coordinate: -97.949450
    East_Bounding_Coordinate: -63.800000
    North_Bounding_Coordinate: 30.808300
    South_Bounding_Coordinate: 16.666670
  3. What does it look like?
    https://pubs.usgs.gov/ds/2006/146/data/gmx_clc.jpg (JPEG)
    Image map showing extent of data layer coverage
  4. Does the data set describe conditions during a particular time period?
    Calendar_Date: 2006
    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):
      • Entity point (75838)
    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 D_WGS_1984.
      The ellipsoid used is WGS_1984.
      The semi-major axis of the ellipsoid used is 6378137.000000.
      The flattening of the ellipsoid used is 1/298.257224.
  7. How does the data set describe geographic features?
    gmx_clc
    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:16.66667
    Maximum:30.80830
    Units:decimal degrees
    Resolution:.00001
    LONGITUDE
    Longitude coordinate of sample location (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:-97.94945
    Maximum:-63.80000
    Units:decimal degrees
    Resolution:.00001
    WATERDEPTH
    measured water depth for site (usually uncorrected) (Source: source data)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:6770
    Units:meters
    Resolution:1
    SAMPLETOP
    measured subbottom depth information for each point sample (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:-99.00
    Maximum:653.00
    Units:meters
    Resolution:0.01
    SAMPLEBASE
    measured subbottom depth information for each point sample (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.00
    Maximum:655.00
    Units:meters
    Resolution:0.01
    SITENAME
    Survey or laboratory code for site (non-unique) (Source: USGS) Information unavailable from original metadata.
    DATASETKEY
    Unique sequential numeric key to SRC file (Source: dbSEABED processing software)
    Range of values
    Minimum:1
    Maximum:542
    Units:integer count
    Resolution:1
    SITEKEY
    Unique sequential numeric key to SRC file (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:1
    Maximum:221248
    Units:integer count
    Resolution:1
    SAMPLEKEY
    Unique sequential numeric key to SRC file (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:1
    Maximum:259197
    Resolution:1
    SAMPLER
    Equipment used to collect samples (Source: Original data source) Character String
    DATATYPES
    Type of data that were used to derive values held in characterization (Source: USGS)
    ValueDefinition
    ACUAcoustic Properties
    CMPSediment Composition
    COLColor
    GTCGeotechnical Properties
    GRZGrain Size
    TXRTexture
    TXGTexture (Graphic)
    LTHLithology
    GRAVEL
    Gravel grainsize fraction (Source: Original data source)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:100
    Units:percent
    Resolution:1
    SAND
    Sand grainsize fraction (Source: Original data source)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:100
    Units:percent
    Resolution:1
    MUD
    Mud grainsize fraction (Source: Original data source)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:100
    Units:percent
    Resolution:1
    CLAY
    Clay grainsize fraction (Source: Original data source)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:100
    Units:percent
    Resolution:1
    GRAINSIZE
    Phi characteristic grainsize (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:-7.3
    Maximum:12
    Units:phi
    Resolution:0.1
    SORTING
    Phi grainsize dispersion; standard deviation sorting only (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:6
    Units:phi
    Resolution:0.1
    LGCRSHST
    Log Critical Shear Stress, Log10 of Tau in kPa, being the Shear Stress required to initiate easily observable erosion and transport, whether by traction or suspension (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:-99.00
    Maximum:1.70
    Units:kPa
    Resolution:0.01
    SAMPLEPHAS
    Sample Phase; records whether the results are for the whole, bulk sediment or just to some special part (Source: dbSEABED processing software) Output as a word-based description that may involve numerics. This field will need to be selected against when GIS mappings of the bulk sediment characters are being mapped. Only blank entries should be included in such a mapping.
    FOLKCODE
    modified Folk classification scheme (Source: USGS) Information unavailable from original metadata.
    SEABEDCLS
    Seabed class; (Facies) with the maximum Fuzzy Membership value > 30% (Source: dbSEABED processing software) Information unavailable from original metadata.
    CLSMSHP
    Class membership; fuzzy membership (%) of above Class (Facies) (Source: dbSEABED processing software) Information unavailable from original metadata.
    ROCKMSHP
    Rock membership; fuzzy membership (%) reflecting percent exposure of rock (Source: dbSEABED processing software)
    ValueDefinition
    -99no data
    WEEDMSHP
    Weed membership; fuzzy membership (%) reflecting percent abundance of seaweed and seagrass (Source: dbSEABED processing software)
    ValueDefinition
    -99no data
    CARBONATE
    Carbonate, including finest to coarsest sampled fractions (Source: USGS) Information unavailable from original metadata.
    MUNSLCODE
    Munsell color code (Source: GSA Rock-Color Chart, 1991) non-unique code based on HVC (Hue, Value, Chroma)
    ORGCARBON
    organic carbon in the sample (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:100
    Units:percent
    LGSHEARSTR
    Undrained compressive shear strength, Log10 of KiloPascals (Source: dbSEABED processing software)
    ValueDefinition
    -99no data
    POROSITY
    Void volume (Source: dbSEABED processing software)
    Range of values
    Minimum:27
    Maximum:97
    Units:percent
    Resolution:1
    PWAVEVEL
    Compressional wave velocity (Source: dbSEABED processing software)
    Range of values
    Minimum:1461
    Maximum:1794
    Units:meters/second
    Resolution:1
    ROUGHNESS
    A coded output representing the V:H of the roughness element with greatest aspect ratio (Source: dbSEABED processing software)
    Range of values
    Minimum:9999
    Maximum:9999
    Units:values expressed as (rounded) integer log2 of V and H in cm
    SHEPARDCOD
    modified Shepard classification scheme (Source: USGS) Information unavailable from original metadata.
    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 ,Shea Quinn and Ariadne Prior-Grosch.
  3. To whom should users address questions about the data?
    Brian Buczkowski
    U.S. Geological Survey
    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

Why was the data set created?

To build a digital mapping of the character of the seabed on regional, national and global scales. These data are intended for science researchers, students, policy makers, 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, GMX_SRC.txt, contained within the Larger_Work_Citation for specific sources and associated metadata.

    Other_Citation_Details:
    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 (GMX_SRC.txt). Sources include the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Minerals Management Service (MMS), National 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 (GMX_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.
    Type_of_Source_Media: various hard copy documents and digital files
    Source_Contribution:
    point locations, descriptions and analytical data on many different types of sediment and rock materials and benthos
  2. How were the data generated, processed, and modified?
    Date: 2006 (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 01/05/2006) for correctness of formatting. Data are compiled into source data resource files (DRF) and processed through the dbSEABED data mining program (MNEt, version 04/07/2006) program, using the dbSEABED thesaurus (db9_dct.rtf, version 04/07/2006) and facies set up file for U.S. waters (db9_FAC.txt, version 04/07/2006). 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. Please review the Larger_Work_Citation for information about how the data are compiled, integrated, and processed in the usSEABED database. Person who carried out this activity:
    U.S. Geological Survey
    Attn: Brian J. 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
    Contact_Instructions: email preferred
    Data sources used in this process:
    • GMX_CLC.txt
    Data sources produced in this process:
    • gmx_clc.dbf
    • gmx_clc.shp
    • gmx_clc.shx
    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.). In attributes with range domains, a value of 9999 was entered in the minimum and maximum values to indicate the original metadata did not contain the required information. 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 lineage data.
  2. How accurate are the geographic locations?
    Locational accuracy is dependent on the accuracy of the navigational technique from the individual data sources and may vary widely (e.g., from 0.005km (differential GPS) in more recent surveys to greater than 2 km based on radar, Loran, or dead reckoning in older surveys.) Users of the data should use their own criteria for assessing the accuracy of the locations.
  3. How accurate are the heights or depths?
    Locational accuracy is dependent on the accuracy of the navigational technique from the individual data sources. Users of the data should 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 usSEABED 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 absence) or 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 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)
    Brian Buczkowski
    U.S. Geological Survey
    Core Curator and Data Management Specialist
    384 Woods Hole Rd.
    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: 19.1
      Network links: https://pubs.usgs.gov/ds/2006/146/data/gmx_clc.txt
      https://pubs.usgs.gov/ds/2006/146/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 point Shapefile
      Network links: https://pubs.usgs.gov/ds/2006/146/data/gmx_clc.zip
      https://pubs.usgs.gov/ds/2006/146/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:
Brian Buczkowski
U.S. Geological Survey
Core Curator and Data Management Specialist
384 Woods Hole Rd.
Woods Hole, MA
USA

(508) 548-8700 x2361 (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 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-146/gmx_clc.shp.faq.html>
Generated by mp version 2.9.51 on Mon Mar 25 16:05:16 2024