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

Metadata also available as - [Outline] - [Parseable text] - [XML]

Frequently anticipated questions:

What does this data set describe?

Title:
usSEABED facies data for the entire U.S. Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean (GMX_FAC, Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands)
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 GMX_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.
  1. How might this data set be cited?
    U.S. Geological Survey, and Colorado, University of, 2006, usSEABED facies data for the entire U.S. Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean (GMX_FAC, 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: -100.000000
    East_Bounding_Coordinate: -64.000000
    North_Bounding_Coordinate: 32.000000
    South_Bounding_Coordinate: 17.000000
  3. What does it look like?
    https://pubs.usgs.gov/ds/2006/146/data/gmx_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: 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):
      • Point (6856)
    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 1927.
      The ellipsoid used is Clarke 1866.
      The semi-major axis of the ellipsoid used is 6378206.400000.
      The flattening of the ellipsoid used is 1/294.978698.
  7. How does the data set describe geographic features?
    gmx_fac.dbf
    Shapefile Attribute Table (Source: ESRI)
    Shape
    Feature geometry. (Source: ESRI) Coordinates defining the features.
    FID
    Internal feature number. (Source: ESRI) Sequential unique whole numbers that are automatically generated.
    LATITUDE
    Latitude coordinate of sample location (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:17.45500
    Maximum:30.50167
    Units:decimal degrees
    Resolution:.00001
    LONGITUDE
    Longitude coordinate of sample location (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:-97.94945
    Maximum:-64.37389
    Units:decimal degrees
    Resolution:.00001
    WATERDEPTH
    Water depth; Not always tidally correct. (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:6400
    Units:meters
    Resolution:1
    SAMPLETOP
    Measured subbottom depth information for each point sample (top) (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.00
    Maximum:37.80
    Units:meters
    Resolution:.01
    SAMPLEBASE
    Sample base below seabed surface; Sample bottom as noted in source report. (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.00
    Maximum:37.80
    Units:meters
    Resolution:0.01
    SITE
    Information unavailable from original metadata. (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:542
    Units:integer count
    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:13
    Maximum:221248
    Units:integer count
    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:73
    Maximum:259197
    Units:integer count
    Resolution:1
    SAMPLER
    Type of sampling device ss given in source report (Source: USGS) Character String
    DATATYPE
    Data types (Source: dbSEABED thesaurus; see table D in the data publication (Larger_Work_Citation) for list of triggering major synonyms) Character String
    TERRIGENOU
    Those samples with a terrigenous component (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:100
    Units:percent
    Resolution:1
    VOLCANIC
    Those samples with a volcanic component; Result of filters based on fuzzy set theory determining degree of membership (0-100) for samples that include those terms which denote a specific volcanic rock (volrck and vol_rck), basalt, pumice, volcanic glass, or volcanic sediment; see table D in the data publication (Larger_Work_Citation) for list of trigger terms under each component mentioned. (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:9999
    Maximum:9999
    Units:percent
    Resolution:1
    CALCPELAG
    calcareous pelagics (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:100
    Units:percent
    Resolution:1
    SILCPELAG
    Silceous pelagic fauna/flora (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:9999
    Maximum:9999
    Units:percent
    Resolution:1
    CARBMUD
    Information unavailable from original metadata. (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:9999
    Maximum:9999
    Units:percent
    Resolution:1
    CARBSAND
    Information unavailable from original metadata. (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:9999
    Maximum:9999
    Units:percent
    Resolution:1
    CALCCRUST_
    Information unavailable from original metadata. (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:9999
    Maximum:9999
    Units:percent
    Resolution:1
    ZCORAL_
    Information unavailable from original metadata. (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:100
    Units:percent
    Resolution:1
    SHELL
    Result of filters based on fuzzy set theory determining degree of membership (0-100) for samples that include those terms which denote a specific shell or shell debris component; see table D in the data publication (Larger_Work_Citation) for list of trigger terms under each component mentioned. (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:100
    Units:percent
    Resolution:1
    CORALREEF
    Information unavailable from original metadata. (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:9999
    Maximum:9999
    Units:percent
    Resolution:1
    OOLITE
    Information unavailable from original metadata. (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:9999
    Maximum:9999
    Units:percent
    Resolution:1
    SPONGE
    Information unavailable from original metadata. (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:9999
    Maximum:9999
    Units:percent
    Resolution:1
    BRYOZOAN
    Information unavailable from original metadata. (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:9999
    Maximum:9999
    Units:percent
    Resolution:1
    LARGEFRM
    Information unavailable from original metadata. (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:9999
    Maximum:9999
    Units:percent
    Resolution:1
    RHODOLITH
    Information unavailable from original metadata. (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:9999
    Maximum:9999
    Units:percent
    Resolution:1
    CORALLNALG
    Information unavailable from original metadata. (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:9999
    Maximum:9999
    Units:percent
    Resolution:1
    HALIMEDA
    Information unavailable from original metadata. (Source: USGS) Information unavailable from original metadata.
    PHOSPHATE
    Information unavailable from original metadata. (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:9999
    Maximum:9999
    Units:percent
    Resolution:1
    MINERALIZE
    Information unavailable from original metadata. (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:9999
    Maximum:9999
    Units:percent
    Resolution:1
    HEAVYMIN
    Information unavailable from original metadata. (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:9999
    Maximum:9999
    Units:percent
    Resolution:1
    GLAUC_RELI
    Information unavailable from original metadata. (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:9999
    Maximum:9999
    Units:percent
    Resolution:1
    SEAGRASS
    Information unavailable from original metadata. (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:9999
    Maximum:9999
    Units:percent
    Resolution:1
    PLANTS
    Information unavailable from original metadata. (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:100
    Units:percent
    Resolution:1
    MNNODULE
    Information unavailable from original metadata. (Source: USGS)
    Range of values
    Minimum:9999
    Maximum:9999
    Units:percent
    Resolution:1
    SAMPLEPHAS
    Information unavailable from original metadata. (Source: USGS) Character String
    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?
    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, GMX_SRC.txt, and links provided therein, within this publication for the specific sources and associated metadata.: Various, Various.

    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 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: 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.
  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
    USGS Woods Hole Science Centers
    Woods Hole, MA

    (508) 548-8700 x2361 (voice)
    bbuczkowski@usgs.gov
    Contact_Instructions: email preferred
    Data sources used in this process:
    • GMX_FAC.txt
    Data sources produced in this process:
    • gmx_fac.dbf
    • gmx_fac.shp
    • gmx_fac.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 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 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
  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 text Size: 2.17
      Network links: https://pubs.usgs.gov/ds/2006/146/data/gmx_fac.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_fac.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:
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-146/gmx_fac.shp.faq.html>
Generated by mp version 2.9.51 on Mon Mar 25 16:05:16 2024