Location and analysis of sediment samples collected during field activity 2011-015-FA by the U.S. Geological Survey and Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management offshore of Massachusetts around Cape Cod and the Islands in September 2011 (point shapefile and CSV file)

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What does this data set describe?

Title:
Location and analysis of sediment samples collected during field activity 2011-015-FA by the U.S. Geological Survey and Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management offshore of Massachusetts around Cape Cod and the Islands in September 2011 (point shapefile and CSV file)
Abstract:
Accurate data and maps of sea-floor geology are important first steps toward protecting habitat, delineating marine resources, and assessing environmental changes due to natural or human effects. Initiated in 2003, the primary objective of the Geologic Mapping of the Massachusetts Sea Floor program is to develop regional geologic framework information for the management of coastal and marine resources. The project is focused on the inshore waters (5–30 meters deep) of Massachusetts. This dataset is from U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) sampling survey 2011-015-FA (September 9–16, 2011) by the USGS Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center and the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management with partners from the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency aboard the ocean survey vessel Bold. During the survey, surficial sediment samples and bottom still and video imagery were collected in Cape Cod Bay, Buzzards Bay, and Vineyard Sound; south of Martha's Vineyard; and south and east of Nantucket, Massachusetts.
Supplemental_Information:
Physical sediment samples were also analyzed for benthic infauna by AECOM (see report by the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management [2012] available from the cross-reference citation). Bottom still and video imagery was also taken at most stations (see shapefiles 2011-015-FA_photos.shp and 2011-015-FA_videos.shp available from the larger work citation; see the Coastal and Marine Geology Program Video and Photograph Portal to view the bottom videos [Golden and others, 2015; link available from the cross-reference citation]). For more information about this field activity, see https://cmgds.marine.usgs.gov/fan_info.php?fan=2011-015-FA. For more information about the Geologic Mapping of the Massachusetts Sea Floor program, see https://woodshole.er.usgs.gov/project-pages/coastal_mass/.
  1. How might this data set be cited?
    U.S. Geological Survey, 2018, Location and analysis of sediment samples collected during field activity 2011-015-FA by the U.S. Geological Survey and Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management offshore of Massachusetts around Cape Cod and the Islands in September 2011 (point shapefile and CSV file): data release DOI:10.5066/F73F4NVM, U.S. Geological Survey, Coastal and Marine Geology Program, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center, Woods Hole, Massachusetts.

    Online Links:

    This is part of the following larger work.

    Huntley, Emily C., Ackerman, Seth D., Boeri, Robert L., Callaghan, Todd P., and Sampson, Daniel W., 2018, Sampling data collected in Cape Cod Bay, Buzzards Bay, and Vineyard Sound; south of Martha's Vineyard; and south and east of Nantucket, Massachusetts, in 2011, U.S. Geological Survey Field Activity 2011-015-FA: data release DOI:10.5066/F73F4NVM, U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, VA.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details:
    Suggested citation: Huntley, E.C., Ackerman, S.D., Boeri, R.L., Callaghan, T.P., and Sampson, D.W., 2018, Sampling data collected in Cape Cod Bay, Buzzards Bay, and Vineyard Sound; south of Martha's Vineyard; and south and east of Nantucket, Massachusetts, in 2011, U.S. Geological Survey Field Activity 2011-015-FA: U.S. Geological Survey data release, https://doi.org/10.5066/F73F4NVM.
  2. What geographic area does the data set cover?
    West_Bounding_Coordinate: -71.116018
    East_Bounding_Coordinate: -69.902708
    North_Bounding_Coordinate: 41.981005
    South_Bounding_Coordinate: 41.190895
  3. What does it look like?
    https://cmgds.marine.usgs.gov/data/field-activity-data/2011-015-FA/data/samples/2011-015-FA_samples_browse.jpg (JPEG)
    Thumbnail image of sediment sample locations offshore of Massachusetts.
  4. Does the data set describe conditions during a particular time period?
    Beginning_Date: 10-Sep-2011
    Ending_Date: 16-Sep-2011
    Currentness_Reference:
    ground condition
  5. What is the general form of this data set?
    Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: vector and tabular 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 (322)
    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 0.000001. Longitudes are given to the nearest 0.000001. 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?
    2011-015-FA_samples
    Sample locations and textural analysis for samples collected during USGS survey 2011-015-FA offshore of Massachusetts in 2011. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    FID
    Internal feature number. (Source: Esri) Sequential unique whole numbers that are automatically generated.
    Shape
    Feature geometry. (Source: Esri) Coordinates defining the features.
    GROUP
    Sample group number assigned to data by USGS sediment laboratory based on source. (Source: Modified from USGS East-Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)
    ValueDefinition
    3Sediment entirely or partially analyzed, processed, or visually described by USGS Woods Hole scientists; most samples analyzed in the USGS Woods Hole Sediment Laboratory.
    DB_ID
    Database identifier assigned by sediment laboratory. (Source: Modified from USGS East-Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary) Character string.
    FIELD_NO
    Sample name or number as assigned in the field by the Chief Scientist. Two sites were occupied twice on different days during the survey, so the station number for the data collected when they were occupied the second time ends in "0.2" (i.e., stations 81.2 and 95.2). (Source: Modified from USGS East-Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary) Character string.
    PROJECT
    Survey area of the research project. (Source: Modified from USGS East-Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary.) Character sting.
    CRUISE_ID
    Name or number of cruise on which sample collected. Historically cruise identifiers were a combination of ship name, year of cruise, and cruise leg. In more recent years, cruise identifier is a sequential serial number assigned to field activities within a specific year (in the format YYYY-XXX-FA where YYYY is the survey year, XXX is the cruise number within that year, and FA is Field Activity). (Source: Modified from USGS East-Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary) Character string.
    CONTACT
    Name of Principal Investigator or Chief Scientist responsible for data collection (usually first initial and last name). (Source: USGS East-Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary) Character string.
    AREA
    Regional research focus for USGS survey 2011-015-FA. (Source: Modified from USGS East-Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary) Character string.
    LATITUDE
    Latitude coordinate, in decimal degrees (WGS 84), of sample location. South latitude is recorded as negative values. (Source: Modified from USGS East-Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)
    Range of values
    Minimum:41.216813
    Maximum:41.942140
    Units:decimal degrees
    Resolution:0.000001
    LONGITUDE
    Longitude coordinate, in decimal degrees (WGS 84), of sample location. West longitude is recorded as negative values. (Source: Modified from USGS East-Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)
    Range of values
    Minimum:-71.104647
    Maximum:-69.911943
    Units:decimal degrees
    Resolution:0.000001
    DEPTH_M
    Depth in meters extracted from the NOAA U.S. Coastal Relief Model data. No data value is -9999. (Source: Modified from USGS East-Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)
    Range of values
    Minimum:4.8
    Maximum:40.6
    Units:meters
    Resolution:0.1
    T_DEPTH
    Top depth of the sub-sample collected from the whole grab sample below the sediment-water interface in centimeters. No data value is -9999. (Source: Modified from USGS East-Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:0
    Units:centimeters
    B_DEPTH
    Bottom depth of the sub-sample collected from the whole grab sample below the sediment-water interface in centimeters. No data value is -9999. (Source: Modified from USGS East-Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)
    Range of values
    Minimum:2
    Maximum:2
    Units:centimeters
    DEVICE
    Device used to collect the sample, or, if no sample was successfully collected, device used to attempt to collect a sample. (Source: Modified from USGS East-Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)
    ValueDefinition
    EPA VAN VEENSample collected with the ship's Van Veen grab sampler.
    SEABOSS (BIG)Sample collected with a modified Van Veen grab sampler mounted on a large SEABOSS.
    MONTH_COLL
    Calendar month sample collected based on time in UTC. No data value is -9999. (Source: Modified from USGS East-Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)
    Range of values
    Minimum:9
    Maximum:9
    Units:months
    Resolution:1
    DAY_COLL
    Calendar day sample collected based on time in UTC. No data value is -9999. (Source: Modified from USGS East-Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)
    Range of values
    Minimum:10
    Maximum:16
    Units:days
    Resolution:1
    YEAR_COLL
    Calendar year sample collected based on time in UTC. No data value is -9999. (Source: Modified from USGS East-Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)
    Range of values
    Minimum:2011
    Maximum:2011
    Units:years
    Resolution:1
    MONTH_ANAL
    Calendar month sample analyzed. No data value is -9999. (Source: Modified from USGS East-Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)
    Range of values
    Minimum:1
    Maximum:1
    Units:months
    Resolution:1
    DAY_ANAL
    Calendar day sample analyzed. No data value is -9999. (Source: Modified from USGS East-Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)
    Range of values
    Minimum:6
    Maximum:6
    Units:days
    Resolution:1
    YEAR_ANAL
    Calendar year sample analyzed. No data value is -9999. (Source: Modified from USGS East-Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)
    Range of values
    Minimum:2012
    Maximum:2012
    Units:years
    Resolution:1
    WEIGHT
    Weight of dry sample in grams. No data value is -9999. (Source: Modified from USGS East-Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)
    Range of values
    Minimum:9.9222
    Maximum:398.4600
    Units:grams
    Resolution:0.0001
    GRAVEL_PCT
    Gravel content in percent dry weight of the sample (particles with nominal diameters greater than 2 mm; -1 phi and larger). No data value is -9999. (Source: Modified from USGS East-Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:65.62
    Units:percent
    Resolution:0.01
    SAND_PCT
    Sand content in percent dry weight of the sample (particles with nominal diameters less than 2 mm, but greater than or equal to 0.0625 mm; 0 phi through 4 phi, inclusive). No data value is -9999. (Source: Modified from USGS East-Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)
    Range of values
    Minimum:4.09
    Maximum:99.91
    Units:percent
    Resolution:0.01
    SILT_PCT
    Silt content in percent dry weight of the sample (particles with nominal diameters less than 0.0625 mm, but greater than or equal to 0.004 mm; 5 phi through 8 phi, inclusive). No data value is -9999. (Source: Modified from USGS East-Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.02
    Maximum:76.57
    Units:percent
    Resolution:0.01
    CLAY_PCT
    Clay content in percent dry weight of the sample (particles with nominal diameters less than 0.004 mm; 9 phi and smaller). No data value is -9999. (Source: Modified from USGS East-Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:29.32
    Units:percent
    Resolution:0.01
    CLASSIFICA
    Sediment classification based on a rigorous definition (Shepard [1954] as modified by Schlee [1973] and Poppe and others [2014]). For stations where a physical sample was not collected, the sediment sample was based on visual analysis by USGS geologists of the last still image taken during the sampler deployment. In the definitions below, gravel is defined as particles with nominal diameters greater than 2 mm; sand is particles with nominal diameters less than 2 mm, but greater than or equal to 0.0625 mm; silt is particles with nominal diameters less than 0.0625 mm, but greater than or equal to 0.004 mm; and clay is particles with nominal diameters less than 0.004 mm. (Source: Modified from USGS East-Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)
    ValueDefinition
    CLAYEY SILTSilt less than 75 percent and equal to or greater than 50 percent, clay greater than sand, and sand less than 20 percent.
    GRAVELGravel equal to or greater than 50 percent.
    GRAVELLY SEDIMENTGravel equal to or greater than 10 percent, but less than 50 percent.
    MUDMud (silt plus clay) equal to or greater than 50 percent based on visual observation.
    NO SAMPLENo data. Station had no physical sediment sample successfully collected and no imagery with a clear view of the sea floor.
    SANDSand equal to or greater than 75 percent. For stations where a physical sample was not collected, sand equal to or greater than 50 percent based on visual observation.
    SAND SILT CLAYClay, sand, and silt greater than 20 percent each.
    SANDY SILTSilt less than 75 percent and equal to or greater than 50 percent, sand greater than clay, and clay less than 20 percent.
    SILTSilt equal to or greater than 75 percent.
    SILTY SANDSand less than 75 percent and equal to or greater than 50 percent, silt greater than clay, and clay less than 20 percent.
    MEDIAN
    Middle point in the grain-size distribution in phi units. No data value is -9999. (Source: Modified from USGS East-Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)
    Range of values
    Minimum:-3.07
    Maximum:7.20
    Units:phi
    Resolution:0.01
    MEAN
    Average value in the grain-size distribution in phi units. No data value is -9999. (Source: Modified from USGS East-Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)
    Range of values
    Minimum:-2.28
    Maximum:7.07
    Units:phi
    Resolution:0.01
    STDEV
    Standard deviation (root mean square of the deviations) of the grain-size distribution in phi units (sorting). No data value is -9999. (Source: Modified from USGS East-Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.37
    Maximum:3.34
    Units:phi
    Resolution:0.01
    SKEWNESS
    Skewness (deviation from symmetrical form) of the grain-size distribution where positive values show an excess of fine-grained sediments and negative values show an excess of coarse-grained sediments. No data value is -9999. (Source: Modified from USGS East-Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)
    Range of values
    Minimum:-1.10
    Maximum:3.76
    Units:unitless
    Resolution:0.01
    KURTOSIS
    Kurtosis (degree of curvature near the mode) of the grain-size distribution. No data value is -9999. (Source: Modified from USGS East-Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)
    Range of values
    Minimum:-1.48
    Maximum:126.34
    Units:unitless
    Resolution:0.01
    MODE1CLASS
    First mode (particle size that occurs the most number of times) in phi units. (Source: USGS East-Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary) -9999 (representing no data for this field).
    MODE1FREQ
    Modal strength of the first mode in percent. (Source: USGS East-Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary) -9999 (representing no data for this field).
    MODE2CLASS
    Second mode in phi units. (Source: USGS East-Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary) -9999 (representing no data for this field).
    MODE2FREQ
    Modal strength of the second mode in percent. (Source: USGS East-Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary) -9999 (representing no data for this field).
    MODE3CLASS
    Third mode in phi units. (Source: USGS East-Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary) -9999 (representing no data for this field).
    MODE3FREQ
    Modal strength of the third mode in percent. (Source: USGS East-Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary) -9999 (representing no data for this field).
    NMODES
    Number of modes. (Source: USGS East-Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary) -9999 (representing no data for this field).
    PHIm5
    Weight percent of the sample in the -5-phi fraction and larger (nominal diameter of particles greater than or equal to 32 mm); very coarse pebbles, cobbles, and boulders. No data value is -9999. (Source: Modified from USGS East-Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:42.36
    Units:percent
    Resolution:0.01
    PHIm4
    Weight percent of the sample in the -4-phi fraction (nominal diameter of particles greater than or equal to 16 mm, but less than 32 mm); coarse pebbles. No data value is -9999. (Source: Modified from USGS East-Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:27.53
    Units:percent
    Resolution:0.01
    PHIm3
    Weight percent of the sample in the -3-phi fraction (nominal diameter of particles greater than or equal to 8 mm, but less than 16 mm); medium pebbles. No data value is -9999. (Source: Modified from USGS East-Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:20.90
    Units:percent
    Resolution:0.01
    PHIm2
    Weight percent of the sample in the -2-phi fraction (nominal diameter of particles greater than or equal to 4 mm, but less than 8 mm); fine pebbles. No data value is -9999. (Source: Modified from USGS East-Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:19.04
    Units:percent
    Resolution:0.01
    PHIm1
    Weight percent of the sample in the -1-phi fraction (nominal diameter of particles greater than or equal to 2 mm, but less than 4 mm); very fine pebbles (granules). No data value is -9999. (Source: Modified from USGS East-Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:29.38
    Units:percent
    Resolution:0.01
    PHI_0
    Weight percent of the sample in the 0-phi fraction (nominal diameters of particles greater than or equal to 1 mm, but less than 2 mm); very coarse sand. No data value is -9999. (Source: Modified from USGS East-Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.01
    Maximum:51.36
    Units:percent
    Resolution:0.01
    PHI_1
    Weight percent of the sample in the 1-phi fraction (nominal diameter of particles greater than or equal to 0.5 mm, but less than 1 mm); coarse sand. No data value is -9999. (Source: Modified from USGS East-Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.05
    Maximum:74.37
    Units:percent
    Resolution:0.01
    PHI_2
    Weight percent of the sample in the 2-phi fraction (nominal diameter of particles greater than or equal to 0.25 mm, but less than 0.5 mm); medium sand. No data value is -9999. (Source: Modified from USGS East-Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.10
    Maximum:86.17
    Units:percent
    Resolution:0.01
    PHI_3
    Weight percent of the sample in the 3-phi fraction (nominal diameter of particles greater than or equal to 0.125 mm, but less than 0.25 mm); fine sand. No data value is -9999. (Source: Modified from USGS East-Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.05
    Maximum:88.61
    Units:percent
    Resolution:0.01
    PHI_4
    Weight percent of the sample in the 4-phi fraction (nominal diameters of particles greater than or equal to 0.0625 mm, but less than 0.125 mm); very fine sand. No data value is -9999. (Source: Modified from USGS East-Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:67.28
    Units:percent
    Resolution:0.01
    PHI_5
    Weight percent of the sample in the 5-phi fraction (nominal diameter of particles greater than or equal to 0.031 mm, but less than 0.0625 mm); coarse silt. No data value is -9999. (Source: Modified from USGS East-Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.01
    Maximum:13.71
    Units:percent
    Resolution:0.01
    PHI_6
    Weight percent of the sample in the 6-phi fraction (nominal diameter of particles greater than or equal to 0.016 mm, but less than 0.031 mm); medium silt. No data value is -9999. (Source: Modified from USGS East-Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.01
    Maximum:19.02
    Units:percent
    Resolution:0.01
    PHI_7
    Weight percent of the sample in the 7-phi fraction (nominal diameter of particles greater than or equal to 0.008 mm, but less than 0.016 mm); fine silt. No data value is -9999. (Source: Modified from USGS East-Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:30.32
    Units:percent
    Resolution:0.01
    PHI_8
    Weight percent of the sample in the 8-phi fraction (nominal diameter of particles greater than or equal to 0.004 mm, but less than 0.008 mm); very fine silt. No data value is -9999. (Source: Modified from USGS East-Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:27.02
    Units:percent
    Resolution:0.01
    PHI_9
    Weight percent of the sample in the 9-phi fraction (nominal diameter of particles greater than or equal to 0.002 mm, but less than 0.004 mm); coarse clay. No data value is -9999. (Source: Modified from USGS East-Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:16.99
    Units:percent
    Resolution:0.01
    PHI_10
    Weight percent of the sample in the 10-phi fraction (nominal diameter of particles greater than or equal to 0.001 mm, but less than 0.002 mm); medium clay. No data value is -9999. (Source: Modified from USGS East-Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:8.56
    Units:percent
    Resolution:0.01
    PHI_11
    Weight percent of the sample in the 11-phi fraction and smaller (nominal diameter of particles less than 0.001 mm); fine clay. No data value is -9999. (Source: Modified from USGS East-Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:3.77
    Units:percent
    Resolution:0.01
    ANALYST
    Name (usually first initial and last name) of person who analyzed the sediment samples in the sediment lab. No data value is -9999. (Source: Modified from USGS East-Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary) Character string.
    ANAL_COMM
    Any further information about sediment analysis for all or specific parameters in this table. (Source: USGS East-Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary) Character string.
    LITHOLOGY
    Description of physical characteristics of the sample, if appropriate. (Source: Modified from USGS East-Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary.) Character string.
    COMMENTS
    Comments on sample collection or lithology. (Source: USGS East-Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary) Character string.
    Entity_and_Attribute_Overview:
    The CSV file has the same attributes, except for FID, with the same definitions.
    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
  2. Who also contributed to the data set?
  3. To whom should users address questions about the data?
    Seth Ackerman
    U.S. Geological Survey
    Geologist
    384 Woods Hole Rd.
    Woods Hole, MA
    USA

    508-548-8700 x2315 (voice)
    508-457-2310 (FAX)
    sackerman@usgs.gov

Why was the data set created?

This dataset includes the locations and grain-size analysis or textural description of surficial sediments collected with a modified Van Veen grab on the SEABed Observation and Sampling System (SEABOSS), where operational, or the ship's Van Veen grab during USGS survey 2011-015-FA.

How was the data set created?

  1. From what previous works were the data drawn?
    Sediment sample locations with sediment grain-size analysis (source 1 of 1)
    U.S. Geological Survey, Unpublished Material, Sediment sample locations with sediment grain-size analysis.

    Type_of_Source_Media: disc
    Source_Contribution:
    Sediment samples were acquired using the large SEABOSS, where operational, or the ship's Van Veen grab sampler. The sediment data and the observations from video and still cameras are used to explore the nature of the sea floor and, in conjunction with high-resolution geophysical data, to make interpretive maps of sedimentary environments and validate acoustic remote sensing data. The SEABOSS incorporates two video cameras (one forward-looking so that a shipboard operator can monitor for proper tow depth and obstacles, and one downward-looking that overlaps with the field of view of the still camera), a still camera, and a modified Van Veen sediment sampler. The elements of this particular SEABOSS system are held within a stainless-steel frame that measures 1.1 x 1.1 meters. The frame has a stabilizer fin that orients the system as it drifts over the seabed. The OSV Bold occupied one of the target stations and the SEABOSS was deployed off the vessel's A-frame on the stern of the ship. The vessel and sampler drifted with wind and current for up to a few minutes to ensure a decent image with a clear view of the sea floor and then at most stations the sea floor was sampled with the SEABOSS's integrated Van Veen grab. Sediment samples were only attempted in areas where collecting a sample would not damage the SEABOSS; therefore, no samples were collected in areas with a cobble, boulder, or rocky seabed, as identified in real time using the top-side live video feed. The system was then raised and recovered to the deck of the survey vessel. The SEABOSS was only operational for 246 of the 322 stations occupied during this survey. The SEABOSS's still camera was occasionally malfunctioning, so use of the SEABOSS was halted partway through the survey and the remaining stations were occupied using the ship's Van Veen grab sampler equipped with a GoPro HD HERO camera and dive lights. The ship's sampler was deployed off the vessel's A-frame on the stern of the ship and lowered until the sea floor was sampled, then raised and recovered. There was no top-side live video feed, so the vessel and sampler did not drift over the seabed, video was not collected, and samples were attempted at all stations occupied using the ship's Van Veen grab sampler.
  2. How were the data generated, processed, and modified?
    Date: Sep-2011 (process 1 of 5)
    Three hundred twenty-two stations were occupied aboard the OSV Bold during USGS survey 2011-015-FA with the large SEABOSS (Blackwood and Parolski, 2001), where operational, or the ship's Van Veen grab sampler. The SEABOSS was equipped with a Van Veen grab sampler, a still camera, and two video cameras (forward- and downward-looking). The still camera was occasionally malfunctioning, so the SEABOSS was only operational for 246 of the 322 stations. The remaining stations were occupied using the ship's Van Veen grab sampler equipped with a GoPro HD HERO camera and dive lights. Physical sediment samples were collected at 279 of the 322 stations. Locations for sediment samples were manually recorded from the DGPS receiver at the start of the sampler retrieval when it was lifted from the seabed (the Van Veen sampler closed and collected a sample as it was lifted off the sea floor). Once the sampler was recovered, the sample was divided in the Van Veen grab using an acrylic sheet. One side was used for grain-size analysis, while the other side was processed for benthic infaunal analysis by AECOM (see report by the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management [2012] available from the cross-reference citation). The sediment grab needed to be at least 7 centimeters deep to meet CZM's sediment sampling standard operating procedure. Some grabs were not deep enough for CZM's sampling protocol, but a sample was still collected for USGS. The grain-size analysis for these sites is included in this dataset and a note that these samples did not meet CZM's sampling protocol is included in the comments field. Person who carried out this activity:
    Seth Ackerman
    U.S. Geological Survey
    Geologist
    384 Woods Hole Rd.
    Woods Hole, MA
    USA

    508-548-8700 x2315 (voice)
    508-457-2310 (FAX)
    sackerman@usgs.gov
    Data sources produced in this process:
    • Physical sediment samples
    Date: Jan-2012 (process 2 of 5)
    Samples were analyzed in the sediment laboratory at the USGS Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center. The coarse fraction was determined by sieve; the fine fraction was determined using a Coulter Counter. See Poppe and others (2014) for analytical specifics for grain-size measurement processes. Sediment statistics were recorded in Microsoft Excel and saved as a Comma Separated Value (CSV) file. Person who carried out this activity:
    Kate McMullen
    U.S. Geological Survey
    Geologist
    384 Woods Hole Rd.
    Woods Hole, MA
    USA

    508-548-8700 (voice)
    508-457-2310 (FAX)
    Data sources used in this process:
    • Physical sediment samples
    Data sources produced in this process:
    • Sediment grain-size analysis CSV file
    Date: Oct-2012 (process 3 of 5)
    A shapefile was created using the sediment grain-size analysis CSV file in Esri ArcGIS (version 10.1). Stations with no physical sediment sample were included in the shapefile and classified by USGS geologists based on the visual observation of the last still image of the sea floor taken during the sampler deployment. Three sites (stations 167, 420, and 421) did not have a physical sediment sample or any imagery with a clear view of the sea floor and were therefore not classified, but the station locations are still included in this dataset. Person who carried out this activity:
    Seth Ackerman
    U.S. Geological Survey
    Geologist
    384 Woods Hole Rd.
    Woods Hole, MA
    USA

    508-548-8700 x2315 (voice)
    508-457-2310 (FAX)
    sackerman@usgs.gov
    Data sources used in this process:
    • Sediment grain-size analysis CSV file
    Data sources produced in this process:
    • Sediment grain-size analysis shapefile
    Date: Oct-2017 (process 4 of 5)
    Three of the SEABOSS visual observation stations were moved in Esri ArcGIS (version 10.3.1) because they did not intersect a bottom video trackline or bottom still image; these stations were moved to the last navigation fix along the trackline (stations 31 and 106) or last bottom photo if video was not acquired (station 65). The latitude and longitude of the edited points were calculated using the Calculate Geometry tool (Property=Y Coordinate of Point and X Coordinate of Point, respectively; Use coordinate system of the data source=WGS 1984; Unit=Decimal Degrees). XTools Pro (version 12.0) for Esri ArcGIS (version 10.3.1) was used to edit field types in the point shapefile (Table Operations - Table Restructure). The field calculator in Esri ArcGIS (version 10.3.1) was used to calculate no data values as needed. The shapefile's attribute table was exported and saved as a CSV file. The FID field was deleted in the CSV file. Person who carried out this activity:
    Emily Huntley
    U.S. Geological Survey
    Geographer/Database Specialist
    384 Woods Hole Rd.
    Woods Hole, MA
    USA

    508-548-8700 (voice)
    508-457-2310 (FAX)
    ehuntley@usgs.gov
    Data sources used in this process:
    • Sediment grain-size analysis shapefile
    Data sources produced in this process:
    • Final sediment grain-size analysis shapefile
    • Final sediment grain-size analysis CSV file
    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?
    Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management, 2012, ENV12 CZM 01 Benthic Infaunal Analysis Report: Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management, Boston, MA.

    Online Links:

    Golden, Nadine E., Ackerman, Seth D., and Dailey, Evan T., 2015, Coastal and Marine Geology Program video and photograph portal: U.S. Geological Survey, Santa Cruz, CA.

    Online Links:

    National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Centers for Environmental Information (formerly NOAA National Geophysical Data Center), 201110, U.S. Coastal Relief Model: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Boulder, CO.

    Online Links:

    Blackwood, D., and Parolski, K., 2001, Seabed observation and sampling system: Sea Technology v. 42, no. 2, p. 39-43, Compass Publications, Inc., Arlington, VA.

    Poppe, L.J., McMullen, K.Y., Williams, S.J., and Paskevich, V.F., 2014, USGS east-coast sediment analysis: Procedures, database, and GIS data: Open-File Report 2005-1001, U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, VA.

    Online Links:

    Shepard, F.P., 1954, Nomenclature based on sand-silt-clay ratios: Journal of Sedimentary Petrology v. 24, no. 3., p. 151-158, Society of Economic Paleontologists and Mineralogists, Tulsa, OK.

    Online Links:

    Schlee, J.S., 1973, Atlantic continental shelf and slope of the United States - sediment texture of the northeastern part: Professional Paper 529-L, U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, VA.

    Online Links:

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

  1. How well have the observations been checked?
    All attributes were evaluated during data processing as standard quality control to ensure attributes contain accurate and relevant information and values.
  2. How accurate are the geographic locations?
    Navigation for survey 2011-015-FA used Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS). The DGPS was set to receive fixes at a two-second interval in geographic coordinates (World Geodetic System of 1984 [WGS 84]). The recorded position of each sediment sample is the position of the DGPS antenna on the survey vessel, not the SEABOSS or Van Veen grab sampler. The antenna was at the top of the vessel's A-frame from which the sampler was deployed, within a few meters of the sampler. No layback or offset was applied to the recorded position. In addition to the +/- 3-meter offset, the sampler may drift away from the survey vessel when deployed to the sea floor. Based on the various sources of horizontal offsets, a conservative estimate of the horizontal accuracy of the sediment sample locations is 3-10 meters. The visual observation sediment sample stations occupied using the SEABOSS are not necessarily coincident with the location of the bottom imagery used to determine the sediment classification and are generally located at the start of the sampler retrieval. Three of the SEABOSS visual observation stations did not intersect a bottom video trackline and were moved to the last navigation fix along the trackline (stations 31 and 106) or last bottom photo if video was not acquired (station 65).
  3. How accurate are the heights or depths?
    The depths recorded for each sample were derived from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) U.S. Coastal Relief Model. See the original data to determine the vertical accuracy of these depth values (link available from the cross-reference citation).
  4. Where are the gaps in the data? What is missing?
    All 322 stations that were occupied during USGS survey 2011-015-FA are included in this dataset; however, physical sediment samples were only collected at 279 of the 322 stations. For stations occupied using the SEABOSS, sediment samples were only attempted in areas where collecting a sample would not damage the SEABOSS; therefore, no samples were collected in areas with a cobble, boulder, or rocky seabed, as identified in real time using the top-side live video feed. At some sites, samples were attempted one or more times in what appeared in the real-time video as sand or mud, but no sample was successfully collected. Samples were attempted at all stations occupied using the ship's Van Veen grab sampler since there was no top-side live video feed. Forty of the 43 sites with no physical sediment sample were classified by USGS geologists based on the visual observation of the last still image of the sea floor taken during the sampler deployment, which is noted in the comments field for these stations. The remaining three sites where no physical sediment sample was successfully collected (stations 167, 420, and 421) did not have any imagery with a clear view of the sea floor and were not classified. At one site (station 40), the sampler was held open by a cobble-size sediment and therefore only the single rock was recovered; the cobble was classified by the sediment lab as gravel with a phi size of -7, although it is important to note that there was no real sediment lab analysis performed for this site and the station's classification is based on visual observation. Sediment samples collected at nine sites (stations 41, 49, 53, 104, 116, 134, 221, 290, and 305) met USGS sampling protocol but were not deep enough (at least 7 centimeters deep) to meet the sediment sampling standard operating procedure of the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM); the grain-size analysis for these stations is included in this dataset and a note that these samples did not meet CZM's sampling protocol is included in the comments field. Note that the term "sediment samples" used herein may be used to describe samples as well as stations where the bottom type was determined by visual observation and no physical sediment sample was collected.
  5. How consistent are the relationships among the observations, including topology?
    Physical sediment samples were collected using two different devices: a modified Van Veen grab sampler mounted on a large SEABOSS, where operational, or the ship's Van Veen grab sampler. Three hundred twenty-two stations were occupied within the study area, but the SEABOSS was only operational for 246 sites. The remaining stations were occupied using the ship's Van Veen grab sampler. The station numbers (FIELD_NO) were determined before the survey and are not necessarily in sequential order of when they were occupied. Gaps in sequential station numbers exist as not all planned stations were occupied during the survey. Two sites were occupied twice on different days during the survey, so the station number for the data collected when they were occupied the second time ends in "0.2" (i.e., stations 81.2 and 95.2); these sites are considered unique stations (e.g., 81 and 81.2 are two different stations). No additional checks for topological consistency were performed on these data.

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 as the originator of the dataset.
  1. Who distributes the data set? (Distributor 1 of 1)
    Seth Ackerman
    U.S. Geological Survey
    Geologist
    384 Woods Hole Rd.
    Woods Hole, MA
    USA

    508-548-8700 x2315 (voice)
    508-457-2310 (FAX)
    sackerman@usgs.gov
  2. What's the catalog number I need to order this data set? USGS data release 2011-015-FA contains sediment sample locations and grain-size analysis collected offshore of Massachusetts in Cape Cod Bay, Buzzards Bay, and Vineyard Sound; south of Martha's Vineyard; and south and east of Nantucket (2011-015-FA_samples.zip). The zip file contains the following files: a shapefile of the sediment sample locations and analysis (2011-015-FA_samples.shp); a CSV file of the sediment sample locations and analysis (2011-015-FA_samples.csv); a browse graphic of sediment sample locations (2011-015-FA_samples_browse.jpg); and Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata (CSDGM) metadata files in three standard formats (2011-015-FA_samples_meta.html, 2011-015-FA_samples_meta.txt, and 2011-015-FA_samples_meta.xml).
  3. What legal disclaimers am I supposed to read?
    Neither the U.S. Government, the Department of the Interior, nor the USGS, nor any of their employees, contractors, or subcontractors, make any warranty, express or implied, nor assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, apparatus, product, or process disclosed, nor represent that its use would not infringe on privately owned rights. 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. Any use of trade, product, or firm names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.
  4. How can I download or order the data?
  5. What hardware or software do I need in order to use the data set?
    This zip file contains data available as a point shapefile and CSV file. The user must have software capable of reading shapefile format to use the point shapefile. The CSV file can be read with a text editor.

Who wrote the metadata?

Dates:
Last modified: 18-Mar-2024
Metadata author:
Emily Huntley
U.S. Geological Survey
Geographer/Database Specialist
384 Woods Hole Rd.
Woods Hole, MA
USA

508-548-8700 (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 Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata (FGDC-STD-001-1998)
This page is <https://cmgds.marine.usgs.gov/catalog/whcmsc/field_activities/2011_015_fa/2011-015-FA_samples_meta.faq.html>
Generated by mp version 2.9.51 on Wed Apr 24 13:53:35 2024