Location and analyses of sediment samples collected at Head of the Meadow Beach, Truro during field activity 2020-015-FA on March 4, 2020 (ver. 2.0, December 2023)

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What does this data set describe?

Title:
Location and analyses of sediment samples collected at Head of the Meadow Beach, Truro during field activity 2020-015-FA on March 4, 2020 (ver. 2.0, December 2023)
Abstract:
The data in this release map the beach and nearshore environment at Head of the Meadow Beach in Truro, MA and provide environmental context for the camera calibration information for the 2019 CoastCam installation that looks out at the coast shared by beachgoers, shorebirds, seals, and sharks. This is related to the field activity 2020-015-FA and a collaboration with the National Park Service at Cape Cod National Seashore to monitor the region that falls within the field of view of the CoastCam, which are two video cameras aimed at the beach. On March 4, 6, and 10, 2020, U.S. Geological Survey and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) scientists conducted field surveys to collect position and orientation information for the CoastCam cameras and map the field of view. Elevation data were collected using a real time kinematic – satellite navigation system (RTK-GNSS) receiver attached to a pole and walked on the beach. Point data of the beach face were collected along transects and at periodic locations of plywood targets moved throughout the day within the CoastCam view. Grain-size analysis was performed on sediment samples collected with a spade along multiple profiles from the bluff base to the intertidal zone. Images of the beach were taken with a camera (Ricoh GRII) and a post-processed kinematic (PPK) system attached to a kitesurfing kite, and high-precision targets (AeroPoints) were used as ground control points. Bathymetry was collected in the nearshore using a single-beam echosounder mounted on a surf capable self-righting electric autonomous survey vehicle. Agisoft Metashape (v. 1.6.1) was used to create a digital elevation model with the collected imagery, and this was merged with the bathymetry in MatLab (v. 2020) to create a continuous topobathy product.
Supplemental_Information:
For more information about the WHCMSC Field Activity, see https://cmgds.marine.usgs.gov/fan_info.php?fan=2020-015-FA.
  1. How might this data set be cited?
    U.S. Geological Survey, 2023, Location and analyses of sediment samples collected at Head of the Meadow Beach, Truro during field activity 2020-015-FA on March 4, 2020 (ver. 2.0, December 2023): data release DOI:10.5066/P9KSG1RQ, U.S. Geological Survey, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center, Woods Hole, MA.

    Online Links:

    This is part of the following larger work.

    Sherwood, C., Traykovski, P., Over, J., Borden, J., Brosnahan, S., Marsjanik, E., and Martini, M., 2021, Topographic and bathymetric data, sediment samples, and imagery collected at Head of the Meadow Beach, Truro in March 2020, U.S. Geological Survey Field Activity 2020-015-FA (ver. 2.0, December 2023): data release DOI:10.5066/P9KSG1RQ, U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, VA.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details:
    Over, J.R., Sherwood, C.R., Traykovski, P., Brosnahan, S.M., Martini, M.A., Marsjanik, E., Borden, J., 2021, Topographic and bathymetric data, sediment samples, and beach imagery collected at Head of the Meadow, Truro in March 2020, U.S. Geological Survey Field Activity 2020-015-FA (ver. 2.0, December 2023): U.S. Geological Survey data release, https://doi.org/10.5066/P9KSG1RQ.
  2. What geographic area does the data set cover?
    West_Bounding_Coordinate: -70.07871
    East_Bounding_Coordinate: -70.07629
    North_Bounding_Coordinate: 42.05264
    South_Bounding_Coordinate: 42.05081
  3. What does it look like?
    https://cmgds.marine.usgs.gov/data/field-activity-data/2020-015-FA/data/Samples/2020015FA_Truro_sedsample_browse.JPG (JPEG)
    Browse graphic of the sediment sample locations collected at Head of the Meadow Beach, Truro MA
  4. Does the data set describe conditions during a particular time period?
    Beginning_Date: 04-Mar-2020
    Ending_Date: 04-Mar-2020
    Currentness_Reference:
    ground condition
  5. What is the general form of this data set?
    Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: 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 Point data set. It contains the following vector data types (SDTS terminology):
      • Point (28)
    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 (National Spatial Reference System 2011).
      The ellipsoid used is GRS_1980.
      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?
    2020015FA_Truro_sedsamples_v2.xlsx and 2020015FA_Truro_sedsamples_v2.csv and 2020015FA_Truro_sedsamples_v2.shp
    Data spreadsheet containing the grain size analysis results for sample submission CS15, analyzed using the Horiba laser diffraction unit and sieving of the ≥ -2 phi fraction. The attribute labels below refer to the CSV file headers but the attribute definitions are the same for each file. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Analysis_ID
    An identifier for the sample which is unique to the database. This identifier begins with the assigned multi-letter code GS-, which corresponds to the type of analysis performed on the sample (grain size analysis), followed by a six-digit number assigned sequentially as samples are registered for analysis. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey) Character string.
    Sample_ID
    The identification value assigned to the sample at the time of collection. This varies from field activity to field activity and the ID can contain any combination of letters and numbers. (Source: USGS East Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary) Character string.
    Project
    Name of project or project number under which samples were taken or data generated; sometimes project name indicates a more specific area. (Source: USGS East Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary) Character string.
    FAN
    Field Activity Number. The serial number assigned to the dataset field activity from which the sample belongs. This value is in the format YYYY-XXX-FA where YYYY is the year, XXX is the number assigned to the activity within the year, and FA indicates Field Activity. (Source: modified from USGS East Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary) Character string.
    SubmitterR
    Name of Principal Investigator or Chief Scientist responsible for data collection (usually first initial and last name) when available. (Source: modified from USGS East Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary) Character string.
    Area
    General geographic area of data collection. Name is general enough to easily locate area on a state map. (Source: USGS East Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary) Character string.
    Latitude
    Latitude coordinate, in decimal-degrees, of sample location in NAD83(2011). South latitude recorded as negative values. (Source: USGS East Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)
    Range of values
    Minimum:42.05081
    Maximum:42.05254
    Units:Decimal degrees
    Longitude
    Longitude coordinate, in decimal degrees, of sample location in NAD83(2011). West longitude is recorded as negative values. (Source: USGS East Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)
    Range of values
    Minimum:-70.07871
    Maximum:-70.07629
    Units:Decimal degrees
    Depth_m
    Measured depth, in meters, of water overlying sediment at sample time. Samples were collected from the surface at low tide, so depth is 0. (Source: USGS East Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:0
    Units:meters
    T_depth_cm
    Top depth of sample, in centimeters, below the sediment-air interface. (Source: USGS East Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:0
    Units:centimeters
    B_depth_cm
    Bottom depth of sample, in centimeters, below the sediment-air interface. (Source: USGS East Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)
    Range of values
    Minimum:2
    Maximum:2
    Units:centimeters
    Device
    Device used to collect the sample. (Source: USGS East Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)
    ValueDefinition
    Sampling scoopsample collected by hand with specialized trowel
    Collection_date
    Calendar date indicating when the sample was collected in the format MM/DD/YYYY where DD is the day of the month, MM is the numeric month, and YYYY is the year. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey) Character set
    Analysis_date
    Calendar date indicating when the sample completed analysis in the format MM/DD/YYYY where DD is the day of the month, MM is the numeric month, and YYYY is the year. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey) Character set
    Weight_g
    Weight of wet sample in grams. Resolution is based on instrument precision. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Range of values
    Minimum:21.3667
    Maximum:29.4721
    Units:grams
    Resolution:.0001
    Gravel_PCT
    Gravel content in percent dry weight of the sample (particles with nominal diameters greater than 2 mm; -1 phi and larger). Resolution is based on instrument precision. (Source: USGS East Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.0000
    Maximum:38.0803
    Units:weight percent
    Resolution:0.0001
    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). Resolution is based on instrument precision. (Source: USGS East Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)
    Range of values
    Minimum:61.9209
    Maximum:100.0000
    Units:weight percent
    Resolution:0.0001
    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). Resolution is based on instrument precision. (Source: USGS East Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.0000
    Maximum:2.1472
    Units:weight percent
    Resolution:0.0001
    Clay_PCT
    Clay content in percent dry weight of the sample (particles with nominal diameters less than 0.004 mm; less than 8 phi). Resolution is based on instrument precision. (Source: USGS East Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.0000
    Maximum:0.0678
    Units:weight percent
    Resolution:0.0001
    Classification
    Sediment description based on rigorous definition according to Shepard (1954) as modified by Schlee and Webster (1967), Schlee (1973), and Poppe and others (2014). These values represent the values as defined in the USGS East Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary that are present in this dataset. (Source: modified from USGS East Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)
    ValueDefinition
    gravelly sedimentgravel equal to or greater than 10 percent, but less than 50 percent
    sandsand equal to or greater than 75 percent
    Mean_Phi
    Average value in the grain size distribution in phi units using logarithmic method of moments. (Source: USGS East Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)
    Range of values
    Minimum:-1.64
    Maximum:0.88
    Units:phi
    Resolution:0.01
    StDev_Phi
    Standard deviation (root mean square of the deviations) of the grain size distribution using logarithmic method of moments. (Source: USGS East Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.40
    Maximum:2.59
    Units:phi
    Resolution:0.01
    Skewness_Phi
    Skewness (unitless deviation from symmetrical form) of the grain size distribution using logarithmic method of moments. (Source: modified from USGS East Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)
    Range of values
    Minimum:-1.75
    Maximum:3.61
    Units:phi
    Resolution:0.01
    Kurtosis_Phi
    Kurtosis (unitless degree of curvature near the mode) of the grain size distribution using logarithmic method of moments. (Source: modified from USGS East Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)
    Range of values
    Minimum:1.48
    Maximum:27.70
    Units:phi
    Resolution:0.01
    D90_Phi
    Diameter at which 90% of the sample mass is comprised of sediment particles with a diameter less than this value using logarithmic method of moments. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Range of values
    Minimum:-4.70
    Maximum:0.09
    Units:phi
    Resolution:0.01
    D75_Phi
    Diameter at which 75% of the sample mass is comprised of sediment particles with a diameter less than this value using logarithmic method of moments. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Range of values
    Minimum:-4.25
    Maximum:0.35
    Units:phi
    Resolution:0.01
    D50_Phi
    Diameter at which 50% of the sample mass is comprised of sediment particles with a diameter less than this value and 50% is larger; middle point in the grain size distribution using logarithmic method of moments. (Source: modified from USGS East Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)
    Range of values
    Minimum:-0.67
    Maximum:0.77
    Units:phi
    Resolution:0.01
    D25_Phi
    Diameter at which 25% of the sample mass is comprised of sediment particles with a diameter less than this value using logarithmic method of moments. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Range of values
    Minimum:-0.01
    Maximum:1.32
    Units:phi
    Resolution:0.01
    D10_Phi
    Diameter at which 10% of the sample mass is comprised of sediment particles with a diameter less than this value using logarithmic method of moments. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.59
    Maximum:1.81
    Units:phi
    Resolution:0.01
    Mean_um
    Average value in the grain size distribution using arithmetic method of moments. (Source: USGS East Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)
    Range of values
    Minimum:611.22
    Maximum:8409.30
    Units:microns
    Resolution:0.01
    StDev_um
    Standard deviation (root mean square of the deviations) of the grain size distribution using arithmetic method of moments. (Source: USGS East Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)
    Range of values
    Minimum:203.46
    Maximum:10260.81
    Units:microns
    Resolution:0.01
    Skewness_um
    Skewness (unitless deviation from symmetrical form) of the grain size distribution using arithmetic method of moments. (Source: modified from USGS East Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.69
    Maximum:4.67
    Units:microns
    Resolution:0.01
    Kurtosis_um
    Kurtosis (unitless degree of curvature near the mode) of the grain size distribution using arthmetic method of moments. (Source: modified from USGS East Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)
    Range of values
    Minimum:1.49
    Maximum:25.74
    Units:microns
    Resolution:0.01
    D10_um
    Diameter at which 10% of the sample mass is comprised of sediment particles with a diameter less than this value using arithmetic method of moments. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Range of values
    Minimum:371.30
    Maximum:854.80
    Units:microns
    Resolution:0.01
    D25_um
    Diameter at which 25% of the sample mass is comprised of sediment particles with a diameter less than this value using arithmetic method of moments. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Range of values
    Minimum:470.25
    Maximum:1026.19
    Units:microns
    Resolution:0.01
    D50_um
    Diameter at which 50% of the sample mass is comprised of sediment particles with a diameter less than this value and 50% is larger; middle point in the grain size distribution using arithmetic method of moments. (Source: modified from USGS East Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)
    Range of values
    Minimum:573.91
    Maximum:1307.50
    Units:microns
    Resolution:0.01
    D75_um
    Diameter at which 75% of the sample mass is comprised of sediment particles with a diameter less than this value using arithmetic method of moments. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Range of values
    Minimum:708.01
    Maximum:20021.99
    Units:microns
    Resolution:0.01
    D90_um
    Diameter at which 90% of the sample mass is comprised of sediment particles with a diameter less than this value using arithmetic method of moments. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Range of values
    Minimum:871.023
    Maximum:27208.80
    Units:microns
    Resolution:0.01
    Phi_16
    16 phi: weight percent of the sample in the 16 phi fraction and smaller (nominal diameter of particles greater than or equal to 0.000015625 mm, less than 0.00003125 mm); colloid. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:0
    Units:weight percent
    Resolution:0.001
    Phi_15
    15 phi: weight percent of the sample in the 15 phi fraction (nominal diameter of particles greater than or equal to 0.00003125 mm, less than 0.0000625 mm); colloid. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:0
    Units:weight percent
    Resolution:0.001
    Phi_14
    14 phi: weight percent of the sample in the 14 phi fraction (nominal diameter of particles greater than or equal to 0.0000625 mm, less than 0.000125 mm); colloid. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:0
    Units:weight percent
    Resolution:0.001
    Phi_13
    13 phi: weight percent of the sample in the 13 phi fraction (nominal diameter of particles greater than or equal to 0.000125 mm, less than 0.00025 mm); fine clay. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:0
    Units:weight percent
    Resolution:0.001
    Phi_12
    12 phi: weight percent of the sample in the 12 phi fraction (nominal diameter of particles greater than or equal to 0.00025 mm, but less than 0.0005 mm); fine clay. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:0
    Units:weight percent
    Resolution:0.001
    Phi_11
    11 phi: weight percent of the sample in the 11 phi fraction (nominal diameter of particles greater than or equal to 0.0005 mm, but less than 0.001 mm); fine clay. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:0
    Units:weight percent
    Resolution:0.001
    Phi_10
    10 phi: 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. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:0
    Units:weight percent
    Resolution:0.001
    Phi_9
    9 phi: 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. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:0.068
    Units:weight percent
    Resolution:0.001
    Phi_8
    8 phi: 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. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:0.864
    Units:weight percent
    Resolution:0.001
    Phi_7
    7 phi: 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. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:0.597
    Units:weight percent
    Resolution:0.001
    Phi_6
    6 phi: 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. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:0.657
    Units:weight percent
    Resolution:0.001
    Phi_5
    5 phi: 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. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:2.147
    Units:weight percent
    Resolution:0.001
    Phi_4
    4 phi: weight percent of the sample in the 4 phi fraction (nominal diameters of particles greater than or equal to .0625 mm, but less than 0.125 mm); very fine sand. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:4.120
    Units:weight percent
    Resolution:0.001
    Phi_3
    3 phi: 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. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:1.479
    Units:weight percent
    Resolution:0.001
    Phi_2
    2 phi: 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. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:35.45
    Units:weight percent
    Resolution:0.001
    Phi_1
    1 phi: 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. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Range of values
    Minimum:24.221
    Maximum:82.460
    Units:weight percent
    Resolution:0.001
    Phi_0
    0 phi: 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. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Range of values
    Minimum:4.4285
    Maximum:67.8375
    Units:weight percent
    Resolution:0.001
    Phi_M1
    -1 phi: 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). M is for minus. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:7.942
    Units:weight percent
    Resolution:0.001
    Phi_M2
    -2 phi: 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. M is for minus. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:12.764
    Units:weight percent
    Resolution:0.001
    Phi_M3
    -3 phi: 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. M is for minus. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:10.456
    Units:weight percent
    Resolution:0.001
    Phi_M4
    -4 phi: 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. M is for minus. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:33.395
    Units:weight percent
    Resolution:0.001
    Phi_M5
    -5 phi: weight percent of the sample in the -5 phi fraction (nominal diameter of particles greater than or equal to 32 mm, but less than 64 mm); very coarse pebbles. M is for minus. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:0
    Units:weight percent
    Resolution:0.001
    Phi_M6
    -6 phi: weight percent of the sample in the -6 phi fraction and larger (nominal diameter of particles greater than or equal to 64 mm, but less than 128 mm); cobbles. M is for minus. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:0
    Units:weight percent
    Resolution:0.001
    Analyst
    Name (usually first, middle, and last initials) of person who performed the grain size or physical properties analysis. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey) Character set
    Quality_grade
    Samples are assigned a quality grade based on the examination of the analytical data. Data quality grades may be determined by several factors, such as consistency with samples collected from a geospatially adjacent location and consistency between replicate runs, and any comments or notes that indicate the data for a particular sample may be suspect are included in the results table for that sample under "comments". When considering replicate run values, if there is over a 10% difference between relative fraction percentages in this sample and the replicate, a quality grade of B will be assigned, over 15% would be assigned a C, and over 20% would be assigned a D. Quality grades for sample data that do not have any additional comments are assigned based on the calculated percent difference between the weights of the coarse fraction remaining after wet sieving and the sum of all of the weighed fractions after dry sieving the coarse fraction, indicating an estimated differing amount of material which could skew the calculated grain size results: A = percent differences between 0% and ±1.5%, B = percent differences between ±1.5% and ±3%, C = percent differences between ±3% and ±4.5%, and D = percent differences greater than ±4.5%. The quality grade is followed by a hyphen and the initials of the person who assigned the grade: BJB is Brian J Buczkowski; JDC is Jason D Chaytor; SJW is Sarah J Widlansky. (Source: modified from USGS East Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)
    ValueDefinition
    APercent differences between 0% and ±1.5%, there is less than 10% difference in relative fraction percentages between this sample and the replicate, or the results are consistent with expected values.
    BPercent differences between ±1.5% and ±3%, there is greater than 10% and less than 15% difference in relative fraction percentages between this sample and the replicate, or the results are generally consistent with expected values.
    CPercent differences between ±3% and ±4.5%, there is greater than 15% and less than 20% difference in relative fraction percentages between this sample and the replicate, or the results are somewhat consistent with expected values.
    DPercent differences greater than ±4.5%, there is greater than 20% difference in relative fraction percentages between this sample and the replicate, or the results are inconsistent with expected values.
    Comments
    Relevant comments on analytical observations or anomalies that may affect the quality of the data. Entries with no comments are left blank. (Source: U.S. Geological Survey) Character set
    Entity_and_Attribute_Overview:
    These attribute definitions describe each column of information in the Excel .xlsx and .csv spreadsheet that contain 28 data entries. The first row of the spreadsheet is the column heading in the CSV, see the Process Steps for information in the naming conventions. Trailing and leading zeros may not appear in the csv and so some values may not display as many significant digits as described. Attribute resolutions beyond the hundredths place are reported based on instrument precision and may not reflect meaningful significant figures when used in the interpretation of the sediment samples. The replicates are included in the shapefile so that there are two points at each sample location.
    Entity_and_Attribute_Detail_Citation:
    U.S. Geological Survey East-Coast Sediment Texture Database: http://woodshole.er.usgs.gov/project-pages/sediment/

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?
    Jin-Si Over
    U.S. Geological Survey
    U.S. Geological Survey
    Woods Hole, MA

    508-548-8700 x2269 (voice)
    jover@usgs.gov

Why was the data set created?

These sediment samples analyzed for grain-size composition will be used to describe the surficial substrates present in the study area.

How was the data set created?

  1. From what previous works were the data drawn?
  2. How were the data generated, processed, and modified?
    Date: 04-Mar-2020 (process 1 of 6)
    Samples were collected from the lowest exposed beach at low tide to the base of the bluff along three shore perpendicular profiles. Sand was collected with a small rectangular spade from the upper 2 cm of the beach and placed into a labeled plastic bag for grain-size analysis. Person who carried out this activity:
    Eric Marsjanik
    U.S Geological Survey
    Electronics Technician
    384 Woods Hole Rd
    Woods Hole, MA

    508-458-8700 x2216 (voice)
    emarsjanik@usgs.gov
    Date: 29-Sep-2020 (process 2 of 6)
    Samples submitted to the sediment analysis laboratory for grain size analysis using the Horiba laser diffraction unit (LA-960) and sieving of the ≥ -2 phi fraction are assigned unique analysis identifiers (ANALYSIS_ID) and divided into batches of no more than 30 samples. Each batch is entered into a Microsoft Excel data entry spreadsheet (LD Worksheet Template_xxxx.xlsx, where xxxx is the identifier assigned to the sample submission - in this case CS15) to record the initial and dried sample weights, as well as the sieved coarse fraction weights. Each batch is also entered into macro-enabled Microsoft Excel data entry spreadsheets (GrainSizeWorksheet_LD1-30_xxxx(batch_yy).xlsm or GrainSizeWorksheet_LD31-600_xxxx(batch_yy).xlsm, where xxxx is the identifier assigned to the sample submission, “LD1-30” and “LD31-60” refer to the pre-labeled and weighed glass laser diffraction vials the samples will be run in, and “batch_yy” refers to the sample batch) to record the measurement data coming from the laser diffraction unit and incorporate the initial, dried, and sieved weights.
    About 20-30 grams of wet sediment are placed in a pre-weighed beaker and the gross weight is recorded. The sample is wet sieved through a 4 mm (No. 5) sieve. If there is any coarse fraction remaining in the sieve the coarse material is oven dried at 100°C in a pre-weighed beaker and weighed again when dry. This coarse fraction is dry sieved to determine the individual weights of the -2 to -5 phi fractions, and the weights are recorded in the data entry spreadsheet LD Worksheet Template_xxxx.xlsx. The fine fraction in water is collected in a pre-labeled and weighed glass laser diffraction vial. If there is any coarse fraction remaining in the sieve from wet sieving, this vial is also oven dried at 100°C and weighed when dry. If there is no coarse fraction remaining from wet sieving the sample can proceed directly to processing for analyses by the Horiba laser diffraction unit (LA-960).
    Fine fractions ready for analysis by the Horiba laser diffraction unit are rehydrated with distilled water if they’ve been dry. Fifteen (15) ml of pre-mixed 40 g/l sodium hexametaphosphate [(NaPO3)6] are added to each sample. If the height of the fluid in the laser diffraction vial is less than 5 cm, more distilled water is added to raise the level to no more than 8 cm in the vial. The samples are gently stirred, covered, and allowed to soak for at least 1 hour (for samples that were not dried) up to 24 hours (for samples that were dried). Soaked vials are placed into an ultrasonic bath and run for 10 minutes at a frequency of 37 Hz with a power level of 100. If the samples appear to be fully disaggregated, they are placed into pre-determined autosampler locations, and are run using the Horiba LA-960 for Windows software to get the fine fraction grain size distributions. The fine fraction distribution data are added to the appropriate data entry spreadsheets (GrainSizeWorksheet_LD1-30_xxxx(batch_yy).xlsm or GrainSizeWorksheet_LD31-600_xxxx(batch_yy).xlsm). The spreadsheet is used to calculate a continuous phi class distribution from the original fractions.
    Date: 29-Sep-2020 (process 3 of 6)
    Continuous phi class distribution from the original fractions are transposed to the "results" tab in the macro-enabled Microsoft Excel data entry workbook (GrainSizeWorksheet_LD1-30_xxxx(batch_yy).xlsm or GrainSizeWorksheet_LD31-600_xxxx(batch_yy).xlsm, “LD1-30” and “LD31-60” refer to the pre-labeled and weighed glass laser diffraction vials the samples will be run in, and “batch_yy” refer to the sample batch). Macros in the workbook (“GS_MoM_Arithmetic,” "GS_statistics," and "sedimentname") are run to calculate grain size classification and statistical analyses and finish processing the data. Sample, navigation, and field identifiers, along with continuous phi class distribution data, grain size classification, and statistical analysis results are copied and pasted into a final Microsoft Excel spreadsheet (xxxx_GS-LD_results.xlsx). The processed data are quality control checked and assigned a quality grade based on the examination of the analytical data. Processed data are released to the submitter and incorporated into the laboratory's database. All raw analytical data generated by the samples are archived in the sediment analysis laboratory. Person who carried out this activity:
    Brian Buczkowski
    U.S. Geological Survey
    Lab Manager
    384 Woods Hole Road
    Woods Hole, MA

    (508) 548-8700 x2310 (voice)
    bbuczkowski@usgs.gov
    Date: 09-Jun-2021 (process 4 of 6)
    Corrected a thesaurus keyword on 20210514. Fixed a problem in this process tep process date on 20210609 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: Sep-2023 (process 5 of 6)
    Version 2.0: Grain size data were reprocessed in September 2023 as part of a corrective action taken after an issue was identified in the Microsoft Excel data processing workbook (version 1.0) used to calculate grain size statistics and phi class distributions from raw data obtained from the Sediment Lab's Horiba LA-960 laser diffraction unit. Data coming from the instrument and weights recorded from sieving were not faulty. An error was found in a formula embedded in the workbook that translates data originally formatted in columns into rows. There are 96 bins of particle size distribution information recorded for each sample run on the instrument. The error resulted in a shifting of data by one bin (the values in bin number one in the column of data coming from the machine were translated into the position for bin number 2 in the corresponding row, and so on). Overall, the resulting data coming from version 1.0 of the processing workbook are affected by a slight shift in grainsize distribution. This error in the formula was corrected in September 2023 and a new version of the workbook (version 2.1) was generated and approved for use in the Sediment Lab. In addition, labeling for the logarithmic d10, d25, d75 and d90 headings was updated. Note the differing order of these values between Logarithmic and Arithmetic Method of Moments statistics. All affected grain size datasets using data from the laser diffraction unit have been reprocessed, reviewed, and prepared for release. Person who carried out this activity:
    Brian Buczkowski
    U.S. Geological Survey
    Physical Scientist, Lab Manager
    384 Woods Hole Road
    Woods Hole, MA

    (508) 548-8700 x2361 (voice)
    gs-wh_sedlab@usgs.gov
    Date: 07-Dec-2023 (process 6 of 6)
    The updated Excel file received from the sediment lab is provided and was renamed to 2021022FA_Marconi_sedsamples_v2.xlsx and then converted to a CSV with the same name. The CSV has data values with the established resolution in the attribute section below, the excel file has significant figures beyond the instrument precision. The CSV file column headers were edited to be lowercase and modified slightly to facilitate readability and the shapefile conversion because Esri headers do not accept spaces, -, (), or /. The CSV file does not have the first row of the excel file that labels columns U-AC as “Methods of Moments Statistics – Logarithmic (phi)”, columns AD-AL as “Methods of Moments Statistics – Arithmetic (micrometers)”, and columns AM-BH as “Distribution (phi)”.
    Modifications not related to capitalization or changing spaces to underscores include T_DEPTH to T_depth_cm, B_DEPTH to B_depth_cm, DATE_COLLECTED to Collection_date, ANALYSIS COMPLETION DATE to Analysis_date, WEIGHT to weight_g, CLASSIFICATION (SHEPARD) to Classification, MEDIAN (D50) to D50, and QA/QC COMMENTS to Comments. Additional changes include adding _phi to the headers in columns U-AC, adding _um to the headers in columns AD-AL, and all minus signs were replaced with M.
    Using ArcPro 3.0.0, the CSV file was converted to a shapefile (2020015FA_truro_sedsamples_v2.shp) within ArcPro using the tool 'XY Table to Point' where the X Field was longitude and the Y Field was latitude. The coordinate system of the input coordinates was set to NAD83[2011]. All attributes from the grain-size analysis CSV are included in the shapefile but the headers only show the first 10 characters due to ArcPro limitations. Person who carried out this activity:
    Jin-Si Over
    U.S Geological Survey
    Geographer
    384 Woods Hole Rd
    Woods Hole, MA

    508-458-8700 x2269 (voice)
    jover@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?
    Laboratory analyses were conducted at USGS Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center Sediment Laboratory using a Horiba laser diffraction (LA-960) size analyzer with manufacturer guaranteed accuracy of +/- 0.6%. Performance verified on every unit with NIST-traceable mono- and polydisperse size standards.
  2. How accurate are the geographic locations?
    Location information was taken with a handheld GPS with an estimated horizontal accuracy of 5 meters.
  3. How accurate are the heights or depths?
    No elevation data were recorded when samples were collected from the surface. The elevations of the sample may be extracted in geospatial software using the Digital Surface Model (DSM) in the larger citation (2020015FA_Truro_topography.tif) and the sediment samples shapefiles; the total vertical error in the DSM is 0.21 meters.
  4. Where are the gaps in the data? What is missing?
    Fourteen sediment samples were collected and processed in duplicate. Users are advised to read the rest of the metadata record carefully for additional details.
  5. How consistent are the relationships among the observations, including topology?
    The location information was taken with a handheld GPS unit. The grain size data are the original files returned to the scientist after analysis in the Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center, these data were checked and only modifications to the header titles have been made to the file.

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)
    U.S. Geological Survey
    Attn: Jin-Si Over
    Geographer
    384 Woods Hole Road
    Woods Hole, MA

    508-458-8700 x2269 (voice)
    jover@usgs.gov
  2. What's the catalog number I need to order this data set? 2020015FA_Truro_sedsamples_v2.zip contains the sediment sample analysis data in three formats; a CSV file (2020015FA_Truro_sedsamples_v2.csv), Excel File (2020015FA_Truro_sedsamples_v2.xlsx), and a shapefile (2020015FA_truro_sedsamples_v2.shp and additional files that make up a shapefile).
  3. What legal disclaimers am I supposed to read?
    Unless otherwise stated, all data, metadata and related materials are considered to satisfy the quality standards relative to the purpose for which the data were collected. Although these data and associated metadata have been reviewed for accuracy and completeness and approved for release by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), no warranty expressed or implied is made regarding the display or utility of the data for other purposes, nor on all computer systems, nor shall the act of distribution constitute any such warranty. Although these data have been processed successfully on a computer system at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), no warranty expressed or implied is made regarding the display or utility of the data for other purposes, nor on all computer systems, nor shall the act of distribution constitute any such warranty. The USGS or the U.S. Government shall not be held liable for improper or incorrect use of the data described and/or contained herein.
  4. How can I download or order the data?
  5. What hardware or software do I need in order to use the data set?
    The zip file contains data in XLSX, CSV, and Esri shapefile formats. The user must have software capable of uncompressing the zip file and reading the data formats.

Who wrote the metadata?

Dates:
Last modified: 13-Dec-2023
Metadata author:
Jin-Si Over
U.S. Geological Survey
Geographer
U.S. Geological Survey
Woods Hole, MA

508-548-8700 x2269 (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.
Metadata standard:
Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata (FGDC-STD-001-1998)
This page is <https://cmgds.marine.usgs.gov/catalog/whcmsc/field_activities/2020_015_fa/2020015FA_Truro_sedsamples_meta_v2.faq.html>
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