ECSTDB2005 - U.S. Geological Survey East Coast Sediment Texture Database (2005)

Frequently anticipated questions:

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

What does this data set describe?

1. How might this data set be cited?
   U.S. Geological Survey, 200508, ECSTDB2005 - U.S. Geological Survey East Coast Sediment Texture Database (2005): Open-File Report 2005-1001, U.S. Geological Survey, Coastal and Marine Geology Program, Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center, Woods Hole, MA.

   Online Links:

   • https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr20051001
   • https://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2005/1001/data/surficial_sediments/ecstdb2005.zip
   • https://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2005/1001/htmldocs/datacatalog.htm

   This is part of the following larger work.
   Poppe, L.J., Williams, S.J., and Paskevich, V.F., 2005, USGS East-Coast Sediment Analysis: Procedures, Database, and GIS Data: Open-File Report 2005-1001, U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, VA.

   Online Links:

   • https://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2005/1001/

   Other_Citation_Details: 1 DVD-ROM
   

2. What geographic area does the data set cover?

   West_Bounding_Coordinate: -170.520000
   East_Bounding_Coordinate: 123.556830
   North_Bounding_Coordinate: 69.460900
   South_Bounding_Coordinate: -16.232067
   

3. What does it look like?

   https://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2005/1001/data/surficial_sediments/ecstdb2005-world-thumb.gif (GIF)

   Thumbnail image showing location of USGS East Coast surficial sediment samples (ecstdb2005) displayed on world map

   https://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2005/1001/data/surficial_sediments/ecstdb2005-world.gif (JPEG)

   Location of USGS East Coast surficial sediment samples (ecstdb2005) displayed on world map

   https://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2005/1001/data/surficial_sediments/ecstdb2005.jpg (JPEG)

   Image showring location and classification of USGS East Coast Sediment Texture Database surficial samples plotted along the U.S. Atlantic East Coast.

4. Does the data set describe conditions during a particular time period?

   Beginning_Date: 1955

   Ending_Date: 2004

   Currentness_Reference:

   ground condition

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 Point data set. It contains the following vector data types (SDTS terminology):
      • Entity point (23308)
   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 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?

   ecstdb2005

   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.

   GROUP

   Number assigned to data based on source. (Source: USGS East Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)

   Value	Definition
   1	Samples taken before start of the joint USGS/WHOI project.
   2	USGS/WHOI Atlantic Continental Margin Program stations
   3	samples analyzed by the USGS Branch of Atlantic Marine Geology Sediment Laboratory

   DB_ID

   Unique identification number generated in the sedimentation laboratory of the USGS's Woods Hole Science Center. For samples analyzed after 1980 this identifier consists of 2 characters and 3 numerics (e.g. AS114). For samples analyzed prior to 1980, this identifier consists of 4 numerics possibly followed by as many as 2 characters. (Source: USGS East Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary) Information unavailable from original metadata.

   FIELD_NO

   Sample name or number as assigned in the field by the Chief Scientist (Source: USGS East Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary) Information unavailable from original metadata.

   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 of width 21.

   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. (Source: USGS East Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary) Character string of width 21.

   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 of width 12.

   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 of width 33.

   LATITUDE

   Latitude coordinate, in decimal-degrees, of sample location. South latitude recorded as negative values. (Source: USGS East Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)

   Range of values
   Minimum:	-16.2320670
   Maximum:	69.4609
   Units:	signed decimal degrees
   Resolution:	.00000001

   LONGITUDE

   Longitude coordinate, in decimal degrees, of sample location. West longitude is recorded as negative values. (Source: USGS East Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)

   Range of values
   Minimum:	-170.52
   Maximum:	123.55683
   Units:	signed decimal degrees
   Resolution:	.00000001

   DEPTH_M

   Measured depth of water overlying sediment at sample time, not corrected for tides, in (Source: USGS Eastcoast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)

   Range of values
   Minimum:	0.00
   Maximum:	5001.00
   Units:	meters
   Resolution:	.01

   T_DEPTH

   Top depth of the sample below the sediment-water interface, in centimeters (Source: USGS Eastcoast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)

   Range of values
   Minimum:	0
   Maximum:	115049
   Units:	centimeters
   Resolution:	1

   B_DEPTH

   Bottom depth of the sample below the sediment-water interface, in centimeters (Source: USGS Eastcoast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)

   Range of values
   Minimum:	0
   Maximum:	115054
   Units:	centimeters
   Resolution:	1

   DEVICE

   Device used to collect the sample. (Source: USGS Eastcoast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)

   Value	Definition
   1 METER PLANKTON NET	Information unavailable from original metadata.
   1-METER DREDGE	Information unavailable from original metadata.
   3/4 METER PLANKTON NE	Information unavailable from original metadata.
   35MM STEREO CAMERA+DRED	Information unavailable from original metadata.
   ANCHOR DREDG	Information unavailable from original metadata.
   ANCHOR FLUKES	Information unavailable from original metadata.
   ANCHOR SAMPLE	Information unavailable from original metadata.
   BLAKE TRAWL	Information unavailable from original metadata.
   BOOMERANG CORER	Information unavailable from original metadata.
   BOT DRIFTER SALINOMETER	Information unavailable from original metadata.
   BOTTOM DRIFTER	Information unavailable from original metadata.
   BOTTOM DRIFTER BUG	Information unavailable from original metadata.
   BOTTOM SKIMMER	Information unavailable from original metadata.
   BOX CORE	Information unavailable from original metadata.
   BOX SAMPLER	Information unavailable from original metadata.
   CAM GRAB W/O CAM+PLANK T	Information unavailable from original metadata.
   CAMERA SLED	Information unavailable from original metadata.
   CAMPBELL GRAB W/ CAMERA	Information unavailable from original metadata.
   CAMPBELL GRAB W/O CAMERA	Information unavailable from original metadata.
   CHAIN BAG	Information unavailable from original metadata.
   CHAIN BAG DREDGE	Information unavailable from original metadata.
   CHAIN BAG+PIPE DREDGE	Information unavailable from original metadata.
   CHAIN BAG+SM PIPE DREDGE	Information unavailable from original metadata.
   CHAIN BAG+PIPE	Information unavailable from original metadata.
   CHAIN BAG+PIPE DREDGE	Information unavailable from original metadata.
   CHAIN BAG+SM PIPE	Information unavailable from original metadata.
   CHAIN BAG+SM PIPE DREDGE	Information unavailable from original metadata.
   CHAIN DREDGE	Information unavailable from original metadata.
   CORING TUBE IN MECH ARM	Information unavailable from original metadata.
   D-L SNAPPER	Information unavailable from original metadata.
   D-L SNAPPER + DREDGE	Information unavailable from original metadata.
   D-L SNAPPER + GRAV COR	Information unavailable from original metadata.
   DIETZ-LAFOND	Information unavailable from original metadata.
   DIETZ-LAFOND GRAB	Information unavailable from original metadata.
   DIETZ-LAFOND SNAPPER	Information unavailable from original metadata.
   DIGBY DREDGE	Information unavailable from original metadata.
   DIGBY DREDGE W/ CNVS BAG	Information unavailable from original metadata.
   DRAG DREDGE	Information unavailable from original metadata.
   DREDGE	Information unavailable from original metadata.
   Drilled Sample	Information unavailable from original metadata.
   DRILLED SAMPLE	Information unavailable from original metadata.
   EDGERTON CAMERA	Information unavailable from original metadata.
   GOS ANCHOR CHAIN	Information unavailable from original metadata.
   GRAB SAMPLER	Information unavailable from original metadata.
   GRAPPLING HOOK	Information unavailable from original metadata.
   GRAVITY CORER	Information unavailable from original metadata.
   HAND SAMPLE	Information unavailable from original metadata.
   Hand Sample	Information unavailable from original metadata.
   HYDROSTATIC CORE	Information unavailable from original metadata.
   HYDROSTATIC CORER	Information unavailable from original metadata.
   Hydrostatic CORER	Information unavailable from original metadata.
   IKU GRAB	Information unavailable from original metadata.
   JAPANESE DREDGE	Information unavailable from original metadata.
   M-VV GRAB + D-LF SNAPPER	Information unavailable from original metadata.
   M-VV GRAB + GRAVITY CORE	modified Van Veen grab sampler and gravity corer
   MECH ARM + CORE DRILL	Information unavailable from original metadata.
   MECH ARM W/ CORER	Information unavailable from original metadata.
   MECH ARM W/ PRY BAR	Information unavailable from original metadata.
   MECHANICAL ARM	Information unavailable from original metadata.
   MINIATURE VAN VEEN	Information unavailable from original metadata.
   MINIATURE VAN VEEN W/O C.	Information unavailable from original metadata.
   MODIFIED PIERCE DREDGE	Information unavailable from original metadata.
   NA	Information unavailable from original metadata.
   NATURALIST DREDGE	Information unavailable from original metadata.
   NISKIN SAMPLER	Information unavailable from original metadata.
   OTHER	Information unavailable from original metadata.
   PAUL CORER	Information unavailable from original metadata.
   PIPE DREDGE	Information unavailable from original metadata.
   PIPE DREDGE AND D-L SNAP	Information unavailable from original metadata.
   PIPE DREDGE, 12 INCH	Information unavailable from original metadata.
   PISTON CORER	Information unavailable from original metadata.
   PONAR SAMPLER	Information unavailable from original metadata.
   PULSE AUGER	Information unavailable from original metadata.
   PUSH CORER	Information unavailable from original metadata.
   Pulse Auger	Information unavailable from original metadata.
   RAKED INTO BASKET W/ ARM	Information unavailable from original metadata.
   RING NET	Information unavailable from original metadata.
   ROCKER DREDGE	Information unavailable from original metadata.
   ROTARY CORER	Information unavailable from original metadata.
   ROTOSONIC CORER	Information unavailable from original metadata.
   SALINOMETER, VANDORN BOTS	Information unavailable from original metadata.
   SCALLOP DREDGE	Information unavailable from original metadata.
   SCOOP FISH	Information unavailable from original metadata.
   SEDIMENT TRAP	Information unavailable from original metadata.
   SHIPEK GRAB	Information unavailable from original metadata.
   SMALL VAN VEEN	small Van Veen grab sampler
   SMITH-MAC+MIN W, CAMERA	Information unavailable from original metadata.
   SMITH-MACINTYRE GRAB	Smith-MacIntyre grab sampler
   SMITH-MACINTYRE W/ CAMERA	Information unavailable from original metadata.
   SMITH-MACINTYRE W/O CAMERA	Information unavailable from original metadata.
   SMITH/MAC AND NISKIN SPL	Information unavailable from original metadata.
   SUBMERSIBLE SAMPLE	Information unavailable from original metadata.
   Submersible Sample	Information unavailable from original metadata.
   TRAWL	Information unavailable from original metadata.
   TRIGGER CORE	Information unavailable from original metadata.
   UNKNOWN	Information unavailable from original metadata.
   VAN VEEN AND CORE	Information unavailable from original metadata.
   VAN VEEN GRAB	sample collected with Van Veen grab sampler
   Van Veen Grab	sample collected with Van Veen grab sampler
   VIBRA CORE	Information unavailable from original metadata.
   VISUAL OBSERVATION	Information unavailable from original metadata.
   VV GRAB + D-L SNAPPER	Information unavailable from original metadata.
   WATER PUMP ONLY	Information unavailable from original metadata.

   Character string of width 28.

   MONTH_COLL

   Calendar month sample collected (Source: USGS Eastcoast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)

   Value	Definition
   blank	Month sample was collected is unknown.

   Range of values
   Minimum:	1
   Maximum:	12
   Units:	month of year
   Resolution:	1

   DAY_COLL

   Calendar day sample collected (Source: USGS Eastcoast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)

   Value	Definition
   blank	Day sample was collected is unknown.

   Range of values
   Minimum:	1
   Maximum:	31
   Units:	day of month
   Resolution:	1

   YEAR_COLL

   Calendar year sample collected (Source: USGS Eastcoast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)

   Value	Definition
   blank	Year sample connected is unknown.

   Range of values
   Minimum:	1955
   Maximum:	2004
   Units:	year
   Resolution:	1

   MONTH_ANAL

   Calendar month sample analyzed (Source: USGS Eastcoast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)

   Value	Definition
   blank	Month sample was analyzed is unknown

   Range of values
   Minimum:	1
   Maximum:	12
   Units:	month of year
   Resolution:	1

   DAY_ANAL

   Calendar day sample analyzed (Source: USGS Eastcoast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)

   Value	Definition
   blank	Month sample was analyzed is unknown.

   Range of values
   Minimum:	1
   Maximum:	31
   Units:	day of month
   Resolution:	1

   YEAR_ANAL

   Calendar year sample analyzed (Source: USGS Eastcoast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)

   Value	Definition
   blank	Year sample was analyzed is unknown.

   Range of values
   Minimum:	1969
   Maximum:	2000
   Units:	year
   Resolution:	1

   WEIGHT

   Weight of wet sample in grams (Source: USGS Eastcoast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)

   Value	Definition
   (blank)	Weight not computed or recorded.

   Range of values
   Minimum:	0
   Maximum:	9086.1
   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) (Source: USGS Eastcoast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)

   Value	Definition
   blank	Value not computed or available for sample.

   Range of values
   Minimum:	0.00
   Maximum:	100.00
   Units:	percent
   Resolution:	.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 ) (Source: USGS Eastcoast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)

   Value	Definition
   blank	Value not computed or available for sample.

   Range of values
   Minimum:	0.00
   Maximum:	103.02
   Units:	percent
   Resolution:	.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) (Source: USGS Eastcoast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)

   Value	Definition
   blank	Value not computed or available for sample.

   Range of values
   Minimum:	0.00
   Maximum:	100.00
   Units:	percent
   Resolution:	.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) (Source: USGS Eastcoast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)

   Value	Definition
   blank	Value not computed or available for sample.

   Range of values
   Minimum:	0.00
   Maximum:	94.71
   Units:	percent
   Resolution:	.01

   CLASSIFICA

   Sediment Classification - Sediment description based on a rigorous definition, usually Shepard, 1954 (Source: USGS East Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)

   Value	Definition
   BEDROCK	exposed solid rock
   BOULDERS	gravel whose main phase is <256 mm (usually >50%)
   CLAY	sediment whose main phase is <4 microns (usually >50%)
   CLAYEY SAND	sediment whose main phase is sand (>50%) with significant clay
   CLAYEY SILT	sediment whose main phase is silt (>50%) with significant clay
   GRAVEL	sediment whose main phase is >2 mm ( ususlly >50%)
   GRAVELLY SEDIMENT	sediment with significant amounts of gravel (>10%, but <50%)
   SAND	sediment whose main phase is <2 mm, but >.062 mm
   SAND SILT CLAY	sediment with sand, silt, and clay concentrations all >20%
   SANDY CLAY	sediment whose main phase is clay (>50%) with significant sand
   SANDY SILT	sediment whose main phase is silt (>50%) with significant sand
   SILT	sediment whose main phase is <0.62 mm, but >4 microns
   SILTY CLAY	sediment whose main phase is clay (>50%) with significant silt
   SILTY SAND	sediment whose main phase is sand (>50%) with significant silt

   Character string of width 19.

   MEDIAN

   Middle point in the grain size distribution in phi units (Source: USGS Eastcoast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)

   Value	Definition
   blank	Value not computed or available for sample.

   Range of values
   Minimum:	-7.35
   Maximum:	10.74
   Units:	phi
   Resolution:	.01

   MEAN

   Average value in the grain size distribution in phi units (Source: USGS Eastcoast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)

   Value	Definition
   blank	Value not computed or available for sample.

   Range of values
   Minimum:	-5.93
   Maximum:	10.62
   Units:	phi
   Resolution:	.01

   STDEV

   Standard deviation (root mean square of the deviations) of the grain size distribution in phi units (sorting) (Source: USGS Eastcoast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)

   Value	Definition
   blank	Value not computed or available for sample.

   Range of values
   Minimum:	-0.08
   Maximum:	7.16
   Units:	phi
   Resolution:	.01

   SKEWNESS

   Skewness (deviation from symmetrical form) of the grain size distribution in phi units (Source: USGS Eastcoast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)

   Value	Definition
   blank	Value not computed or available for sample.

   Range of values
   Minimum:	-4217.60
   Maximum:	123907.67
   Units:	phi
   Resolution:	.01

   KURTOSIS

   Kurtosis (degree of curvature near the mode) of the grain size distribution in phi units (Source: USGS Eastcoast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)

   Value	Definition
   blank	Value not computed or available for sample.

   Range of values
   Minimum:	-968709.00
   Maximum:	357391.91
   Units:	phi
   Resolution:	.01

   MODE1CLASS

   Mode 1 class - First mode (particle size that occurs the most number of times) in phi units (Source: USGS East Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)

   Value	Definition
   blank	Value not computed or available for sample.

   Range of values
   Minimum:	-7.500
   Maximum:	10.600

   MODE1FREQ

   Mode 1 strength - Modal strength of the first mode in percent (Source: USGS East Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)

   Value	Definition
   blank	Value not computed or available for sample.

   Range of values
   Minimum:	0.00
   Maximum:	100.00
   Units:	percent
   Resolution:	.01

   MODE2CLASS

   Mode 2 class - Second mode in phi units (Source: USGS East Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)

   Value	Definition
   blank	Value not computed or available for sample.

   Range of values
   Minimum:	-7.50
   Maximum:	13.40
   Units:	phi
   Resolution:	.01

   MODE2FREQ

   Mode 2 strength - Modal strength of the second mode in percent (Source: USGS East Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)

   Value	Definition
   blank	Value not computed or available for sample.

   Range of values
   Minimum:	0.00
   Maximum:	60.50
   Units:	percent
   Resolution:	.01

   MODE3CLASS

   Mode 3 class - Third mode in phi units (Source: USGS East Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)

   Range of values
   Minimum:	-6.50
   Maximum:	15.40
   Units:	phi
   Resolution:	.01

   MODE3FREQ

   Mode 3 strength - Modal strength of the third mode in percent (Source: USGS East Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)

   Value	Definition
   blank	Value not computed or available for sample.

   Range of values
   Minimum:	-2.50
   Maximum:	18.15
   Units:	percent
   Resolution:	.01

   NMODES

   Number of modes (Source: USGS East Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)

   Value	Definition
   blank	Value not computed or available for sample.

   Range of values
   Minimum:	0
   Maximum:	5
   Units:	integer count
   Resolution:	1

   PHIM5

   -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 (Source: USGS East Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)

   Range of values
   Minimum:	0.00
   Maximum:	100.00
   Units:	percent
   Resolution:	.01

   PHIM4

   -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 (Source: USGS East Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)

   Range of values
   Minimum:	0.00
   Maximum:	100.00
   Units:	percent
   Resolution:	.01

   PHIM3

   -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 (Source: USGS East Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)

   Range of values
   Minimum:	0.00
   Maximum:	100.00
   Units:	percent
   Resolution:	.01

   PHIM2

   -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 (Source: USGS East Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)

   Range of values
   Minimum:	-1.00
   Maximum:	64.43
   Units:	percent
   Resolution:	.01

   PHIM1

   -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) (Source: USGS East Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)

   Range of values
   Minimum:	0.00
   Maximum:	97.00
   Units:	percent
   Resolution:	.01

   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: USGS East Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)

   Range of values
   Minimum:	-19.73
   Maximum:	86.00
   Units:	percent
   Resolution:	.01

   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: USGS East Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)

   Range of values
   Minimum:	0.00
   Maximum:	92.67
   Units:	percent
   Resolution:	.01

   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: USGS East Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)

   Range of values
   Minimum:	0.00
   Maximum:	96.00
   Units:	percent
   Resolution:	.01

   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: USGS East Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)

   Range of values
   Minimum:	0.00
   Maximum:	94.66
   Units:	percent
   Resolution:	.01

   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: USGS East Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)

   Range of values
   Minimum:	0.00
   Maximum:	92.75
   Units:	percent
   Resolution:	.01

   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: USGS East Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)

   Range of values
   Minimum:	0.00
   Maximum:	80.51
   Units:	percent
   Resolution:	.01

   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: USGS East Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)

   Range of values
   Minimum:	0.00
   Maximum:	68.32
   Units:	percent
   Resolution:	.01

   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: USGS East Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)

   Range of values
   Minimum:	0.00
   Maximum:	47.57
   Units:	percent
   Resolution:	.01

   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: USGS East Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)

   Range of values
   Minimum:	0.00
   Maximum:	47.90
   Units:	percent
   Resolution:	.01

   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: USGS East Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)

   Range of values
   Minimum:	-3.87
   Maximum:	45.55
   Units:	percent
   Resolution:	.01

   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: USGS East Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)

   Range of values
   Minimum:	0.00
   Maximum:	54.63
   Units:	percent
   Resolution:	.01

   PHI_11

   11 Phi - Weight percent of the sample in the 11 phi fraction (nominal diameter of particles greater than or equal to 0.5 µm, but less than 0.001 mm); fine clay (Source: USGS East Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)

   Range of values
   Minimum:	0.00
   Maximum:	55.71
   Units:	percent
   Resolution:	.01

   ANALYST

   Name(usually first initial and last name) of person who performed the grain size or physical properties analysis (Source: USGS East Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary) Character string of width 43.

   ANAL_COMM

   Comments on analyses - 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 of width 154.

   LITHOLOGY

   General lithologic description of sample (Source: USGS East Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary) Character string of width 72.

   COMMENTS

   Comments on sample collection or lithology (Source: USGS East Coast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary) Character string of width 66.

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?

   The U.S. Geological Survey must be referenced as the originator of the dataset in any future products or research derived from these data.

3. To whom should users address questions about the data?
   Larry Poppe

   U.S. Geological Survey

   Geologist

   384 Woods Hole Road

   Woods Hole, MA
   

   USA

   (508) 548-8700 x2314 (voice)

   (508) 457-2310 (FAX)

   lpoppe@usgs.gov

Why was the data set created?

This point shapefile contains the locations of marine sediment samples collected and analyzed by the U.S. Geological Survey, Woods Hole Science Center starting in 1955 thru 2004. Distribution of this dataset allows the user the ability to visualize the information in a Geographic Information system.

How was the data set created?

1. From what previous works were the data drawn?

   ecstdb2005.xls (source 1 of 1)

   U.S. Geological Survey - assumed, unknown, Information unavailable from original metadata..

   Type_of_Source_Media: disc
   Source_Contribution:

   This Excel spread sheet contains the accumulated results of the surficial sediment analysis collected and processed by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Woods Hole Science Center (WHSC). This spread sheet was the source of the data converted to the ESRI shapefile.

2. How were the data generated, processed, and modified?

   Date: 11-Aug-2001 (process 1 of 6)

   The requested surficial sediment data fields were exported from the most current Excel spreadsheet available as a comma delimited text file. Person who carried out this activity:
   

   U.S. Geological Survey

   Attn: Polly Hastings

   Data Specialist

   384 Woods Hole Road

   Woods Hole, MA
   

   USA

   (508) 548-8700 (voice)

   (508) 457-2310 (FAX)

   Data sources used in this process:

   • ecstdb2005.xls

   Data sources produced in this process:

   • ecstdb2005.txt

   Date: 31-Jan-2005 (process 2 of 6)

   The comma delimited source file was imported into ArcView to create a table. The table was then converted to an ArcView shapefile to be used as a GIS data layer. Person who carried out this activity:
   

   U.S. Geological Survey

   Attn: Larry Poppe

   Geologist

   384 Woods Hole Road

   Woods Hole, MA
   

   USA

   (508) 548-8700 x2314 (voice)

   (508) 457-2310 (FAX)

   lpoppe@usgs.gov

   Data sources used in this process:

   • ecstdb2005.txt

   Data sources produced in this process:

   • ecstdb2005.dbf
   • ecst0500.shp
   • ecst0500.shx
   • ecst0500.sbn
   • ecst0500.sbx
   • ecst0500.avl
   • ecstdb2005.shp
   • ecstdb2005.shx

   Date: 11-Oct-2017 (process 3 of 6)

   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.). The source information was incomplete and had to be modified to meet the standard. Minor fixes to the attribute format for some attributes were needed. Attempted to modify http to https where appropriate. The metadata date (but not the metadata creator) was edited to reflect the date of these changes. The metadata available from a harvester may supersede metadata bundled within a download file. Compare the metadata dates to determine which metadata file is most recent. Person who carried out this activity:
   

   U.S. Geological Survey

   Attn: VeeAnn A. Cross

   Marine Geologist

   384 Woods Hole Road

   Woods Hole, MA
   

   508-548-8700 x2251 (voice)

   508-457-2310 (FAX)

   vatnipp@usgs.gov

   Date: 20-Jul-2018 (process 4 of 6)

   USGS Thesaurus keywords added to the keyword section. 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: 18-Nov-2019 (process 5 of 6)

   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 6 of 6)

   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?
   Poppe(ed.), Lawrence J., and Polloni(ed.), Chris, 20000501, USGS East-Coast Sediment Analysis: Procedures, Database, and Georeferenced Displays: Open-File Report 00-358, U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, VA.

   Online Links:

   • https://pubs.usgs.gov/of/of00-358/

   Other_Citation_Details: Publication OFR2005-1001 supersedes this publication.
   

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

1. How well have the observations been checked?
   
2. How accurate are the geographic locations?
   Positional accuracy varies due to different systems, datums, and navigational equipment used over the years.
3. How accurate are the heights or depths?
   
4. Where are the gaps in the data? What is missing?
   This data set is complete inasmuch as it contains all the samples processed at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Woods Hole Science Center (WHSC) Sediment Laboratory through November 2004
5. How consistent are the relationships among the observations, including topology?
   No additional checks for topological consistency were performed on this 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 is freely redistributable with proper metadata and source attribution.

1. Who distributes the data set? (Distributor 1 of 3)
   
   Larry Poppe

   U.S. Geological Survey

   Geologist

   384 Woods Hole Road

   Woods Hole, MA
   

   USA

   (508) 548-8700 x2314 (voice)

   (508) 457-2310 (FAX)

   lpoppe@usgs.gov
2. What's the catalog number I need to order this data set? Downloadable Data
3. What legal disclaimers am I supposed to read?

   Although these data have been used by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI), no warranty expressed or implied is made by the U.S. Geological Survey as to the accuracy of the data. 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?
   • Availability in digital form:

     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 Size: 18.875
     Network links:	https://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2005/1001/data/surficial_sediments/ecstdb2005.zip https://coastalmap.marine.usgs.gov/GISdata/sedsamples/ecstdb2005/ecstdb2005.zip https://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2005/1001/htmldocs/datacatalog.htm
     Media you can order:	DVD-ROM (Density 4.75 Gbyte) (format UDF)

   • 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 data. A free data viewer, ArcExplorer, capable of displaying the data is available from ESRI at www.esri.com.

---

1. Who distributes the data set? (Distributor 2 of 3)
   
   Larry Poppe

   U.S. Geological Survey

   Geologist

   384 Woods Hole Road

   Woods Hole, MA
   

   USA

   (508) 548-8700 x2314 (voice)

   (508) 457-2310 (FAX)

   lpoppe@usgs.gov
2. What's the catalog number I need to order this data set? Downloadable Data
3. What legal disclaimers am I supposed to read?

   Although this data set has been used by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), no warranty, expressed or implied, is made by the USGS as to the accuracy of the data and/or related materials. The act of distribution shall not constitute any such warranty, and no responsibility is assumed by the USGS in the use of these data or related materials. 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?
   • Availability in digital form:

     Data format:	Excel spreadsheet containing the data source. in format XLS (version Office 2000) Microsoft Excel spreadsheet
     Network links:	https://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2005/1001/data/surficial_sediments/ecstdb2005.xls https://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2005/1001/htmldocs/datacatalog.htm
     Media you can order:	DVD-ROM (Density 4.75 Gbyte) (format UDF)

   • 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 Microsoft Excel spreadsheet format. The user must have software capable of reading or importing the Excel formatted data file.

---

1. Who distributes the data set? (Distributor 3 of 3)
   
   Larry Poppe

   U.S. Geological Survey

   Geologist

   384 Woods Hole Road

   Woods Hole, MA
   

   USA

   (508) 548-8700 x2314 (voice)

   (508) 457-2310 (FAX)

   lpoppe@usgs.gov
2. What's the catalog number I need to order this data set? Downloadable Data
3. What legal disclaimers am I supposed to read?

   Although this data set has been used by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), no warranty, expressed or implied, is made by the USGS as to the accuracy of the data and/or related materials. The act of distribution shall not constitute any such warranty, and no responsibility is assumed by the USGS in the use of these data or related materials.

4. How can I download or order the data?
   • Availability in digital form:

     Data format:	Data exported from the source spreadsheet. in format ASCII (version Information unavailable from original metadata.) Comma delimited text file
     Network links:	https://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2005/1001/data/surficial_sediments/ecstdb2005.txt https://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2005/1001/htmldocs/datacatalog.htm
     Media you can order:	DVD-ROM (Density 4.75 Gbyte) (format UDF)

   • 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 as a generic ASCII formatted text file. The user must have a software program capable of reading the comma delimited data file.

Who wrote the metadata?

Dates:

Last modified: 16-Nov-2021

Metadata author:

Valerie Paskevich

U.S. Geological Survey

Information Specialist, GIS Coordinator

384 Woods Hole Road

Woods Hole, MA

USA

(508) 548-8700 x2281 (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 metadata contact is no longer with the USGS or the email is otherwise invalid.

Metadata standard:

FGDC Content Standards for Digital Geospatial Metadata (FGDC-STD-001-1998)