ECSTDB2005 - USGS East Coast Sediment Texture Database (2005)

Frequently-anticipated questions:

• What does this data set describe?
  1. How should 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 should this data set be cited?

   U.S. Geological Survey, 200508, ECSTDB2005 - USGS East Coast Sediment Texture Database (2005): Open-File Report 2005-1001, U.S. Geological Survey, Coastal and Marine Geology Program, Woods Hole Science Center, Woods Hole, MA.

   Online Links:

   • <http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2005/1001/data/surficial_sediments/ecstdb2005.zip>
   • <http://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, Coastal and Marine Geology Program, Woods Hole Science Center, Woods Hole, MA.

   Online Links:

   • <http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2005/1001/>

   Other_Citation_Details:

   Publication and data are released via digital media (either CD-ROM or DVD). This digital publication may also be available via the web at pubs.usgs.gov

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?

   <http://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

   <http://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

   <http://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)

   FIELD_NO

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

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

   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:	1999
   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; -1Ø 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 ; 0Ø through 4Ø ) (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; 5Ø through 8Ø , 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; 9Ø 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
   BOULDERS
   CLAY
   CLAYEY SAND
   CLAYEY SILT
   GRAVEL
   GRAVELLY SEDIMENT
   SAND
   SAND SILT CLAY
   SANDY CLAY
   SANDY SILT
   SILT
   SILTY CLAY
   SILTY SAND

   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

   
   

   PHIm4

   
   

   PHIm3

   
   

   PHIm2

   
   

   PHIm1

   
   

   PHIM5

   -5 Phi - Weight percent of the sample in the -5Ø 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 -4Ø 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 -3Ø 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 -2Ø 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 -1Ø 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 0Ø 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 1Ø 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 2Ø 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 3Ø 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 4Ø 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 5Ø 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 6Ø 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 7Ø 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 8Ø 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 9Ø 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 10Ø 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 11Ø 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 02543-1598
   USA
   

   (508) 548-8700 x2314 (voice)
   (508) 457-2310 (FAX)
   lpoppe@usgs.gov
   

Why was the data set created?

This ArcView shapefile contains the locations of marine sediment samples collected and analyzed by the U.S. Geological Survey, Woods Hole Science Center starting in 1962 thru 1999. 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)

   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 3)

   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
   c/o Polly Hastings
   Data Specialist
   384 Woods Hole Road
   Woods Hole, MA 02543-1598
   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 3)

   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
   c/o Larry Poppe
   Geologist
   384 Woods Hole Road
   Woods Hole, MA 02543-1598
   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: 2007 (process 3 of 3)

   Errors found in the data were corrected for approximately 80 samples. The Excel file was edited and the shape and text files were regenerated.

   Person who carried out this activity:
   

   Katherine McMullen
   U.S. Geological Survey
   Sediment Lab Technician
   384 Woods Hole Road
   Woods Hole, MA 02543
   USA
   

   (508) 540-8700 x2277 (voice)
   (508) 457-2310 (FAX)
   kmcmullen@usgs.gov
   

   Data sources used in this process:

   • ecstdb2005.xls

   Data sources produced in this process:

   • ecstdb2005.shp
   • ecstdb2005.shx
   • ecstdb2005.dbf
   • ecstdb2005.xls
   • ecstdb2005.txt

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, Coastal and Marine Geology Program, Woods Hole Science Center, Woods Hole, MA.

   Online Links:

   • <http://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 2)
   Larry Poppe
   U.S. Geological Survey
   Geologist
   384 Woods Hole Road
   Woods Hole, MA 02543-1598
   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.

   Trade, firm, or product names and other references to non-USGS products and services are provided for information only and do not constitute endorsement or warranty, express or implied, by the USGS, USDOI, or U.S. Government, as to their suitability, content, usefulness, functioning, completeness, or accuracy.

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

     Data format:	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 Shapefile (version ArcView 3.3) ESRI Shapefile Size: 18.875
     Network links:	<http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2005/1001/data/surficial_sediments/ecstdb2005.zip> <http://coastalmap.marine.usgs.gov/GISdata/sedsamples/ecstdb2005/ecstdb2005.zip> <http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2005/1001/htmldocs/datacatalog.htm>
     Media you can order:	DVD-ROM (Density 4.7 Gbyte) Note: HFS and ISO9660

   • 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.

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1. Who distributes the data set? (Distributor 2 of 2)
   Larry Poppe
   U.S. Geological Survey
   Geologist
   384 Woods Hole Road
   Woods Hole, MA 02543-1598
   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 Microsoft Excel (version Office 2000) Microsoft Excel spreadsheet
     Network links:	<http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2005/1001/data/surficial_sediments/ecstdb2005.xls>
     Media you can order:	DVD-ROM (Density 4.75 Gbyte) Note: HFS and ISO9660

   • Cost to order the data: None

   ---

1. Who distributes the data set?[Distributor contact information not provided.]

2. What's the catalog number I need to order this data set?

3. What legal disclaimers am I supposed to read?

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

     Data format:	Data exported from the source spreadsheet. in format ASCII Comma delimited text file
     Network links:	<http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2005/1001/data/surficial_sediments/ecstdb2005.txt>
     Media you can order:	DVD-ROM (Density 4.75 Gbyte) Note: HFS and ISO9660

   • Cost to order the data: None

Who wrote the metadata?

Dates:

Last modified: 28-Apr-2005
Last Reviewed: 13-May-2005

Metadata author:

Valerie Paskevich
U.S. Geological Survey
Information Specialist, GIS Coordinator
384 Woods Hole Road
Woods Hole, MA 02543-1598
USA

(508) 548-8700 x2281 (voice)
(508) 457-2310 (FAX)
vpaskevich@usgs.gov

Metadata standard:

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

Metadata extensions used:

• <http://www.esri.com/metadata/esriprof80.html>