To determine: if there are strategraphic sequences seaward of the Florida Keys reef tract that would indicate the occurrence of previous (Pleistocene) sea-level stands (preliminary perusal of data suggests there are); if this bank margin has features similar to other windward carbonate margins of the Bahamas, i.e., is there offbank/downslope sand export opposite a well-developed section of the shallow reef; if there are relatively sediment-starved sections along the upper slope where gaps occur in the shallow reef; if there is a sedimentalogic response along the upper slope to gaps in the Florida Key island tract; the dominant sediment type and rate of sediment accumulation along the upper slope; the existence of submarine cementation along the upper slope in response to the activity of the Florida current; the extent of downslope sediment movement by mass transfer mechanisms or by sediment gravity flows; the existence of gullies/small canyons within the upper 200 m of water depth; and the size, morphology, and extent of multiple, seaward reef tracts.
Location
Shelf margin edge off lower Florida Keys, Florida, Gulf of Mexico, United States, North America, North Atlantic;
Summary
Approximately 525 km of seismic profiles, 81 km of 300-m sidescan, and 22 km of 600-m sidescan sonar profiles were acquired, and 31 Shipek surface sediment samples were taken along 4 transects. These data supplement the 500 km of high-resolution seismic profiles obtained in the same area in July 1989.
Comments
Info from Foghorn: Sidescan sonar system, EG&G Model 260, ORE GeoPulse system (USF and USGS), EG&G 1kj sparker/boomer (USF and USGS), Recording fathometer, Piston corer, Shipek bottom grab sampler, Phantom ROV and small dredge on board were not deployed.;
