U.S. Geological Survey
Open-File Report 98-139
Version 1.0

Multibeam Data and Socio-Economic Issues in West-Central San Francisco Bay

Introduction

(larger version)

San Francisco Bay is the largest estuary on the conterminous U.S. Pacific Coast and is one of the world's largest natural harbors. It is a biologically productive and diverse environment. San Francisco Bay has a maritime economy that annually generates over $7.5 billion, handles 50 million tons of cargo, and involves thousands of jobs. Recent investigations by the USGS in this estuary help address both socio-economic and scientific issues:

• Trimming pinnacles may prevent a calamitous oil spill.
• Can San Francisco Bay accept more dredge spoil?
• Bay floor biological habitats are quite varied.
• How thick and how variable is the sediment fill in central San Francisco Bay?