The primary data sets used in this study were collected from 1993 to 1998. Geophysical surveys included high-resolution single-channel "boomer" seismic data and 100-kHz side-scan sonar imagery (Locker and others, 2001). Most of the reconnaissance seismic and side-scan sonar data were acquired during two offshore cruises in 1994. Additionally, bottom samples were collected during the cruises using an underway grab sampler at 4-km intervals along track. Offshore core locations were selected based upon seismic data and were focused in areas likely to contain sufficient sediment thickness for core retrieval. Vibracores and probe data provided stratigraphic control in the barrier-island and bay areas.

The four panels showing location and side-scan sonar imagery, seismic data, and a stratigraphic cross section are at the same horizontal scale. The seismic profile and cross-section panels are constructed by fitting the data between the labeled cross-section turns (location map panel) that have been projected downward to the straight cross-section line. Subtle differences in the horizontal scale of segments in the cross section due to this projection are minimal. The horizontal scale, as well as vertical exaggeration of the seismic profile and cross section, are the same for all nine transects in the map series in order to facilitate comparison among transects.