Data tables for the Gulf of Maine contaminated sediments database

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?
• 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?

Title:

Data tables for the Gulf of Maine contaminated sediments database

Abstract:

Detailed chemical, station (source and documentation, sample locations), and texture data are provided for sediments in the Gulf of Maine. The sediment data are provided as spreadsheet (Microsoft Excel) and tab-delimited files on the web site. These data are in the form of sections within the web site, which provides extensive supporting data, interpretive diagrams, and discussion. The data were obtained from a variety of sources: published reports, theses, unpublished data from agencies and organizations in the Gulf of Maine area and Federal agencies such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, NOAA, National Status and Trends Benthic Surveillance program, and U.S. Geological Survey (publications and new field data).

1. How should this data set be cited?

   M.R. Buchholtz ten Brink, Manheim, F.T., Mecray, E.L., Hastings, M.E., Currence, J.M., Farrington, J.W., Fredette, T.J., Jones, S.H., Liebman, M.L., Larsen, P.F., Leo, W. Smith , Tripp, B.W., G.T. Wallace, Jr., and Ward, L.G., 2002, CONTAMINATED SEDIMENTS DATABASE FOR THE GULF OF MAINE: U.S. Geological Survey Open-file Report OFR 02-403, U.S. Geological Survey, Woods Hole, MA.

2. What geographic area does the data set cover?

   West_Bounding_Coordinate: -71.10000

   East_Bounding_Coordinate: -64.00667

   North_Bounding_Coordinate: 44.85000

   South_Bounding_Coordinate: 40.08400

3. What does it look like?

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

   Beginning_Date: 1955

   Ending_Date: 1994

   Currentness_Reference: sample collection period

5. What is the general form of this data set?

   Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: tabular 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 (1593)

   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 0.00001. Longitudes are given to the nearest 0.00001. Latitude and longitude values are specified in Decimal degrees.

      The horizontal datum used is North American Datum of 1983.
      The ellipsoid used is Geodetic Reference System 80.
      The semi-major axis of the ellipsoid used is 6378137.
      The flattening of the ellipsoid used is 1/298.257.
      

7. How does the data set describe geographic features?

   Station

   table in the database

   LOCAL_ID

   Identification for use by user in maintaining sample order. Sometimes corresponds with sample's previous DB ID. This number can be changed by users.

   UNIQUE_ID

   Database identification number unique to this specific sample; assigned by USGS, this is the common parameter for joining all tables in this database.

   ORIGNL_ID

   If this data are taken from or part of a previous data compilation, enter the unique identification number within the other database that refers to this data. The name of the preceding database is reported in ORIG_NAME.

   ORIGL_FILE

   Database file name from which this specific sample came.

   REPLCT_NO

   A number for a replicate where more than one analysis has been made of the same sample. For the purpose of unambiguous joining of multiple tables, this number is incorporated in the Unique sample identification number.

   ST_PLANE_E

   Easting coordinate in the State Plane System for the datum shown in Datum, Position.

   ST_PLANE_N

   Northing coordinate in the State Plane System for the datum shown in Datum, Position.

   LATITUDE

   Latitude in decimal-degrees (south latitudes are negative).

   LAT_DEG_N

   Degrees of latitude in whole degrees.

   LAT_MIN_N

   Minutes of latitude in whole or decimal units.

   LAT_SEC_N

   Seconds of latitude in whole or decimal units.

   LAT_ORIG

   Format + precision of original latitude (e.g. ddmmss.s; dd.dddd). * = See comments; 99999 means that calculated from State plane values. Decimal was calculated if necessary; deg, min, (and sec) were sometimes calculated from decimal.

   LONGITUDE

   Longitude in decimal-degrees (West longitude is depicted by negative values).

   LON_DEG_W

   Degrees of longitude (West) in whole degrees.

   LON_MIN_W

   Minutes of longitude (West) in whole or decimal minutes.

   LON_SEC_W

   Seconds of longitude (West) in whole or decimal units.

   LON_ORIG

   Format + precision of original longitude (format and significant digits, e.g. ddmmss.s; dd.dddd). * = See comments; 99999 means that calculated from State plane values. Decimal was calculated; deg, min, (and sec) were sometimes calculated from decimal.

   ORIG_LOC

   Original location if given in units other than latitude and longitude (e.g., State Plane or distance from a point).

   DATUM_POS

   North American Datum (NAD) for the state plane position coordinates given.

   DATUM_ELEV

   Datum standard for determining latitude/longitude from location map.

   NAV_MODE

   Navigational system used, e.g. LORAN C, GPS, triangulation, read from a sketch map).

   TIME_DLAY1

   Navigational time delay (first value) used to calculate position from signals.

   TIME_DLAY2

   Navigational time delay (second value) used to calculate position from signals.

   SOUNDING_M

   Measured depth of water overlying sediment at sample time, in meters.

   SNDNG_ORIG

   Measured depth of water overlying sediment at sample time, in original units.

   SNDG_UNITS

   Depth units (meters, feet, fathoms, etc.).

   AGNC1_SPON

   Agency or researcher sponsoring or publishing the work, see listing for abbreviations.

   AGNC2_CNTR

   Agency or researcher doing the sampling or research.

   AGNC3_SBCN

   Subcontracted agency or researcher doing the sampling or research. (Analytical laboratories are recorded elsewhere in database).

   AGNC_OTHR

   Additional agencies/researcher responsible for work.

   SRCE_RF_NO

   ID No. for source of Information or Library reference or repository for hardcopy. See References in bibliography or working dictionary to match ID No. and text abbreviation with full reference.

   SRCE_OR_RF

   Text abbreviation for library reference or repository for hardcopy.

   COM_ON_REF

   Any comments about reference from which data was entered.

   ORIG_DB_NM

   If this data are taken from another data compilation or database, enter the NAME of that database here.

   REG_FIL_NO

   Permit file number when data source is part of a regulatory action.

   PROJ_NAME

   Name of project when data source/study is part of a larger study or of a regulatory action.

   STATE_NAME

   Name of state encompassing sample location.

   QUAD_NAME

   Name of USGS Quadrangle Map encompassing the location.

   GEN_LOC_NM

   Location name which is general enough to easily locate on a state map.

   SPECFC_LOC

   Nearest name on a 1:25,000 NOAA-type Chart.

   AREA_CODE

   A code derived from data in other fields to identify sample location for data analysis. Codes are defined in the working dictionary and differ from those used in other compilations e.g., Atlantic Margin Sediment Data File.

   LOC_CMMNTS

   Any additional information pertinent to sample location (e.g., exposed mud flat, ) and any correction made to previously recorded locations.

   SAMP_DAY1

   Day sample collected from the natural environment began.

   MO1

   Month sample collected from the natural environment began.

   YEAR1

   Year sample collected from the natural environment began.

   TO_SMP_DA2

   Ending day sample collected from the natural environment finished.

   MO2

   Ending month sample collected from the natural environment finished.

   YEAR2

   Ending year sample collected from the natural environment finished.

   DATE_Q

   Any qualifying information available about the date(s) entered.

   HOUR1

   Hour sample collected from natural environment.

   MIN1

   Minute sample collected from natural environment.

   SAMP_DATE1

   Use with caution. Date that sample collection began as it was reported in original reference. This is a combination if SAMP_DAY1, MO1 and YEAR1. Note that formatted dates are julian numbers and subject to manipulation by computer software.

   TO_SMP_DT2

   Use with caution. Date that sample collection ended as it was reported in original reference. This is a combination if SAMP_DAY2, MO2 and YEAR2. Note that formatted dates are julian numbers and subject to manipulation by computer software.

   TIDE

   Tidal condition when sample was collected or other information about tidal conditions.

   ORIG_FIELD

   Identification number given to sample at collection time or by original researcher.

   CRUISE_ID

   Name or number of cruise on which sample collected.

   ORIG_STATN

   Name or number of station at which sample collected.

   CORE_GRAB

   Name or number of core or grab from which sample was extracted.

   SMPLNG_DEV

   Device used to collect the sample, see listing for abbreviations.

   SAMPL_TYPE

   Type of sediment material analyzed, e.g., sediment, size-fractionated sediment, sediment leach, porewaters, etc. This database contains sediment only.

   DPTH_N_COR

   The depth of the sample in the sediment if only one number is given , or words if no numerical value is given (e.g., 2 cm; surface) in units of cm.

   DEPTH_TOP

   Depth interval, top of Core or sample (cm).

   DEPTH_BTTM

   Depth interval, bottom of Core or sample (cm).

   DEPTH_ORIG

   The reported value for the depth of the sample in the sediment when given in units other than centimeters; e.g. meters, feet, inches.

   ORIG_UNITS

   The original units of the depth of the sample in the sediment when not centimeters.

   DPTH_CMNTS

   Comments regarding the depth of the sample in the sediment, e.g. a range of depth given, corrections to previously reported values.

   DPTH_CODE

   Designation of the general depth in the sediment of the sample; surface or depth. use in data analysis. A surface sample is one in which at least 80% of the sample is taken between 0 - 6 cm.

   COR_GRB_CD

   Code designating the type of sample (core vs. grab). Data in this field is derived from other fields and primarily for use in data analysis. The definition of core is when multiple (>2) samples are taken at different depths within the same sample.

   COMPS_SCHM

   Describe how sample was combined if analysis was done on composite of samples taken from differing depths or cores.

   GEN_CMMNTS

   Any additional information that may help in interpreting data, locating sample in a series, or characterizing sample.

   DSCR_COLOR

   Any text describing the sample's appearance. May also appear in the Lithology field of the Texture table.

   EST_VL_MAT

   Volume of material to be dredged and needing disposal when sample is from a dredge permit application.

   DIS_AR_CDE

   Number or name code for the disposal site for dredged material.

   PROP_DS_AR

   Proposed site of disposal for dredged material, when sample is from a dredge permit application.

   MTS_INGNCS

   Y/N answer to indicate whether data for metals and other inorganic parameters are present elsewhere in this database.

   ORG_CNTAMS

   Y/N answer to indicate whether Organic Contaminants data are present elsewhere in this database.

   GRAIN_SIZE

   Y/N answer to indicate whether Grain Size or related physical properties are present elsewhere in this database.

   BIOASSAY

   Y/N answer to indicate whether Bioassay data were collected in conjunction with collection of the sediment sample recorded in this database.

   COM_BIOTA

   Brief summary of the type of bioassay data available.

   BIO_REF

   Reference or repository for bioassay data if different from sediment reference.

   OTHR_N_REF

   Y/N answer whether any other types of analysis are documented in the reference but not recorded in this database.

   CMNTS_OTHR

   Brief summary of any other types of analysis documented in the reference but not recorded in this database.

   DTA_ENT_DA

   Day that data was entered into the database table.

   DTA_ENT_MO

   Month that data was entered into the database table.

   DTA_ENT_YR

   Year that data was entered into the database table.

   ENTRY_DATE

   Date (formatted) that data was entered into the database table.

   INIT_NTRER

   Initials of the person who entered the data from the original reference or source into a database, see working dictionary for abbreviations.

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?

   This publication is a product of many years of work by numerous organizations and individuals. Those persons listed as contacts in the Table of Collaborating, Participating, and Supporting Agencies (on the web site) were particularly crucial in providing contaminant data and context information to the authors. The search for references was greatly aided by the efforts of K. O'Connell, C. Hurter, M. Lydon, and P. Nelson. Data entry was expedited through efforts of K. O'Connell, J. Reid-Currence, E. Margolis, J. Wolfe and O. McCall. We thank L. Poppe and J. Hathaway for their extensive contributions of sediment texture data and information. Funding for this project was provided by the U.S. Geological Survey, Coastal Marine and Geology Program and by the Gulf of Maine Regional Marine Research Program grant NOAA# GMR-06.

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

   Polly Hastings
   U.S. Geological Survey
   Oceanographic Data Specialist
   Woods Hole Field Center
   Woods Hole, MA 02543-1598
   USA
   

   508-548-8700 x2289 (voice)
   508-457-2310 (FAX)
   phastings@usgs.gov
   

Why was the data set created?

The data are the results of a project to develop a comprehensive database of chemical and environmental information on sediments from the Gulf of Maine. The goal is to evaluate all data for reliability and comparability, make them widely accessible to all users, and interpret the data with respect to the environmental status of this important area.

How was the data set created?

1. From what previous works were the data drawn?

   (source 1 of 1)

   Type_of_Source_Media: disc, online, paper, chart

   Source_Contribution:

   Sources for the data came from a wide variety of sources including both electronic and paper media. This data set is comprised of 201 individual data sources. For a complete listing that includes Source Citation Abbreviation and Source Citations, please see the References section on the web site for a file called gomdbbib.xls.

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

   Date: 1993 (process 1 of 1)

   The development of the current database involved four phases: 1) Discussions and interactions with knowledgeable individuals and agencies to identify and retrieve pertinent data from many sources, including unpublished data, 2) Selection and augmentation of a data dictionary to provide consistent field/ parameter definitions and background documentation, 3) Encoding and integration of the data tables in a master flat-file database system involving six basic tables linked by unique sample identification codes, 4) Selective querying, mapping, and interpretation of the data to identify potential outliers and quality problems and to identify key geochemical and environmental relationships and processes.

   Environmental issues include linking the chemical data to bulk sediment toxicity criteria, searching for possible contaminant sources, and identifying transport and geochemical processes. The in-depth inventory and assessment was only possible with the help of many partners and cooperators.

   Person who carried out this activity:
   

   Polly Hastings
   U.S. Geological Survey
   Oceanographic Data Specialist
   Woods Hole Field Center
   Woods Hole, MA 02543-1598
   USA
   

   508-548-8700 x2289 (voice)
   508-457-2310 (FAX)
   phastings@usgs.gov
   

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

1. How well have the observations been checked?

   A variety of methods were used to analyze the accuracy and suitability of data for their intended purposes. These are described in detail in the report, but include knowledgeable assessment of expected relationships among geochemical measures, inspection of the range of values present, bivariate plots of related measures, and comparison of nearby samples for anomalies.

   Assessments of the quality of individual measurements are included in the data as ancillary attributes; the report refers to these as "qualifier fields."

   "0" in a concentration field means that the constituent was analyzed and found to have a concentration below the detection limit for the method utilized.(Zeros are different, therefore, from blank fields, which show that the constituent was not measured). Other remarks in the quality-control fields provide comments relating to the data that may be helpful in interpreting or further evaluating the data.

2. How accurate are the geographic locations?

   Latitude and longitude coordinates are necessary for mapping data; however, their absence does not negate the value of other data reported for a sample. When numerical location data were not available, decimal latitudes and longitudes were estimated from maps or other information. Latitude and longitude values are specified in decimal degrees and were often calculated from individual degree, minute and second values. Any interpretation of mapped data should consequently utilize the location qualifier fields to understand the limitations of the spatial information.

3. How accurate are the heights or depths?

4. Where are the gaps in the data? What is missing?

   The report includes sample location maps (as images) that indicate the general distribution of analytical data. Empty cell values in tables indicate analyses that were not obtained from the given location.

5. How consistent are the relationships among the observations, including topology?

   The data in this study have been acquired from historical sources as well as from ongoing field programs. It is not feasible to apply the standard quality-control protocols that check on the details of sampling and analytical methodology (see Baker and Kravitz, 1992) to heterogeneous data. To rescue data while minimizing problems associated with data comparability, special batch screening techniques were used to identify and call attention to data that have unresolved problems. Although such tests do not necessarily prove that the data are in error, they alert users to data that should be reevaluated or confirmed before use in environmental characterization.

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: none

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

   U.S. Geological Survey
   c/o Polly Hastings
   Oceanographic Data Specialist
   Woods Hole Field Center
   Woods Hole, MA 02543-1598
   USA
   

   508-548-8700 x2289 (voice)
   508-457-2310 (FAX)
   phastings@usgs.gov
   

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

   Contaminated Sediments Database for the Gulf of Maine, USGS Open-file Report 02-403

3. What legal disclaimers am I supposed to read?

   Sediment chemical and other data on the web site have been compiled from multiple sources. Reasonable care has been taken in transcription, and efforts have been made to provide quality control of the data as described in the relevant sections. Although efforts have been made to screen for and identify data that may be seriously compromised, the data provided here are not guaranteed to be correct or complete. Responsibility for the data remains with the original sources and not the U.S. Geological Survey (except where USGS analyses are involved), and conclusions drawn from the data are the responsibility of the users. Mention of commercial software or services does not imply endorsement by the USGS.

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

     Data format:	Station location and sample characteristics, grain-size, and geochemical measurements in format Tab-delimited text and Microsoft Excel (version 5.0/95)
     Media you can order:	CD-ROM (format ISO 9660) Note: May contain Joliet extensions

   • Cost to order the data: <http://mapping.usgs.gov/esic/prices/>

5. Is there some other way to get the data?

   none

6. What hardware or software do I need in order to use the data set?

   Tables can be viewed, downloaded and manipulated on any computer platform that has appropriate software installed and sufficient memory to open the data tables. Appropriate software include Microsoft Excel 5.0/95 or higher and Word 6.0 or higher. The tab delimited text files can be opened in a wide variety of software packages. It is recommended that your minimum configuration allow both the station table and one additional data table to be opened simultaneously.

Who wrote the metadata?

Dates:

Last modified: 30-Oct-2002
Last Reviewed: 06-Nov-2002

Metadata author:

Jamey M. Currence
U.S. Geological Survey
Information Technology Specialist
Woods Hole Field Center
Woods Hole, MA 02543-1598
USA

508-548-8700 x2204 (voice)
508-457-2310 (FAX)
jcurrence@usgs.gov

Metadata standard:

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

Generated by mp version 2.7.3 on Fri Nov 08 14:50:57 2002