USGSECSTDB: USGS East Coast Sediment Texture 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?
  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?

   Poppe, Lawrence J. , Paskevich, Valerie, and Hastings, Polly, 2004, USGSECSTDB: USGS East Coast Sediment Texture Database: U. S. Geological Survey, Coastal and Marine Geology Program, Woods Hole Science Center, Woods Hole, MA.

   Online Links:

   • <http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2003/of03-001/data/seddata/usgsecstdb/usgsecstdb.zip>
   • <http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2003/of03-001/htmldocs/data.htm>

   This is part of the following larger work.

   Poppe, L.J., Paskevich, V.F., Williams, S.J., Hastings, M.E., Kelley, J.T., Belknap, D.F., Ward, L.G., FitzGerald, D.M., and Larsen, P.F., 2003, Surficial Sediment Data from the Gulf of Maine, Georges Bank, and vicinity: a GIS Compilation: Open-File Report 03-001, U.S. Geological Survey, Coastal and Marine Geology Program, Woods Hole Science Center, Woods Hole, MA.

   Online Links:

   • <http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2003/of03-001>

   Other_Citation_Details:

   Data are released via CD-ROM media. 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: -71.950000

   East_Bounding_Coordinate: -65.533000

   North_Bounding_Coordinate: 44.433000

   South_Bounding_Coordinate: 39.342170

3. What does it look like?

   <http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2003/of03-001/data/seddata/usgsecstdb/usgsecstdb-thumb.gif> (GIF)

   Thumbnail image showing extent and distribution of data layer coverage.

   <http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2003/of03-001/data/seddata/usgsecstdb/usgsecstdb.gif> (GIF)

   Image map showing extent and distribution of data layer coverage.

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

   Beginning_Date: Jul-1980

   Ending_Date: Aug-2002

   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 Vector data set. It contains the following vector data types (SDTS terminology):

      • Entity point (8110)

   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 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?

   usgsecstdb.dbf

   Shapefile Attribute Table (Source: ESRI)

   FID

   Internal feature number. (Source: ESRI)

   Sequential unique whole numbers that are automatically generated.

   Shape

   Feature geometry. (Source: ESRI)

   Coordinates defining the features.

   DB_ID

   USGS unique sample identifier. A unique identification number (consisting of 2 characters and 3 numerics) generated in the sedimentation laboratory of the USGS's Woods Hole Science Center for the Atlantic Margin Texture Database (Source: USGS Eastcoast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)

   Character string of width 7. Field contains USGS assigned sample ID consisting of alphanumerics.

   FIELD_NO

   USGS assigned field identifier; Sample name or number as assigned in the field (Source: USGS Eastcoast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)

   Character string of width 18.

   PROJECT

   Project name under which samples were taken or data generated; sometimes indicates more specific area (Source: USGS Eastcoast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)

   Character string of width 24.

   CRUISE_ID

   Name or number of cruise on which sample collected (Source: USGS Eastcoast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)

   Character string of width 19.

   CONTACT

   Principal contact; Name of Principal Investigator (usually first initial and last name) (Source: USGS Eastcoast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)

   Character string of width 13.

   AREA

   General geographic area (general enough to easily locate on a map) (Source: USGS Eastcoast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)

   Value	Definition
   BOSTON HARBOR	Boston Harbor area
   BUZZARDS BAY	Buzzards Bay area
   CONTINENTAL SHELF	Continental Shelf area
   GEORGES BANK	Georges Bank
   GULF OF MAINE	Gulf of Maine region
   MAINE	offshore State of Maine
   MAINE (POPHAM/KENNEBEC)	Popham and Kennebec Maine region
   MASS BAY	Massachusetts Bay area
   MASSACHUSETTS	Offshore Massachusetts
   MASSACHUSETTSBAY	Massachusetts Bay area
   MUDPATCH	"mudpatch" area south of Martha's Vineyard
   OCEANOGRAPHER CANYON	Oceanographer Canyon
   STELLWAGEN	Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary region
   STELLWAGEN BANK	Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary region
   STELLWAGEN BASIN	Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary region

   Character string of width 32.

   LATITUDE

   Latitude in decimal-degrees of sample location. South latitudes are recorded as negative values. (Source: USGS Eastcoast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)

   Range of values
   Minimum:	39.34217
   Maximum:	44.433
   Units:	signed decimal degrees
   Resolution:	.000001

   LONGITUDE

   Longitude in decimal-degrees of sample location. West longitudes are recorded as negative values. (Source: USGS Eastcoast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)

   Range of values
   Minimum:	-71.95
   Maximum:	-65.533
   Units:	signed decimal degrees
   Resolution:	.000001

   DEPTH_M

   Depth or sounding in meters; measured depth of water overlying sediment at sample time, not corrected for tides, in meters (Source: USGS Eastcoast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)

   Value	Definition
   blank	Depth value is unknown or not recorded.

   Range of values
   Minimum:	0.0000
   Maximum:	2609.0000
   Units:	meters
   Resolution:	.0001

   T_DEPTH

   Top depth of the sample below the sediment-water interface, in centimeters (Source: USGS Eastcoast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)

   Value	Definition
   blank	Top depth value is unknown or not recorded.

   Range of values
   Minimum:	0.00
   Maximum:	1100.00
   Units:	centimeters
   Resolution:	0.01

   B_DEPTH

   Bottom depth of the sample below the sediment-water interface, in centimeters (Source: USGS Eastcoast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)

   Value	Definition
   blank	Bottom depth value is unknown or not recorded.

   Range of values
   Minimum:	0.5
   Maximum:	1100
   Units:	centimeters
   Resolution:	0.1

   DEVICE

   Sampling device used to collect the sample. (Source: USGS Eastcoast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)

   Value	Definition
   ?SCALLOP DREDGE	possible Scallop Dredge
   GRAB SAMPLER	Grab Sampler
   GRAVITY CORER	Gravity Corer
   HAND SAMPLE	hand sample
   HYDROSTATIC CORER	Hydrostatic Corer
   OTHER	other or unknown sampling device
   PULSE AUGER	pulse auger sampling device
   PUSH CORER	push corer
   SMITH-MACINTYRE GRAB	Smith MacIntyre Grab sampler
   SUBMERSIBLE SAMPLE	sample collected via submersible
   UNKNOWN	sample collected by unknown device
   VAN VEEN	Van Veen Grab Sampler

   Character string of width 22.

   MONTH_COLL

   Calendar month sample was collected. (Source: USGS Eastcoast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)

   Value	Definition
   blank	Month sample collected unknown or not recorded.

   Range of values
   Minimum:	1
   Maximum:	12
   Units:	integer count
   Resolution:	1

   DAY_COLL

   Calendar day sample was collected. (Source: USGS Eastcoast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)

   Value	Definition
   blank	Day unknown or not recorded.

   Range of values
   Minimum:	1
   Maximum:	23
   Units:	integer count
   Resolution:	1

   YEAR_COLL

   Calendar year sample was collected (Source: USGS Eastcoast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)

   Value	Definition
   blank	Year sample was collected is unknown or not recorded.

   Range of values
   Minimum:	1967
   Maximum:	2002
   Units:	integer count
   Resolution:	1

   MONTH_ANAL

   Calendar month sample was analyzed. (Source: USGS Eastcoast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)

   Value	Definition
   blank	Month sample was analyzed is unknown or not recorded.

   Range of values
   Minimum:	1
   Maximum:	12
   Units:	month; integer count
   Resolution:	1

   DAY_ANAL

   Calendar day sample was analyzed. (Source: USGS Eastcoast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)

   Value	Definition
   blank	Day sample was analyzed is unknown or not recorded.

   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 or not recorded.

   Range of values
   Minimum:	1978
   Maximum:	2002
   Units:	year; integer count
   Resolution:	1

   WEIGHT

   Weight of wet sample in grams (Source: USGS Eastcoast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)

   Value	Definition
   blank	Weight is unknown or not recorded.

   Range of values
   Minimum:	0
   Maximum:	9086.1000
   Units:	grams
   Resolution:	0.0001

   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 is unknown or not recorded.

   Range of values
   Minimum:	0
   Maximum:	100
   Units:	percent
   Resolution:	0.01

   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 is unknown or not recorded.

   Range of values
   Minimum:	0
   Maximum:	100
   Units:	percent
   Resolution:	0.01

   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 is unknown or not recorded.

   Range of values
   Minimum:	0
   Maximum:	100
   Units:	percent
   Resolution:	0.0001

   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 is unknown or not recorded.

   Range of values
   Minimum:	0
   Maximum:	82.9
   Units:	percent
   Resolution:	0.0001

   CLASSIFICA

   Sediment classification description based on a rigorous definition (Scheme based on Shepard, 1954). (Source: USGS Eastcoast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)

   Value	Definition
   CLAYEY SAND	clayey sand content
   CLAYEY SILT	clayey silt content
   GRAVEL	gravel content
   GRAVELLY SEDIMENT	gravelly sediment content
   SAND	sand content
   SAND SILT CLAY	sand silt-clay content
   SANDY SILT	sandy-silt content
   SILT	silt content
   SILTY CLAY	silty clay content
   SILTY SAND	silty sand content

   Character string of width 20 containing classification.

   MEDIAN

   Middle point in the grain size distribution in phi units (Source: USGS Eastcoast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)

   Value	Definition
   blank	Value is unknown or not recorded.

   Range of values
   Minimum:	-5.19
   Maximum:	10.01
   Units:	phi
   Resolution:	0.01

   MEAN

   Average value in the grain size distribution in phi units (Source: USGS Eastcoast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)

   Value	Definition
   blank	Value is unknown or not recorded.

   Range of values
   Minimum:	-4.50
   Maximum:	8.95
   Units:	phi
   Resolution:	0.01

   STDEV

   Standard deviation (sorting) - Standard deviation (root mean square of the deviations) of the grain size distribution in phi units (Source: USGS Eastcoast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)

   Value	Definition
   blank	Value is unknown or not recorded.

   Range of values
   Minimum:	0.00
   Maximum:	4.92
   Units:	phi
   Resolution:	0.01

   SKEW

   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 is unknown or not recorded.

   Range of values
   Minimum:	-3.28
   Maximum:	348.61
   Units:	phi
   Resolution:	.01

   KURT

   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 is unknown or not recorded.

   Range of values
   Minimum:	-77093.80
   Maximum:	5612.87
   Units:	phi
   Resolution:	.01

   MODE1CLASS

   Mode 1 Class - First mode (particle size that occurs the most number of times) in phi units (Source: USGS Eastcoast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)

   Value	Definition
   blank	Value is unknown or not recorded.

   Range of values
   Minimum:	-5.50
   Maximum:	9.50
   Units:	phi
   Resolution:	.01

   MODE1FREQ

   Mode 1 Frequency (Source: USGS Eastcoast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)

   Value	Definition
   blank	Value is unknown or not recorded.

   Range of values
   Minimum:	7.27
   Maximum:	1773
   Units:	phi
   Resolution:	.01

   MODE2CLASS

   Mode 2 Class: Second mode in phi units (Source: USGS Eastcoast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)

   Value	Definition
   blank	Value is unknown or not recorded.

   Range of values
   Minimum:	-5.50
   Maximum:	9.50
   Units:	phi
   Resolution:	.01

   MODE2FREQ

   Mode 2 Frequency (Source: USGS Eastcoast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)

   Value	Definition
   blank	Value is unknown or not recorded.

   Range of values
   Minimum:	0
   Maximum:	34.67
   Units:	phi
   Resolution:	.01

   MODE3CLASS

   Mode 3 Class: Third mode in phi units (Source: USGS Eastcoast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)

   Value	Definition
   blank	Value is unknown or not recorded.

   Range of values
   Minimum:	-5.50
   Maximum:	9.50
   Units:	phi
   Resolution:	.01

   MODE3FREQ

   Mode 3 Frequency (Source: USGS Eastcoast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)

   Value	Definition
   blank	Value is unknown or not recorded.

   Range of values
   Minimum:	7.27
   Maximum:	1773
   Units:	phi
   Resolution:	.01

   NMODES

   Number of modes (Source: USGS Eastcoast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)

   Value	Definition
   blank	Value is unknown or not recorded.

   Range of values
   Minimum:	0
   Maximum:	3
   Units:	integer count
   Resolution:	1

   FROM_PHI

   Largest particle size measured, in phi units (Source: USGS Eastcoast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)

   Value	Definition
   blank	Value is unknown or not recorded.

   Range of values
   Minimum:	-5
   Maximum:	9
   Units:	phi
   Resolution:	1

   TO_PHI

   Smallest particle size measured, in phi units (Source: USGS Eastcoast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)

   Value	Definition
   blank	Value is unknown or not recorded.

   Range of values
   Minimum:	-4
   Maximum:	11
   Units:	phi
   Resolution:	1

   PHIM5

   Weight percent of the sample in the -5Ø fraction (nominal diameter of particles greater than or equal to 32 mm); very coarse pebbles (Source: USGS Eastcoast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)

   Value	Definition
   blank	Value is unknown or not recorded.

   Range of values
   Minimum:	0.81
   Maximum:	61.76
   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 Eastcoast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)

   Value	Definition
   blank	Value is unknown or not recorded.

   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 Eastcoast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)

   Value	Definition
   blank	Value is unknown or not recorded.

   Range of values
   Minimum:	0
   Maximum:	56.02
   Units:	percent
   Resolution:	.01

   PHIM2

   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 Eastcoast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)

   Value	Definition
   blank	Value is unknown or not recorded.

   Range of values
   Minimum:	0.00
   Maximum:	47.54
   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 Eastcoast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)

   Value	Definition
   blank	Value is unknown or not recorded.

   Range of values
   Minimum:	0
   Maximum:	84.97
   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 Eastcoast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)

   Value	Definition
   blank	Value is unknown or not recorded.

   Range of values
   Minimum:	0.00
   Maximum:	78.26
   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 Eastcoast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)

   Value	Definition
   blank	Value is unknown or not recorded.

   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 Eastcoast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)

   Value	Definition
   blank	Value is unknown or not recorded.

   Range of values
   Minimum:	0.00
   Maximum:	85.92
   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 Eastcoast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)

   Value	Definition
   blank	Value is unknown or not recorded.

   Range of values
   Minimum:	0.00
   Maximum:	95.92
   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 Eastcoast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)

   Value	Definition
   blank	Value is unknown or not recorded.

   Range of values
   Minimum:	0.00
   Maximum:	90.60
   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 Eastcoast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)

   Value	Definition
   blank	Value is unknown or not recorded.

   Range of values
   Minimum:	0.00
   Maximum:	84.54
   Units:	percent
   Resolution:	.01

   PHI_6

   Weight percent of the sample in the 6Ø fraction (nominal diameter of particles greater than or equal to 0.016 mm, but less than 0.032 mm); medium silt (Source: USGS Eastcoast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)

   Value	Definition
   blank	Value is unknown or not recorded.

   Range of values
   Minimum:	0.00
   Maximum:	67.85
   Units:	percent
   Resolution:	.01

   PHI_7

   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 Eastcoast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)

   Value	Definition
   blank	Value is unknown or not recorded.

   Range of values
   Minimum:	0.00
   Maximum:	47.57
   Units:	percent
   Resolution:	.01

   PHI_8

   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 Eastcoast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)

   Value	Definition
   blank	Value is unknown or not recorded.

   Range of values
   Minimum:	0
   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 Eastcoast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)

   Value	Definition
   blank	Value is unknown or not recorded.

   Range of values
   Minimum:	0
   Maximum:	45.55
   Units:	percent
   Resolution:	.01

   PHI_10

   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 Eastcoast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)

   Value	Definition
   blank	Value is unknown or not recorded.

   Range of values
   Minimum:	0
   Maximum:	51.31
   Units:	percent
   Resolution:	.01

   PHI_11

   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 Eastcoast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)

   Value	Definition
   blank	Value is unknown or not recorded.

   Range of values
   Minimum:	0
   Maximum:	50.55
   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 Eastcoast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)

   Value	Definition
   blank	Value is unknown or not recorded.

   Character string of width 14.

   COMMENTS

   Comments on analyses; any further information about sediment analysis for all or specific parameters in this table (Source: USGS Eastcoast Sediment Texture Database data dictionary)

   Character string of width 90.

Who produced the data set?

1. Who are the originators of the data set? (may include formal authors, digital compilers, and editors)
   • Lawrence J. Poppe
   • Valerie Paskevich
   • Polly Hastings

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?
   M.E. (Polly) Hastings
   U.S. Geological Survey
   Data Specialist
   384 Woods Hole Road
   Woods Hole, MA 02543-1598
   USA
   

   (508) 548-8700 x2289 (voice)
   (508) 457-2310 (FAX)
   phastings@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 1980 thru 2002. 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?

   usgsecstdb.xls (source 1 of 1)

   Hastings, M.E. (Polly) , 20000500, USGS East-Coast Sediment Analysis: Procedures, Database, and Georeferenced Displays: USGS 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/openfile/of00-358/text/chapter2.htm>

   This is part of the following larger work.

   Poppe(ed.), L.J., and Polloni(ed.), C.F., 20000500, U.S. Geological Survey 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/openfile/of00-358/>

   Type_of_Source_Media: Excel spreadsheet

   Source_Contribution:

   The Excel spreadsheet contains the available data on grain size for the bottom sediments produced by the USGS, Woods Hole Science Center. The basic structure of the file is a matrix where records are rows representing individual samples and the columns contain information on sample identification, navigation, classifications, analyzed parameters, and comments.

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

   Date: 16-Dec-2002 (process 1 of 4)

   The Excel spreadsheet was edited to change the PHI field names. The negative PHI values -5 to -1 were changed from PHI-n to PHIMn. This is because ArcView does not allow the '-' in field names and the field names were automatically changed to 'PHI_n'. This resulted in duplicate PHI field names. Making the change before exporting the file eliminated the conversion error and fieldname problems.

   The modified Excel spreadsheet file, usgsecstdb.xls, was exported as an ASCII text file with tab delimited fields.

   Person who carried out this activity:
   

   U.S. Geological Survey
   c/o Valerie Paskevich
   Computer 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
   

   Data sources used in this process:

   • usgsecstdb.xls

   Data sources produced in this process:

   • usgsecstdb.txt

   Date: 08-Jun-2001 (process 2 of 4)

   The file, usgsecstdb.txt, 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 Valerie Paskevich
   Computer 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
   

   Data sources used in this process:

   • usgsecstdb.txt

   Data sources produced in this process:

   • usgsecstdb.dbf
   • usgsecstdb.shp
   • usgsecstdb.shx
   • usgsecstdb.sbn
   • usgsecstdb.sbx
   • usgsecstdb.avl

   Date: 16-Dec-2002 (process 3 of 4)

   The complete USGS East Coast Sediment Database was clipped to the extent of the Gulf of Maine GIS project extent.

   Person who carried out this activity:
   

   Lawrence J. 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
   

   Data sources used in this process:

   • usgsecstdb.dbf
   • usgsecstdb.shp
   • usgsecstdb.shx

   Data sources produced in this process:

   • usgsecstdb.dbf
   • usgsecstdb.shp
   • usgsecstdb.shx

   Date: 2004 (process 4 of 4)

   Errors were found in the Excel spreadsheet used as the source file to this dataset. These errors affected those records with DB_IDs AP151 to AP344. The errors were corrected and a new shapefile generated.

   Person who carried out this activity:
   

   U.S. Geological Survey
   c/o Larry Poppe
   Geologist
   U.S. Geological Survey
   Woods Hole, MA 02543-1598
   USA
   

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

   Data sources used in this process:

   • usgsecstdb_fix.xls

   Data sources produced in this process:

   • usgsecstdb.shp
   • usgsecstdb.txt
   • usgsecstdb.xls

3. What similar or related data should the user be aware of?

   (ed.), L.J. Poppe , and (ed.), C.F. Polloni , 2000, 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/openfile/of00-358/>

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?

   Samples collected prior to about 1990 were navigated by Loran C (absolute navigational accuracy about 100 m); samples collected after 1990 were navigated by Differential GPS (navigational accuracy about 10 m).

3. How accurate are the heights or depths?

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

   This data set is a subset of the complete USGS East Coast Sediment Texture Database described and released via U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 00-358.

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 U.S. government is freely redistributable with proper metadata and source attribution.

1. Who distributes the data set? (Distributor 1 of 2)
   Lawrence J. 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?

   Regional Mapping of Surficial Sediments: Gulf of Maine and Georges Bank, Aggregates and Habitats Projects, usgsecstdb.shp USGS East-Coast Sediment Analysis: Procedures, Database, and Georeferenced Displays, 2000, U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 00-358; East Coast Sediment Texture Database, 05_00pnt.shp

3. What legal disclaimers am I supposed to read?

   Although this derived data set and it's lineage dataset have been used by the 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.

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

     Data format:	Five files (usgsecstdb.dbf, usgsecstdb.shp, usgsecstdb.shx, usgsecstdb.sbn, usgsecstdb.sbx) comprising the ArcView point shapefile components, 'prj' and 'avl' files, metadata text file and browse graphic. in format ArcView (version 3.2) ESRI Shapefile Size: 18.875
     Network links:
     Media you can order:	CD-ROM (Density 650 Mbyte) (format ISO9660) Note: The user must have a computer system with a CD-ROM available. To browse the information contained on this CD-ROM, the user must have a current WWW browser available. The user must also have software installed on their computer to unzip the archived file.

   • Cost to order the data: none

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

   The data is available in ArcView shapefile format. The user must have ESRI's ArcView 3.0 or later software to read and process this data file. In lieu of ArcView, the user may utilize another GIS application package capable of importing data.

   ---

1. Who distributes the data set? (Distributor 2 of 2)
   M.E. (Polly) Hastings
   U.S. Geological Survey
   Data Specialist
   384 Woods Hole Road
   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?

   Regional Mapping of Surficial Sediments: Gulf of Maine and Georges Bank, Aggregates and Habitats Projects, usgsecstdb.shp USGS East-Coast Sediment Analysis: Procedures, Database, and Georeferenced Displays, 2000, U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 00-358; East Coast Sediment Texture Database, 05_00pnt.shp

3. What legal disclaimers am I supposed to read?

   Although this derived data set and it's lineage dataset have been used by the 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.

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

     Data format:	Microsoft Excel (version Office 2000) Microsoft Excel spreadsheet
     Network links:	<http://pubs.usgs.gov/openfile/of00-358>
     Media you can order:	CD-ROM (Density 650 Mbyte) (format ISO9660) Note: The user must have a computer system with a CD-ROM available. To browse the information contained on this CD-ROM, the user must have a current WWW browser available. The user must also have software installed on their computer to unzip the archived file.

   • Cost to order the data: none

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

   The data is available in ArcView shapefile format. The user must have ESRI's ArcView 3.0 or later software to read and process this data file. In lieu of ArcView, the user may utilize another GIS application package capable of importing data.

Who wrote the metadata?

Dates:

Last modified: 24-Nov-2004

Metadata author:

Valerie Paskevich
U.S. Geological Survey
Computer 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>