Data tables for the Long Island Sound and New York Bight database

Metadata:

• Identification_Information
• Data_Quality_Information
• Spatial_Data_Organization_Information
• Spatial_Reference_Information
• Entity_and_Attribute_Information
• Distribution_Information
• Metadata_Reference_Information

Identification_Information:

Citation:

Citation_Information:

Originator: U.S. Geological Survey

Publication_Date: 2002

Title:

Data tables for the Long Island Sound and New York Bight database

Edition: 1.0

Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: tabular digital data

Series_Information:

Series_Name: Open-File Report

Issue_Identification: 03-241

Publication_Information:

Publication_Place: Woods Hole Science Center, Woods Hole, MA

Publisher: U.S. Geological Survey, Coastal and Marine Geology Program

Online_Linkage: <http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2003/of03-241>

Larger_Work_Citation:

Citation_Information:

Originator: E.L. Mecray

Originator: M.E. Hastings

Originator: J.M. Reid

Publication_Date: 2003

Title:

CONTAMINATED SEDIMENTS DATABASE FOR LONG ISLAND SOUND AND NEW YORK BIGHT

Edition: 1.0

Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: tabular data

Series_Information:

Series_Name: Open-file Report

Issue_Identification: 03-241

Publication_Information:

Publication_Place: Woods Hole, MA

Publisher: U.S. Geological Survey

Description:

Abstract:

Detailed chemical, station (source and documentation, sample locations), and texture data are provided for sediments in Long Island Sound and New York Bight. 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 The data were obtained from a variety of sources: published reports, theses, unpublished data from agencies and organizations in the Long Island Sound and New York Bight area and Federal agencies such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S.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 the U.S. Geological Survey.

Purpose:

The data are the results of a project to develop a comprehensive database of chemical and environmental information on sediments from Long Island Sound and New York Bight. 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.

Time_Period_of_Content:

Time_Period_Information:

Range_of_Dates/Times:

Beginning_Date: 1970

Ending_Date: 2000

Currentness_Reference: sample collection period

Status:

Progress: Complete

Maintenance_and_Update_Frequency: As needed

Spatial_Domain:

Bounding_Coordinates:

West_Bounding_Coordinate: -74.990000

East_Bounding_Coordinate: -70.923330

North_Bounding_Coordinate: 41.442190

South_Bounding_Coordinate: 38.493330

Keywords:

Theme:

Theme_Keyword_Thesaurus: General

Theme_Keyword: U.S. Geological Survey

Theme_Keyword: USGS

Theme_Keyword: Coastal and Marine Geology Program

Theme_Keyword: CMGP

Theme_Keyword: Woods Hole Science Center

Theme_Keyword:

Contaminated Sediments Database for Long Island Sound and New York Bight

Theme_Keyword: USGS Open-File Report 03-241

Theme_Keyword: OFR 03-241

Theme_Keyword: sediment

Theme_Keyword: geochemistry

Theme_Keyword: sediment texture

Theme_Keyword: bottom sediments

Theme_Keyword: pollutants

Theme_Keyword: organic contaminants

Place:

Place_Keyword_Thesaurus: General

Place_Keyword: US East Coast

Place_Keyword: US Atlantic Coast

Place_Keyword: Atlantic Ocean

Place_Keyword: Long Island Sound

Place_Keyword: New York Bight

Place_Keyword: North America

Place_Keyword: United States

Access_Constraints: none

Use_Constraints:

Public domain data from the U.S. government is freely redistributable with proper metadata and source attribution.

Please recognize the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) as the source of this information.

Point_of_Contact:

Contact_Information:

Contact_Person_Primary:

Contact_Person: Polly Hastings

Contact_Organization: U.S. Geological Survey

Contact_Position: Oceanographic Data Specialist

Contact_Address:

Address_Type: mailing and physical address

Address: Woods Hole Science Center

Address: 384 Woods Hole Road

City: Woods Hole

State_or_Province: MA

Postal_Code: 02543-1598

Country: USA

Contact_Voice_Telephone: 508-548-8700 x2289

Contact_Facsimile_Telephone: 508-457-2310

Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address: phastings@usgs.gov

Data_Set_Credit:

This publication is a product of many years of work by numerous organizations and individuals. Those persons listed as contacts in the Collaborators and Acknowledgements sections (on the web site) were particularly crucial in providing contaminant data and context information to the authors.

Native_Data_Set_Environment:

Microsoft Windows 2000 Version 5.0 (Build 2195) Service Pack 4; ESRI ArcCatalog 8.2.0.700

Cross_Reference:

Citation_Information:

Originator: M.R. Buchholtz ten Brink

Originator: F.T. Manheim

Originator: E.L. Mecray

Originator: M.E. Hastings

Originator: J.M. Currence

Originator: J.W. Farrington

Originator: T.J. Fredette

Originator: S.H. Jones

Originator: M.L. Liebman

Originator: P.F. Larsen

Originator: W. Smith Leo

Originator: B.W. Tripp

Originator: G.T. Wallace, Jr.

Originator: L.G. Ward

Publication_Date: 2002

Title: Contaminated Sediments Database for the Gulf of Maine

Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: document

Series_Information:

Series_Name: Open-File Report

Issue_Identification: 02403

Publication_Information:

Publication_Place: Woods Hole Science Center, Woods Hole, MA

Publisher: U.S. Geological Survey, Coastal and Marine Geology Program

Online_Linkage: <http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2002/of02-403>

Data_Quality_Information:

Attribute_Accuracy:

Attribute_Accuracy_Report:

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.

Logical_Consistency_Report:

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.

Completeness_Report:

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.

Positional_Accuracy:

Horizontal_Positional_Accuracy:

Horizontal_Positional_Accuracy_Report:

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.

Lineage:

Source_Information:

Type_of_Source_Media: disc, online, paper, chart

Source_Time_Period_of_Content:

Time_Period_Information:

Range_of_Dates/Times:

Beginning_Date: 1970

Ending_Date: 2000

Source_Currentness_Reference: publication date

Source_Contribution:

Sources for the data came from a wide variety of sources including both electronic and paper media. For a complete listing that includes source citations, please see the Content Overview section on the web site for a file called LISNYBBiblio.doc.

Process_Step:

Process_Description:

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.

Process_Date: 1993 - 2003

Process_Contact:

Contact_Information:

Contact_Person_Primary:

Contact_Person: Polly Hastings

Contact_Organization: U.S. Geological Survey

Contact_Position: Oceanographic Data Specialist

Contact_Address:

Address_Type: mailing address

Address: Woods Hole Science Center

Address: 384 Woods Hole Road

City: Woods Hole

State_or_Province: MA

Postal_Code: 02543-1598

Country: USA

Contact_Voice_Telephone: 508-548-8700 x2289

Contact_Facsimile_Telephone: 508-457-2310

Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address: phastings@usgs.gov

Spatial_Data_Organization_Information:

Direct_Spatial_Reference_Method: Vector

Point_and_Vector_Object_Information:

SDTS_Terms_Description:

SDTS_Point_and_Vector_Object_Type: Entity point

Point_and_Vector_Object_Count: 4302

Spatial_Reference_Information:

Horizontal_Coordinate_System_Definition:

Geographic:

Latitude_Resolution: 0.000000

Longitude_Resolution: 0.000000

Geographic_Coordinate_Units: Decimal degrees

Geodetic_Model:

Horizontal_Datum_Name: North American Datum of 1927

Ellipsoid_Name: Clarke 1866

Semi-major_Axis: 6378206.400000

Denominator_of_Flattening_Ratio: 294.978698

Entity_and_Attribute_Information:

Detailed_Description:

Entity_Type:

Entity_Type_Label: Data tables

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: FID

Attribute_Definition: Internal feature number.

Attribute_Definition_Source: ESRI

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Unrepresentable_Domain:

Sequential unique whole numbers that are automatically generated.

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Shape

Attribute_Definition: Feature geometry.

Attribute_Definition_Source: ESRI

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Unrepresentable_Domain: Coordinates defining the features.

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: UNIQUE_ID

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: LATITUDE

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: LONGITUDE

Overview_Description:

Entity_and_Attribute_Overview:

This contribution presents the Database of Contaminated Sediments Database for Long Island Sound and the New York Bight, which provides a documented compilation of existing, edited data on contaminated sediments and related sediment properties. The data are compiled from as many sources as possible, reviewed for data quality, and integrated into a common format in order to produce a regional database. This database contains original data from heterogeneous sources and provides documentation about the quality of those data. The data are sorted, mapped, and plotted to create a synthesis that addresses a variety of research and management applications. A description of the methods utilized to create the database and the structure of the compiled database is provided in USGS Open-file Report 02-403.

The Contaminated Sediments Database is a matrix (spreadsheet format) having samples in one dimension and properties, or parameters, in the other. In the database, each sample is assigned a row and the columns contain data about the location, parameters analyzed, methods, and measurements for each sample. The structure and content of the database are defined by the Data Dictionary, which defines what types of data are entered into each parameter field for each of six separate data tables. Each sample in the database is linked across the tables by a unique identification number (Sample ID) that is assigned when the data are entered and by a citation to the original source. The sample matrix format is flexible; it allows for addition of both samples and parameters.

Entity_and_Attribute_Detail_Citation:

Mecray, E.L, M.E. Hastings, and J.M. Reid, 2003, The Data Dictionary of the Contaminated Sediments Database for Long Island Sound and the New York Bight; OFR 03-241.

Distribution_Information:

Distributor:

Contact_Information:

Contact_Organization_Primary:

Contact_Organization: U.S. Geological Survey

Contact_Person: Polly Hastings

Contact_Position: Oceanographic Data Specialist

Contact_Address:

Address_Type: mailing and physical address

Address: Woods Hole Science Center

Address: 384 Woods Hole Road

City: Woods Hole

State_or_Province: MA

Postal_Code: 02543-1598

Country: USA

Contact_Voice_Telephone: 508-548-8700 x2289

Contact_Facsimile_Telephone: 508-457-2310

Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address: phastings@usgs.gov

Resource_Description:

Contaminated Sediments Database for Long Island Sound and New York Bight, USGS Open-file Report 03-241

Distribution_Liability:

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.

Although this data set has been used by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), no warranty, express 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.

Standard_Order_Process:

Digital_Form:

Digital_Transfer_Information:

Format_Name: Tab-delimited text and Microsoft Excel

Format_Version_Number: 5.0/95

Format_Information_Content:

Station location and sample characteristics, grain-size, and geochemical measurements

Transfer_Size: 0.349

Digital_Transfer_Option:

Offline_Option:

Offline_Media: CD-ROM

Recording_Format: ISO 9660

Compatibility_Information: May contain Joliet extensions

Fees: <http://mapping.usgs.gov/esic/prices/index.html>

Custom_Order_Process: none

Technical_Prerequisites:

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.

Available_Time_Period:

Time_Period_Information:

Single_Date/Time:

Calendar_Date: 2002

Metadata_Reference_Information:

Metadata_Date: 20030903

Metadata_Review_Date: 20021106

Metadata_Contact:

Contact_Information:

Contact_Person_Primary:

Contact_Person: Jamey M. Reid

Contact_Organization: U.S. Geological Survey

Contact_Position: Information Technology Specialist (Data Management)

Contact_Address:

Address_Type: mailing and physical address

Address: Woods Hole Science Center

Address: 384 Woods Hole Road

City: Woods Hole

State_or_Province: MA

Postal_Code: 02543-1598

Country: USA

Contact_Voice_Telephone: 508-548-8700 x2204

Contact_Facsimile_Telephone: 508-457-2310

Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address: jreid@usgs.gov

Metadata_Standard_Name: FGDC Content Standards for Digital Geospatial Metadata

Metadata_Standard_Version: FGDC-STD-001-1998

Metadata_Time_Convention: local time

Metadata_Access_Constraints: none

Metadata_Use_Constraints: none

Metadata_Extensions:

Online_Linkage: <http://www.esri.com/metadata/esriprof80.html>

Profile_Name: ESRI Metadata Profile