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Geological Interpretation of the Sea Floor Offshore of Edgartown, Massachusetts

By L.J. Poppe,¹ K.Y. McMullen,¹ D.S. Foster,¹ D.S. Blackwood,¹ S.J. Williams,¹ S.D. Ackerman,¹ M.S. Moser,² and K.A. Glomb²

¹U.S. Geological Survey, Woods Hole Science Center, Woods Hole, MA 02543
²Office of Coast Survey, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Norfolk, VA 23510

Abstract Gridded bathymetry and sidescan-sonar imagery together cover approximately 37.3 square kilometers of sea floor in the vicinity of Edgartown Harbor, Massachusetts. Although originally collected for charting purposes during National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration hydrographic survey H11346, these acoustic data, and the sea-floor stations and seismic-reflection lines subsequently occupied to verify them, 1) show the composition and terrain of the seabed, 2) provide information on sediment transport and benthic habitat, and 3) are part of an expanding series of studies that provide a fundamental framework for research and management (for example, windfarms, pipelines, and dredging) activities along the Massachusetts inner continental shelf.

First posted April 2010 OFR 2009-1001 For additional information contact: Lawrence Poppe U.S. Geological Survey Coastal and Marine Geology Program Woods Hole Science Center 384 Woods Hole Road Woods Hole, MA 02543 Part or all of this report is presented in Portable Document Format (PDF); the latest version of Adobe Reader or similar software is required to view it. Download the latest version of Adobe Reader, free of charge.

Suggested citation:

Poppe, L.J., McMullen, K.Y., Foster, D.S., Blackwood, D.S., Williams, S.J., Ackerman, S.D., Moser, M.S., and Glomb, K.A., 2010, Geological interpretation of the sea floor offshore of Edgartown, Massachusetts: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2009-1001. (Also available at https://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2009/1001/.)

Contents

Abstract

Introduction

Setting

Methods

Sidescan Sonar and Bathymetry

Seismic Reflection, Sampling, and Photography

Bathymetry

Sidescan Sonar

Seismic Profiles

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Sediments

Sediment Distribution

Sediment Data

Data Dictionary

Bottom Photography

Photo Galleries

Data Catalog

Geographic Information System

Data Description

Summary

Acknowledgments

References Cited

Contacts