Database of recent tsunami deposits

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: Robert Peters

Originator: Bruce E. Jaffe

Publication_Date: August 2010

Publication_Time: Unknown

Title: Database of recent tsunami deposits

Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: spreadsheet

Series_Information:

Series_Name: Open-File Report

Issue_Identification: USGS OFR 2010-1172

Publication_Information:

Publication_Place: Western Coastal and Marine Geology, Santa Cruz, CA

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

Online_Linkage: <http://pubs.er.usgs.gov/usgspubs/ofr/ofr20101172>

Online_Linkage: <https://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2010/1172>

Description:

Abstract:

This report describes a database of sedimentary characteristics of tsunami deposits derived from published accounts of tsunami deposit investigations conducted shortly after the occurrence of a tsunami. The database contains 228 entries, each entry containing data from up to 71 categories. It includes data from 51 publications covering 15 tsunamis distributed between 16 countries. The database encompasses a wide range of depositional settings including tropical islands, beaches, coastal plains, river banks, agricultural fields, and urban environments. It includes data from both local tsunamis and teletsunamis. The data are valuable for interpreting prehistorical, historical, and modern tsunami deposits, and for the development of criteria to identify tsunami deposits in the geologic record.

Purpose:

These data are intended for science researchers, students, and the general public.

Supplemental_Information:

This research was funded by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the U.S. Geological Survey Coastal and Marine Catastrophic Hazards Project. The views expressed are not necessarily those of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Susan Cochran and Steve Watt provided thoughtful reviews that improved this report.

Time_Period_of_Content:

Time_Period_Information:

Single_Date/Time:

Calendar_Date: August 2010

Time_of_Day: unknown

Currentness_Reference: publication date

Status:

Progress: Complete

Maintenance_and_Update_Frequency: Unknown

Spatial_Domain:

Bounding_Coordinates:

West_Bounding_Coordinate: -170.799480

East_Bounding_Coordinate: 156.967000

North_Bounding_Coordinate: 48.203592

South_Bounding_Coordinate: -39.454178

Keywords:

Theme:

Theme_Keyword: tsunami deposit

Theme_Keyword: tsunami

Theme_Keyword: coastal hazards

Place:

Place_Keyword: worldwide

Access_Constraints:

If physical samples or materials are available, constraints on their on-site access are described in "WR CMG Sample Distribution Policy" at URL: <http://walrus.wr.usgs.gov/infobank/programs/html/main/sample-dist-policy.html>

Use_Constraints:

Not suitable for navigation.
Read and fully comprehend the metadata prior to data use.
Acknowledge the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the Originator, when using the data set as a source. Any use of trade, firm, or product names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.
Share data products developed using the source data set with the Originator.
Data should not be used beyond the limits of the source scale. This information is not intended for navigational purposes.
The data set is NOT a survey document and should not be utilized as such. Some USGS information accessed through this means may be preliminary in nature and presented without the approval of the Director of the USGS. This information is provided with the understanding that it is not guaranteed to be correct or complete and conclusions drawn from such information are the responsibility of the user.

Point_of_Contact:

Contact_Information:

Contact_Organization_Primary:

Contact_Organization:

United States Geological Survey, Coastal and Marine Geology Program

Contact_Person: Bruce E. Jaffe

Contact_Position: Oceanographer

Contact_Address:

Address_Type: mailing and physical address

Address: 400 Natural Bridges Drive

City: Santa Cruz

State_or_Province: CA

Postal_Code: 95060

Country: USA

Contact_Voice_Telephone: 831-427-4742

Contact_Facsimile_Telephone: 831-427-4748

Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address: bjaffe@usgs.gov

Data_Set_Credit:

The U.S. Geological Survey Coastal and Marine Geology Program funded this research.

Security_Information:

Security_Classification: Unclassified

Native_Data_Set_Environment:

Microsoft Windows XP Version 5.1 (Build 2600) Service Pack 3; ESRI ArcCatalog 9.3.1.3000

Data_Quality_Information:

Attribute_Accuracy:

Attribute_Accuracy_Report:

Care should be exercised in using thesis data. No attempt has been made to verify the data presented in this report. The data are derived from a variety of studies with differences in focus, scope, and intent. Details concerning techniques, errors, difficulties, inconsistencies, and potential alternate interpretations of the data are beyond the scope of this report. These are usually site-specific and the original citation should be consulted regarding the context of the data. This report contains data from both peer-reviewed journals and from publications not typically subjected to extensive peer review, such as technical papers or conference proceedings. Abstracts are not used in the database. A column for the type of publication is included in the database. While the degree of conformity to standard methods has increased as tsunami deposit studies have become more common, techniques still varied widely among the many studies and the accuracy and precision between separate entries may not be comparable. No attempt has been made in this report to quantify errors. It is recommended that the original reference, supplied for each entry, be consulted before using data compiled in this report.

Logical_Consistency_Report:

For an explanation of the fidelity of relationships in the data set and tests used, see Peters, R. and Jaffe, B.E., 2010, Database of recent tsunami deposits: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2010-1172, 23p.

Completeness_Report:

For information about omissions, selection criteria, generalization, definitions used, and other rules used to derive the data set, see Peters, R. and Jaffe, B.E., 2010, Database of recent tsunami deposits: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2010-1172, 23p.

Positional_Accuracy:

Horizontal_Positional_Accuracy:

Horizontal_Positional_Accuracy_Report:

Latitudes and longitudes reported by the authors are used, when possible, either from the primary publication or directly from one of the authors of the publication. If location data are not supplied by the author, Google Earth or Google Maps were used to derive a general location based on place names supplied by the authors. Some locations were too general to assign coordinates. Latitudes and longitudes other than those supplied by the authors are for general location reference only and may not precisely or accurately represent a site location.

Lineage:

Process_Step:

Process_Description:

For details, see "Structure of the database" section in Peters, R., and Jaffe, B.E., 2010, Database of recent tsunami deposits: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2010-1172, 23p.

Process_Date: Unknown

Process_Contact:

Contact_Information:

Contact_Organization_Primary:

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

Contact_Person: Bruce E. Jaffe

Contact_Position: Oceanographer

Contact_Address:

Address_Type: mailing and physical address

Address: 400 Natural Bridges Drive

City: Santa Cruz

State_or_Province: CA

Postal_Code: 95060

Country: USA

Contact_Voice_Telephone: 831-427-4742

Contact_Facsimile_Telephone: 831-427-4748

Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address: bjaffe@usgs.gov

Spatial_Data_Organization_Information:

Direct_Spatial_Reference_Method: Point

Point_and_Vector_Object_Information:

SDTS_Terms_Description:

SDTS_Point_and_Vector_Object_Type: Entity point

Point_and_Vector_Object_Count: 228

Spatial_Reference_Information:

Horizontal_Coordinate_System_Definition:

Geographic:

Latitude_Resolution: 0.000001

Longitude_Resolution: 0.000001

Geographic_Coordinate_Units: Decimal degrees

Geodetic_Model:

Horizontal_Datum_Name: D_WGS_84

Ellipsoid_Name: WGS 84

Semi-major_Axis: 6378137.000000

Denominator_of_Flattening_Ratio: 298.257224

Entity_and_Attribute_Information:

Detailed_Description:

Entity_Type:

Entity_Type_Label: Database of recent tsunami deposits

Entity_Type_Definition: Data assembled for this report

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

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Entry number

Attribute_Definition: The number of the entry in the database

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

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Country

Attribute_Definition: The country where the site is located

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

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Location - general

Attribute_Definition:

The state, city, or other regional designation used to locate the site of the deposit

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

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Site name - specific

Attribute_Definition:

The specific name of the site investigated. If more than one site is listed and coordinates apply to only one location, or if coordinates are supplied for more than one site, coordinates will be assigned in the order of the sites listed and sites with coordinates will be denoted by an asterisk (*). In some cases, general data are given for a wide area in one entry labeled "general", then specific data are given for specific site, transects, or cores in subsequent entries.

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

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Transect number or designation

Attribute_Definition:

If data are derived from a single or group of transects, and multiple transects or groups of transects exist at the site, a transect designation is included. If the data represent a compilation or condensation of data derived from all transects, no transect designation is given.

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

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Core or trench number

Attribute_Definition:

The core or trench designation, or group of cores or trenches, that the data are derived from

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

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Latitude (decimal degrees)

Attribute_Definition:

Latitude of site where data were collected. The most precise location supplied by the authors is used. For example, if location data for a specific core or trench are supplied, this will be used. If not, site location data will be used. If multiple locations are given for a single entry, such as GPS coordinates for a group of cores or transects, a representative latitude or a range will be given.

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

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Longitude (decimal degrees)

Attribute_Definition:

Longitude of site where data were collected. The most precise location supplied by the authors is used. For example, if location data for a specific core or trench are supplied, this will be used. If not, site location data will be used. If multiple locations are given for a single entry, such as GPS coordinates for a group of cores or transect, a representative latitude or a range will be given.

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

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Source of location data

Attribute_Definition:

Latitudes and longitudes reported by the authors are used, when possible, either from the primary publication or directly from one of the authors of the publication. If location data are not supplied by the author, Google Earth or Google Maps were used to derive a general location based on place names supplied by the authors. Some locations were too general to assign coordinates. Latitudes and longitudes other than those supplied by the authors are for general location reference only and may not precisely or accurately represent a site location

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

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Date surveyed

Attribute_Definition: Dates, year, or period survey was conducted.

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

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Method of investigation (field methods)

Attribute_Definition:

The method used to investigate tsunami sedimentation. Common investigative methods are trenches, gouge cores, cut banks, for example. Specific field methods may not be presented here, and the original citation should be consulted for details.

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

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Laboratory analyses performed

Attribute_Definition:

List of technical analyses performed on samples from the deposit, such as grain size or foraminiferal. Specific analytical techniques are not presented here, and the original citation should be consulted for details

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

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Depositional setting

Attribute_Definition:

Depositional setting for tsunami or storm sedimentation, such as lake, coastal marsh, freshwater marsh, for example.

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

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Physiographic setting

Attribute_Definition:

The physiographic setting in which the tsunami deposits are located. The physiographic setting affects the flow conditions of the tsunami, and, therefore, sedimentation. Physiographic setting also may influence how some tsunami parameters, such as inundation, are measured. Some aspects of the geologic setting may be presented as well.

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

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Inundation reference

Attribute_Definition:

Inundation distance for open coastal settings is the maximum distance inland, normal to the shoreline, inundated by the tsunami. However, in other physiographic settings, the term inundation distance is subject to interpretation and the definition may change depending on the focus of the study. In a large bay or estuary, which may extend several kilometers inland from the open coast, a tsunami may propagate up a bay or even be focused by the bay. A tsunami that has a relatively small inundation distance in an open coastal setting or along a coastal cliff may travel a greater distance up a river or estuary. Therefore, when considering inundation distance, it is important to note the physiographic setting and the reference point from which inundation distance is measured. When known, the reference point for measuring the inundation distance is given. "Open coast" means the inundation distance is measured normal to the trend of the shoreline. When warranted, a more specific reference may be given. "River mouth" means the distance is measured from the mouth of the river or estuary, perpendicular to the trend of the coast at the river mouth. "Up river" means the distance up a river or estuary and will not necessarily be in a straight line but will follow the course of the river. "Bay shore" means perpendicular to the trend of the shore within a bay. When "bay shore" is added to river descriptions it means the distance is measured from the mouth of a river that flows into a bay.

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

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Barrier height (m)

Attribute_Definition:

The height, in meters, of any barrier, such as a dune or beach ridge, that the tsunami must overtop before reaching the depositional zone.

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

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Recent, historical, or prehistorical

Attribute_Definition:

All entries in this database are recent tsunami deposits. This column is included for comparison with other databases. Though these terms may infer a relative age for a deposit, they do not refer to a specific time period. "Recent" indicates that data were collected soon after the sediment was deposited. No criteria have been established yet in literature to define or limit the time period termed "recent", but for an event termed "recent", tsunami sediment survey teams are organized soon after an event to document, measure and/or sample sediment before it has been disturbed by natural or anthropogenic processes. Ideally, this is immediately after the event, but if the event causes significant damage or loss of life, sediment survey teams usually arrive after initial relief efforts have been completed. A recent event is usually present at the surface. Follow-up studies occurring months to years after the event also may be termed "recent". "Historical" refers to events recorded in the historical record that are recognized in the sedimentary record. "Prehistorical" refers to events only known through the sedimentary record.

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

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: # Tsunamis at site

Attribute_Definition:

At some sites, more than one recent tsunami deposit was documented. Some studies also included a paleotsunami component to the investigation. The number of tsunamis preserved in geologic record at the site, from the surface to the maximum depth investigated are listed here. However, no details of historical or paleo-tsunami deposits are included in the database, even if they occur at the same site as a recent tsunami deposit.

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

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Event #

Attribute_Definition:

If more than one event is preserved, this entry represents the number of the tsunami event described. Event numbers increase down-core or section . At present, all events included in the database are recent. At some sites, more than one recent tsunami deposit was documented. MacInnes and others, (2009b) report results from deposits by two recent tsunamis from the Kuril Islands. The most recent tsunami (January 13, 2007) is assigned event # 1 and the earlier tsunami (November 15, 2006) is assigned event # 2. Jaffe and others (2006) report two recent tsunamis on the island of Simeulue, Indonesia, but only data from the December 26, 2004, tsunami was presented in the report, so only results from the December 26, 2004, tsunami (event # 1) is included in the database

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

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Date of tsunami

Attribute_Definition: The date the tsunami occurred

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

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Name/designation of tsunami

Attribute_Definition:

The name or designation of the tsunami. This often is the name of the region the tsunami originated or the area of its greatest impact. If more than one name is reported in the literature, the most accepted name is reported

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

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Recurrence interval

Attribute_Definition:

If historical or paleotsunami surveys at the site allow calculation of a recurrence interval for tsunamis at the site, it is reported here. Recurrence intervals based on methods other than tsunami deposits are not reported

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

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Cause of tsunami

Attribute_Definition:

A summary of the cause of the tsunami, such as earthquake, submarine landslide, or volcano

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

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Locally generated or teletsunami

Attribute_Definition:

This entry designates if the tsunami was generated locally, relative to the site being described, or has traveled long distances or across ocean basins

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

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Tsunami height (m)

Attribute_Definition:

The reported size, in meters, of the tsunami at the site location. This statistic represents the size of the wave relative to sea level. It is different than the water depth, which is reported relative to ground level

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

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Tsunami water depth at site (m)

Attribute_Definition:

The maximum depth, in meters, of the water caused by the tsunami above the ground surface, estimated at the site, transect, core, or trench location. Surveys may use physical data, eye-witness reports, or a combination of the two to estimate water depth. Physical evidence may be broken branches, sediment deposits on structures, debris in trees, trim lines, or water marks. These are usually minimum estimates. Estimates based on eye-witness reports may overestimate or underestimate water depth. Original reference should be consulted for methods used to estimate water depth data. Water depth is different than tsunami height, which is measured relative to sea level.

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

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: # Waves reported

Attribute_Definition:

The number of waves reported to have inundated the site. This may be from eye-witness accounts or interpreted from the tsunami deposit

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

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Maximum inundation at site (m)

Attribute_Definition:

The maximum inland extent of wave inundation, in meters, at the site. (see "inundation reference").

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

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Maximum run-up (m)

Attribute_Definition:

The elevation of wave inundation at the limit of inundation at the site, in meters above mean sea level unless otherwise noted

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

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Maximum inland extent of sedimentation (m)

Attribute_Definition:

The shore-parallel extent of tsunami-deposited sediment, in meters at a site. If a specific flow path is indicated, distance may be described along the flow path. Any change from shore-normal distance will be noted and described

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

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Lateral extent of sedimentation (km)

Attribute_Definition:

The shore-parallel extent of sediment, in kilometers at a site. Any change from shore-parallel in this column will be noted and described

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

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Maximum sediment elevation (m)

Attribute_Definition:

The maximum elevation of sediment at a site or along a transect, in meters above sea level

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

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Distance from shore to deposit investigated (m)

Attribute_Definition:

The distance, in meters, to site of core or trench where deposits are described. Unless otherwise noted, the distance is shore-normal. Any deviation from shore-normal distance will be noted and described

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

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Deposit Elevation (m)

Attribute_Definition:

The elevation of land surface at site of core or trench where deposits are described, in meters above sea level

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

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Geometry

Attribute_Definition:

The two and three-dimensional characteristics of the deposit describing the shape and extent of the deposit, such as landward thinning, hummocky, or sand sheet. The entry may include descriptions of lateral changes in thickness and brief discussions of controlling factors

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

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Deposit Thickness (cm)

Attribute_Definition: The tsunami deposit thickness, in centimeters

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

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Vertical reference

Attribute_Definition:

Measurements or descriptions are often referenced to the top, bottom, or a specific location within the deposit. This entry defines where subsequent vertical measurements are referenced to (that is 0 cm = base of deposit, top of deposit, surface, or other reference as given in the publication).

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

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: # Layers

Attribute_Definition: The number of distinct layers or beds within the deposit

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

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Layer thickness (cm)

Attribute_Definition:

If more than one layer is present, the thickness, in centimeters, of the individual layers within the deposit (layer thickness of a single layer deposit is "deposit thickness" above). If layer numbers are assigned and used throughout the publication, layer numbers correspond to those used in the publication. If the author presents no numbering scheme and a vertical reference is indicated, layer numbers increase from the vertical reference. If no vertical reference is indicated, layer one corresponds to the uppermost layer in the sequence and layer numbers increase down-section.

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

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Layer characteristics

Attribute_Definition:

Sedimentary characteristics of the individual layers as described in the publication. Layer numbers correspond to and/or follow the criteria used for "layer thickness" above

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

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Underlying material

Attribute_Definition: A description of the material directly below the deposit

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

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Basal contact

Attribute_Definition:

The nature of the basal contact of the deposit, including vertical rate of change (gradual, sharp, or abrupt) and process-oriented descriptions (such as erosional), or other descriptions relating to the nature of the contact

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

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Overlying material

Attribute_Definition:

A description of the material overlying the deposit. Overlying material is usually absent in a recent tsunami deposit. However, if enough time has passed between the event and the investigation, and if the deposit is in a depositional (as opposed to an erosional) setting, sediments may overly a recent deposit

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

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Upper contact

Attribute_Definition:

If deposit is covered by overlying material, this describes the nature of the upper contact of the deposit, including vertical rate of change (gradual, sharp, or abrupt) and process-oriented descriptions (such as erosional), or other descriptions relating to the nature of the contact

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

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Surface features

Attribute_Definition:

Features (such as ripples or mud cracks) present at the upper surface of the deposit

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

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Grain size statistics - mean

Attribute_Definition:

This column is reserved for numerical statistics, although it may contain text qualifiers

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

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Grain size statistics - median

Attribute_Definition:

This column is reserved for numerical statistics, although it may contain text qualifiers

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

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Grain size statistics - mode

Attribute_Definition:

This column is reserved for numerical statistics, although it may contain text qualifiers

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

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Grain size statistics - standard deviation

Attribute_Definition:

This column is reserved for numerical statistics, although it may contain text qualifiers

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

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Grain size statistics - skewness

Attribute_Definition:

This column is reserved for numerical statistics, although it may contain text qualifiers

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

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Grain size statistics - kurtosis

Attribute_Definition:

This column is reserved for numerical statistics, although it may contain text qualifiers

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

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Grain size - text descriptions

Attribute_Definition:

A description of sediment grain size condensed from publication text. Textual descriptions of grain sizes for the sand fraction often follow the Udden-Wentworth scale (Udden, 1914; Wentworth, 1922)

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

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Granules to boulders

Attribute_Definition:

Grain sizes larger than the sand fraction present in the deposit, including granules, pebbles, cobbles, and boulders

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

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Mud, clay or silt

Attribute_Definition:

Grain sizes smaller than the sand fraction present in the deposit, including silt, clay, or an unspecified combination (mud)

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

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Vertical grading

Attribute_Definition:

Vertical changes in grain size distribution. Grading descriptions may describe the whole deposit or individual or specific beds or portions of the deposit. Normal grading fines upwards; reverse grading coarsens upwards; massive indicates no discernable changes in grain size or bedding

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

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Lateral grading

Attribute_Definition:

Changes in grain size laterally within the deposit, such as landward coarsening or fining

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

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Mode - text descriptions

Attribute_Definition:

Text descriptions of the mode or modes of the grain size distribution of the deposit. No attempt is made in this column to interpret numerical statistics

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

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Sorting - text descriptions

Attribute_Definition:

Text descriptions of grain size sorting within the deposit. Sorting may be statistically described by the standard deviation of the grain size distribution. Numerical calculations of standard deviation (sorting) are given in a separate column. Well-sorted deposits contain a narrow range of grain sizes, poorly-sorted deposits contain a wide range of grain sizes

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

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Skewness - text descriptions

Attribute_Definition:

Text descriptions of the skewness of the grain size distribution of the deposit. No attempt is made in this column to interpret numerical statistics

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

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Kurtosis - text descriptions

Attribute_Definition:

Text descriptions of the kurtosis of the grain size distribution of the deposit. No attempt is made in this column to interpret numerical statistics

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

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Grain texture

Attribute_Definition:

Texture descriptions, excluding grain size (given previously), including angularity and surface roughness of the grains comprising the deposit

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

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Other sedimentary structures or properties

Attribute_Definition:

Other sedimentary characteristics or properties of the deposit described by the authors

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

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Composition

Attribute_Definition:

Mineralogical or chemical composition or lithic descriptions of the deposits.

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

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Microflora and microfauna - foraminifera, diatoms, for example:

Attribute_Definition:

Foraminifera, diatoms, and other microfossil assemblages within the deposit. This entry also may list any changes or similarities between the deposit and underlying and overlying material or surrounding environments. It is beyond the scope of the database to list all species below, within, or above the deposit. General results of diatom analyses are presented here. Individual publications should be consulted for specific data

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

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Pollen

Attribute_Definition:

Changes in pollen assemblages between the underlying material, the tsunami or storm deposit, and the overlying material, can help determine sediment source and post-event environmental changes to the depositional system. It is beyond the scope of the database to list all species below, within, or above the deposit. General results of pollen analyses are presented here. Individual publications should be consulted for specific data

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

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Macroscopic organics

Attribute_Definition:

Macroscopic organic inclusions in the deposit, such as shells, roots, woody debris, vegetation, and peat are listed here

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

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Flow direction

Attribute_Definition:

If a flow direction has been determined by the authors, it is listed here. Flow direction may be a compass direction, may be referenced to a point, or may be descriptive, such as landward, return flow, or shore-parallel

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

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Additional comments or data

Attribute_Definition:

This column is for any additional information pertaining to the data, qualifying data presented, or for any additional data that does not fit into the preceding categories

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

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Reference

Attribute_Definition:

The type of publication (such as peer-reviewed journal, conference proceedings, U.S. Geological Survey report, or technical paper) the paper is published in

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

Distribution_Information:

Distributor:

Contact_Information:

Contact_Organization_Primary:

Contact_Organization:

United States Geological Survey, Coastal and Marine Geology Program

Contact_Person: Bruce E. Jaffe

Contact_Position: Oceanographer

Contact_Address:

Address_Type: mailing and physical address

Address: 400 Natural Bridges Drive

City: Santa Cruz

State_or_Province: CA

Postal_Code: 95060

Country: USA

Contact_Voice_Telephone: 831-427-4742

Contact_Facsimile_Telephone: 831-427-4748

Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address: bjaffe@usgs.gov

Resource_Description: Open-File Report 2010-1172

Distribution_Liability:

This information is not intended for navigational purposes. Any use of trade, firm, or product names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government. Although this Federal Geographic Data Committee-compliant metadata file is intended to document the data set in nonproprietary form, as well as in ArcInfo format, this metadata file may include some ArcInfo-specific terminology. Please recognize the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) as the source of this information. Physical materials are under controlled on-site access. Some USGS information accessed through this means may be preliminary in nature and presented without the approval of the Director of the USGS. This information is provided with the understanding that it is not guaranteed to be correct or complete and conclusions drawn from such information are the responsibility of the user.

Standard_Order_Process:

Digital_Form:

Digital_Transfer_Information:

Format_Name: ASCII

Digital_Transfer_Option:

Online_Option:

Computer_Contact_Information:

Network_Address:

Network_Resource_Name: <http://pubs.er.usgs.gov/usgspubs/ofr/ofr20101172>

Fees: none

Available_Time_Period:

Time_Period_Information:

Single_Date/Time:

Calendar_Date: August 2010

Time_of_Day: unknown

Metadata_Reference_Information:

Metadata_Date: 20100910

Metadata_Contact:

Contact_Information:

Contact_Organization_Primary:

Contact_Organization:

United States Geological Survey, Coastal and Marine Geology Program

Contact_Person: Bruce E. Jaffe

Contact_Position: Oceanographer

Contact_Address:

Address_Type: mailing and physical address

Address: 400 Natural Bridges Drive

City: Santa Cruz

State_or_Province: CA

Postal_Code: 95060

Country: USA

Contact_Voice_Telephone: 831-427-4742

Contact_Facsimile_Telephone: 831-427-4748

Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address: bjaffe@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:

If physical samples or materials are available, constraints on their on-site access are described in "WR CMG Sample Distribution Policy" at URL: <http://walrus.wr.usgs.gov/infobank/programs/html/main/sample-dist-policy.html>

Metadata_Use_Constraints:

Not suitable for navigation
Read and fully comprehend the metadata prior to data use.
Acknowledge the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the Originator, when using the data set as a source. Any use of trade, firm, or product names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.
Share data products developed using the source data set with the Originator.
Data should not be used beyond the limits of the source scale. This information is not intended for navigational purposes.
The data set is NOT a survey document and should not be utilized as such. Some USGS information accessed through this means may be preliminary in nature and presented without the approval of the Director of the USGS. This information is provided with the understanding that it is not guaranteed to be correct or complete and conclusions drawn from such information are the responsibility of the user.

Metadata_Extensions:

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

Profile_Name: ESRI Metadata Profile