Sediment grab samples were collected using a Shipek grab at pre-determined locations in the harbor. Grain size distributions and organic content were measured and used to assess sediment conditions in New York/New Jersey Harbor and to compare with sediment profile images taken at the same stations. All data were entered into a database, and the database was then used in a Geographic Information System (GIS) to characterize sediment environment in New York/New Jersey Harbor.
The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) had a need to develop benthic habitat maps in NY/NJ Harbor. This was critical for developing a plan for dredged material management that was both economically feasible and environmentally sound. The overall objective was to provide background information to plan cost-effective, spatially focused studies for siting dredge material disposal and habitat restoration within the Harbor. These sediment data were useful in supplementing sediment profile data taken concurrently, and they were useful for examining the relationships between sediment organics and species distributions.
ground condition
It is the responsibility of the user to determine the appropriate use of this data product.
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Values were checked against hard copy data sheets provided by the analysis laboratory. Total organic carbon analyses were repeated for samples where two subsamples differed by more than 10% (e.g., if sediment TOC was 1%, the replicate subsample must have a TOC between 0.9% and 1.1%).
All data are believed to be logically consistent.
All grab data were included in this data layer.
Stations were located in the field using a differential Global Positioning System (GPS), and station coordinates, date and time of day were recorded upon arrival at each station.
Not relevant to the dataset.
Textural analysis and organic content for sediment grabs collected for the NY/NJ Harbor project.
A Shipek grab (0.04 m2) was used to collect benthic and sediment samples from one-third of the stations, and the grab was operated concurrently with deployment of a sediment profile camera from a different area of the RV Onrust. Two grabs were taken at each of the grab-sampled stations. All sediments collected in the second grab were subsampled and frozen for grain size and total organic content (TOC) analyses. Texture analyses were performed by Tierra Consulting, Inc., Mobile, AL. Each sample was washed with de-ionized water, dried, and weighed. The coarse fraction was separated from the fine fraction (sand/silt) by sieving through U. S. Standard Sieve Mesh No. 230 (62.5 mm). Sediment texture of the coarse fractions was determined at half- phi intervals by passing the sediment through nested sieves on a Ro-Tap apparatus. The weight of the material on each sieve was recorded. A Sedigraph 5000 ET Particle Size Analyzer was used to analyze the fine fraction (<62.5 mm). Sediment texture descriptions followed the Wentworth classification. Total organic carbon (TOC) analyses were done at the USACE Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, MS, using a weight-loss-upon-ignition procedure. Samples collected in the field were stored in a freezer until analysis could be performed. After thoroughly mixing the thawed contents of the bag, two 10-g samples of sediment were removed, dried, weighed, ignited at 500 degrees Celsius to drive off organic material and re-weighed. TOC was assumed to be the weight lost upon ignition and expressed as a percentage.
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Dataset copied.
Internal feature number.
ESRI
Feature geometry.
ESRI
Unique identifier
Unique number assigned to sample sites
Indicates numbers of visits to station
single sampling visit to station
multiple sampling visits to station
Indicates the type of data taken at station
SPI sediment grab
benthic sediment grabs
SPI, benthic sediment grabs
Latitude in decimal degrees
Longitude in decimal degrees
Latitude in UTM Zone 18 coordinates
Longitude in UTM Zone 18 coordinates
Total organic content (TOC) in percent by mass
Folk's scale description of sediment texture
USACE description of sediment texture
Percent by mass of gravel component
Percent by mass of sand component
Percent by mass of silt component
Percent by mass of clay component
Median grain size in phi
Mean grain size in phi
Standard deviation for each sample
Calculated skewness of distribution
Calculated kurtosis of distribution
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While every effort has been made to ensure that these data are accurate and reliable within limits of the state of the art, NOAA will not assume any liability for damages caused by any inaccuracies in these data, or failure in their use.
For information about obtaining these data, please visit the project home page at <http://www3.csc.noaa.gov/dbapps/irtscapture/BouncePage.asp?Bounce2=ftp://www.csc.noaa.gov/pub/lcr/nyharbor/lbj95sed.zip&product=221>
2234 South Hobson Avenue