USGS OFR 99-010: Oculina Bank - sediment data

The data presented in this open-file report were collected as part of a cooperative project between the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Coastal and Marine Geology Program and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) of the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The project’s goal was to provide reconnaissance geologic maps of the Experimental Oculina Research Reserve and an unprotected control area north of the reserve to support the NMFS studies of grouper spawning aggregations. To accomplish this, sidescan sonar data and sediment samples were collected throughout both study areas and video and observations from a manned submersible were used at selected sites. This report includes digital mosaics of the sidescan sonar data, tabulated sediment data, and interpretative maps of the seafloor geology. The video and submersible observations are not included in this report, but were used in the interpretation of the sidescan data. In 1995 four sediment samples were collected in the EORR during dives of the Clelia, a research submarine operated by Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution. In 1996, and 1997 65 sediment samples were collected during cruises of the NOAA Research, Vessel Chapman using a van Veen grab sampler. In all 52 of the samples are from, the EORR and 17 from the unprotected control area north of the EORR. , All samples (except those that were made up of chunks of coral or coral rubble) were, analysed for particle size and carbonate content in the sedimentology laboratory of the, U.S. Geological Survey at Woods Hole Massachusetts. Texture terminology used in, this report is according to Folk (1974). The percent of calcium carbonate material was, determined by weight loss of 15 grams of bulk material after digestion with 10 percent, hydrochloric acid. Details of the laboratory techniques can be found in Appendix II:, Sediment Texture Analysis Techniques. The data are presented in this Table of Sediment Analyses.