Sea-Floor geology and character of Eastern Rhode Island Sound West of Gay Head, Massachusetts

Poppe, L.J.; McMullen, K.Y.; Ackerman, S.D., Blackwood, D.S.; Irwin, B.J.; Schaer, J.D.; Forrest, M.R.

Abstract:

Gridded multibeam bathymetry covers approximately 102 square kilometers of sea floor in eastern Rhode Island Sound west of Gay Head, Massachusetts. Although originally collected for charting purposes during National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration hydrographic survey H11922, these acoustic data and the sea-floor stations 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 activities (for example, windfarms and fisheries) along the Massachusetts inner continental shelf. Most of the sea floor in the study area has an undulating to faintly rippled appearance and is composed of bioturbated muddy sand, reflecting processes associated with sediment sorting and reworking. Shallower areas are composed of rippled sand and, where small fields of megaripples are present, indicate sedimentary environments characterized by processes associated with coarse bedload transport. Boulders and gravel were found on the floors of scour depressions and on top of an isolated bathymetric high where erosion has removed the Holocene marine sediments and exposed the underlying relict lag deposits of Pleistocene drift. The numerous scour depressions, which formed during storm-driven events, result in the juxtaposition of sea-floor areas with contrasting sedimentary environments and distinct gravel, sand, and muddy sand textures. This textural heterogeneity in turn creates a complex patchwork of habitats. Our observations of local variations in community structure suggest that this small-scale textural heterogeneity adds dramatically to the sound-wide benthic biological diversity.

Genre:

USGS Numbered Series

ProdID:

70004855

Citation Author:

Poppe, L.J.; McMullen, K.Y.; Ackerman, S.D., Blackwood, D.S.; Irwin, B.J.; Schaer, J.D.; Forrest, M.R.

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Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center

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English

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Citation LatN:

0423000

Citation LatS:

0403000

Citation LonE:

-0693000

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-0734500

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HTML Document

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U.S. Geological Survey

Citation Series:

Open-File Report

Citation Series Code:

OFR

Citation Series Number:

2011-1004

Citation Search Results Text:

Sea-Floor geology and character of Eastern Rhode Island Sound West of Gay Head, Massachusetts; 2011; OFR; 2011-1004; Poppe, L.J.; McMullen, K.Y.; Ackerman, S.D., Blackwood, D.S.; Irwin, B.J.; Schaer, J.D.; Forrest, M.R.