Data Management Plan (Deprecated)

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.

Original contact information:

Contact Org: NOAA Office for Coastal Management

Phone: 843-740-1202

Email: coastal.info@noaa.gov

Process Steps:

• 1995-01-01 00:00:00 - 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 ( less than 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. (Citation: NY/NJ Harbor deep water survey, June 1995)

Sediment data from the Lower Bay in New York/New Jersey Harbor, June 1995. For information about obtaining these data, please visit the project home page at http://www.coast.noaa.gov/benthic/data/northeast/nynj.htm;