usSEABED is the collaborative product of the U.S. Geological Survey, the University of Colorado, and other partners, and provides integrated data from small and large marine research efforts by many entities—federal and state agencies, local authorities, universities, as well as private and public consortiums.
Information about seafloor characteristics from the beach to the deep sea improves the understanding of interactions between land and sea, effects of river discharge and sea level changes, distributions of benthic flora and fauna, location and type of resources, potential consequences of human activities on the oceans, and other critical issues. Large- and small-scale maps of the seabed, as well as reliable data over broad geographical areas, allow for integrated insights into these issues and more.
To assist in addressing these issues, the USGS and the University of Colorado have created usSEABED. The usSEABED datasets currently hold georeferenced point data for more than 300,000 data sites in U.S. waters from the beach to the deep sea, rivers, lakes, and estuaries. In usSEABED, existing data from the USGS and other research groups are processed and extended to maximize their density and usability creating unified, comprehensive, relationally linked datasets for mapping and analysis. Source data include surficial and subbottom data from physical sampling equipment (grabs and cores) and virtual sampling such as descriptions from seafloor photographs and videos.
In addition to quantified lab-derived data, the datasets of usSEABED also include estimated numeric values for those typical seabed characteristics—noted above—based on the extensive accumulation of word-based data in U.S. waters. These data are rich in information, but were previously difficult to quantify, map, plot, or use in comparative analyses or models.
These descriptive data—from short sentences, small essays, or single phrases—are treated as a mathematical equation that is considered as a whole. Filters based on fuzzy set theory assign relative weight to each word in the description, and estimate the values of textural and other parameters. In addition, the textural implications of non-textural terms—such as 'broken shells' or Halimeda—are included in the calculation of grain-size parameters.
The resulting numeric data, now useable in a GIS or model, should be considered "fuzzy"; that is, they give an approximation—not a rigorous measurement—of the assessed values.
Learn more about usSEABED.
usSEABED
Accessing usSEABED
usSEABED data format and content
dbSEABED: Data processing and mining
Parsing in dbSEABED
Below are usSEABED data resources.
usSEABED: Offshore surficial-sediment database for samples collected within the United States Exclusive Economic Zone
Below are usSEABED publications.
Sediments and the sea floor of the continental shelves and coastal waters of the United States—About the usSEABED integrated sea-floor-characterization database, built with the dbSEABED processing system
Mineral Resource Assessment of Marine Sand Resources in Cape- and Ridge-Associated Marine Sand Deposits in Three Tracts, New York and New Jersey, United States Atlantic Continental Shelf
Modeling cape- and ridge-associated marine sand deposits: A focus on the U.S. Atlantic Continental Shelf
Seabed mapping and characterization of sediment variability using the usSEABED data base
Surficial sediment character of the New York-New Jersey offshore continental shelf region: A GIS compilation
Integration of seafloor point data in usSEABED
Geologic characterization of shelf areas using usSEABED for GIS mapping, modeling processes and assessing marine sand and gravel resources
usSEABED: Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean (Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands) offshore surficial sediment data release
usSEABED: Pacific Coast (California, Oregon, Washington) Offshore Surficial-Sediment Data Release, version 1
Surficial sediment character of the Louisiana offshore continental shelf region: A GIS compilation
Nearshore benthic habitat GIS for the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary and Southern California State Fisheries Reserves, volume II
usSEABED: Atlantic coast offshore surficial sediment data release
- Overview
usSEABED is the collaborative product of the U.S. Geological Survey, the University of Colorado, and other partners, and provides integrated data from small and large marine research efforts by many entities—federal and state agencies, local authorities, universities, as well as private and public consortiums.
Information about seafloor characteristics from the beach to the deep sea improves the understanding of interactions between land and sea, effects of river discharge and sea level changes, distributions of benthic flora and fauna, location and type of resources, potential consequences of human activities on the oceans, and other critical issues. Large- and small-scale maps of the seabed, as well as reliable data over broad geographical areas, allow for integrated insights into these issues and more.
To assist in addressing these issues, the USGS and the University of Colorado have created usSEABED. The usSEABED datasets currently hold georeferenced point data for more than 300,000 data sites in U.S. waters from the beach to the deep sea, rivers, lakes, and estuaries. In usSEABED, existing data from the USGS and other research groups are processed and extended to maximize their density and usability creating unified, comprehensive, relationally linked datasets for mapping and analysis. Source data include surficial and subbottom data from physical sampling equipment (grabs and cores) and virtual sampling such as descriptions from seafloor photographs and videos.
In addition to quantified lab-derived data, the datasets of usSEABED also include estimated numeric values for those typical seabed characteristics—noted above—based on the extensive accumulation of word-based data in U.S. waters. These data are rich in information, but were previously difficult to quantify, map, plot, or use in comparative analyses or models.
These descriptive data—from short sentences, small essays, or single phrases—are treated as a mathematical equation that is considered as a whole. Filters based on fuzzy set theory assign relative weight to each word in the description, and estimate the values of textural and other parameters. In addition, the textural implications of non-textural terms—such as 'broken shells' or Halimeda—are included in the calculation of grain-size parameters.
The resulting numeric data, now useable in a GIS or model, should be considered "fuzzy"; that is, they give an approximation—not a rigorous measurement—of the assessed values.
- Science
Learn more about usSEABED.
usSEABED
usSEABED is the collaborative product of the U.S. Geological Survey, the University of Colorado, and other partners, and provides integrated data from small and large marine research efforts by many entities—federal and state agencies, local authorities, universities, as well as private and public consortiums.Accessing usSEABED
Since the second half of the 20th century, there has been an increase in scientific interest, research effort, and information gathered on the geologic sedimentary character of the continental margins of the United States. Data and information from thousands of sources have increased our scientific understanding of the geologic origins of the margin surface, but rarely have those data been...usSEABED data format and content
The USGS data release for the usSEABED database enables search and download of six interlinked files of output data and a seventh file that provides linked information about the original data sources. These files can be downloaded in their entirety and are also searchable through an online interface that allows for search and selection either through a GIS display or through a web form. Both...dbSEABED: Data processing and mining
At the core of usSEABED is dbSEABED, a data-mining program based on the application of fuzzy set theory to marine geological and biological data. Fuzzy set theory allows expansion of coverage of the seafloor by the use of word-based data from core logs, sample descriptions, photos, and videos, as well as the more standard numeric data from a laboratory.Parsing in dbSEABED
Numeric data mined from verbal logs, core or grab descriptions, shipboard notes, and photographic descriptions are classified as “parsed” data. Input data are maintained using the terms employed by the original researchers and are coded using phonetically sensible terms for easier processing by dbSEABED. - Data
Below are usSEABED data resources.
usSEABED: Offshore surficial-sediment database for samples collected within the United States Exclusive Economic Zone
This usSEABED database contains six point coverages of known sediment samples, inspections, and probes from the usSEABED data collection for samples collected within the United States Exclusive Economic Zone, integrated using the software system dbSEABED. Textural, statistical, geochemical, geophysical, dominant component, and color data are available as three files, which represent the ways the d - Publications
Below are usSEABED publications.
Sediments and the sea floor of the continental shelves and coastal waters of the United States—About the usSEABED integrated sea-floor-characterization database, built with the dbSEABED processing system
Since the second half of the 20th century, there has been an increase in scientific interest, research effort, and information gathered on the geologic sedimentary character of the continental margins of the United States. Data and information from thousands of sources have increased our scientific understanding of the character of the margin surface, but rarely have those data been combined and iAuthorsBrian J. Buczkowski, Jane A. Reid, Chris J. JenkinsMineral Resource Assessment of Marine Sand Resources in Cape- and Ridge-Associated Marine Sand Deposits in Three Tracts, New York and New Jersey, United States Atlantic Continental Shelf
Demand is growing in the United States and worldwide for information about the geology of offshore continental shelf regions, the character of the seafloor, and sediments comprising the seafloor and subbottom. Interest in locating sand bodies or high quality deposits that have potential as sources for beach nourishment and ecosystem restoration is especially great in some regions of the country. TAuthorsJames D. Bliss, S. Jeffress Williams, Matthew A. ArsenaultModeling cape- and ridge-associated marine sand deposits: A focus on the U.S. Atlantic Continental Shelf
Cape- and ridge-associated marine sand deposits, which accumulate on storm-dominated continental shelves that are undergoing Holocene marine transgression, are particularly notable in a segment of the U.S. Atlantic Continental Shelf that extends southward from the east tip of Long Island, N.Y., and eastward from Cape May at the south end of the New Jersey shoreline. These sand deposits commonly coAuthorsJames D. Bliss, S. Jeffress Williams, Karen S. BolmSeabed mapping and characterization of sediment variability using the usSEABED data base
We present a methodology for statistical analysis of randomly located marine sediment point data, and apply it to the US continental shelf portions of usSEABED mean grain size records. The usSEABED database, like many modern, large environmental datasets, is heterogeneous and interdisciplinary. We statistically test the database as a source of mean grain size data, and from it provide a first examAuthorsJ.A. Goff, C.J. Jenkins, Williams S. JeffressSurficial sediment character of the New York-New Jersey offshore continental shelf region: A GIS compilation
Broad continental shelf regions such as the New York Bight are the product of a complex geologic history and dynamic oceanographic processes, dominated by the Holocene marine transgression (>100 m sea-level rise) following the end of the last Pleistocene ice advance ~ 20,000 years ago. The area of the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone (U.S. EEZ) territory, extending 200 nautical miles seaward from theAuthorsS. Jeffress Williams, Matthew A. Arsenault, Lawrence J. Poppe, Jane A. Reid, Jamey M. Reid, Chris J. JenkinsIntegration of seafloor point data in usSEABED
Sediments of the beach, nearshore, and continental shelves record a complex interplay of processes including wave energy and direction , currents, beach erosion or accretion, bluff or cliff retreat, fluvial input, sediment longshore and cross-shelf transport processes, contaminant content and transport, sediment sources and sinks, and others. In turn, sediments and rocks modify wave patterns, affeAuthorsJane A. Reid, S. Jeffress Williams, Mark Zimmermann, Chris Jenkins, Nadine E. GoldenGeologic characterization of shelf areas using usSEABED for GIS mapping, modeling processes and assessing marine sand and gravel resources
Geologic maps depicting offshore sedimentary features serve many scientific and applied purposes. Such maps have been lacking, but recent computer technology and software offer promise in the capture and display of diverse marine data. Continental margins contain landforms which provide a variety of important functions and contain important sedimentary records. Some shelf areas also contain deposiAuthorsS. J. Williams, J. D. Bliss, M.A. Arsenault, C.J. Jenkins, J.A. GoffusSEABED: Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean (Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands) offshore surficial sediment data release
Over the past 50 years there has been an explosion in scientific interest, research effort and information gathered on the geologic sedimentary character of the United States continental margin. Data and information from thousands of publications have greatly increased our scientific understanding of the geologic origins of the shelf surface but rarely have those data been combined and integrated.AuthorsBrian J. Buczkowski, Jane A. Reid, Chris J. Jenkins, Jamey M. Reid, S. Jeffress Williams, James G. FlocksusSEABED: Pacific Coast (California, Oregon, Washington) Offshore Surficial-Sediment Data Release, version 1
Over the past 50 years there has been an explosion in scientific interest, research effort, and information gathered on the geologic sedimentary character of the continental margin of the United States. Data and information from thousands of publications have greatly increased our scientific understanding of the geologic origins of the margin surface but rarely have those data been combined and inAuthorsJane A. Reid, Jamey M. Reid, Chris J. Jenkins, Mark Zimmermann, S. Jeffress Williams, Michael E. FieldSurficial sediment character of the Louisiana offshore continental shelf region: A GIS compilation
The Louisiana coastal zone, comprising the Mississippi River delta plain stretching nearly 400 km from Sabine Pass at the Texas border east to the Chandeleur Islands at the Mississippi border, represents one of North America’s most important coastal ecosystems in terms of natural resources, human infrastructure, and cultural heritage. At the same time, this region has the highest rates of coastalAuthorsS. Jeffress Williams, Matthew A. Arsenault, Brian J. Buczkowski, Jane A. Reid, James Flocks, Mark A. Kulp, Shea Penland, Chris J. JenkinsNearshore benthic habitat GIS for the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary and Southern California State Fisheries Reserves, volume II
No abstract available.AuthorsGuy R. Cochrane, James E. Conrad, Jane A. Reid, Sarah Fangman, Nadine E. GoldenusSEABED: Atlantic coast offshore surficial sediment data release
No abstract available.AuthorsJamey M. Reid, Jane A. Reid, Chris J. Jenkins, Mary E. Hastings, S. Jeffress Williams, Larry J. Poppe