Summary for Field Activity Number 76029

Area of Operations: proposed Browns Ledge dredge spoil dump site, Eastern Rhode Island Sound, Rhode Island, Vineyard Sound, Elizabeth Islands, Marthas Vineyard, Massachusetts, United States, North America, North Atlantic

Dates: August 2, 1976 to August 6, 1976

Chief scientist: Chuck OHara
   

Objectives: As part of the proposed Federal Harbor improvement and maintenance dredging of Fall River and Mt. Hope Bay, a dump site for the dredge spoils is proposed for an area 2 miles southeast of Browns Ledge in Eastern Rhode Island Sound. This site is also being considered as a regional disposal ground for state and private organizations performing dredging for the Corps. The USGS in cooperation with the New England Division of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will conduct a sidescan sonar survey as part of a continuing program to determine the suitability and potential environmental impact of ocean dumping of dredge spoil material at the site. Available ship time will also permit acquisition of sonograph data of the sea floor beneath Vineyard Sound to study a massive beach and shoal complex underlaying most of the sound and to identify possible sites for bottom grab sampling and coring.

Type of Activity: Seafloor mapping

Information to be derived: Sea Floor Map

Summary: Eastern Rhode Island Sound Sidescan sonar: 104 km; Vineyard Sound Sidescan sonar: 120 km.

USGS Project Number:

Contact: Chuck OHara ()

InfoBank: uses the identifier V-1-76-MA. Visit this site for more information.