Summary for Field Activity Number 1977-011-FA

Alternate Leg ID: Decca Profiler 1; CORPUS 46

Area of Operations: south Texas outer continental shelf, Matagorda Bay, Texas, Gulf of Mexico, United States, North America, North Atlantic

Dates: Mar 17, 1977 to Mar 21, 1977

Objectives: Obtain quasi-synoptic information on the suspended-sediment transport system within the South Texas OCS. Specific objectives were: to obtain samples of the water column for analyses of sediment texture and concentrations, sediment mineralogy and trace metals, water chemistry, and coccoliths to establish temporal variability patterns; to obtain vertical transmittance-temperature profiles to establish regional turbidity patterns; and to cast drift bottles to measure surface currents during the cruise period.

Type of Activity: Suspended-sediment transport system

Information to be derived: Time series data
Samples and chemical analysis
Suspended sediment concentrations

Summary: This cruise was the fifth of six scheduled cruises designed to evaluate the temporal variability of suspended-sediment transport patterns within the South Texas OCS region. The remaining cruise is scheduled for May 1977. Vertical transmittance-temperature profiles: 26; Water column samples (surface, mid, bottom): 78 samples at 26 stations; Drift bottles: 312 casts.

USGS Project Number: OCS-EA

Contact: Gerry Shideler ()