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Gary W. Hill

Publications and source records attributed to Gary W. Hill.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
USGS1985

EEZ-SCAN: A U. S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY SEA-FLOOR IMAGING PROGRAM USING THE GLORIA SIDE-SCAN SONAR SYSTEM.

The U. S. Geological Survey initiated Program EEZ-SCAN in April 1984 in cooperation with the Institute of Oceanographic Sciences (IOS) of the United Kingdom to map the U. S. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) at reconnaissance scale as a first effort to develop a geologic understanding of the new national territory. GLORIA*, a unique side-scan sonar system capable of mapping over 27,000 sq. km per day, is the principal tool being used in the mapping surveys. In 1984, GLORIA surveys were conducted in the EEZ off California, Oregon, and Washington covering an area of approximately 250,000 sq. nautical miles. These surveys were highlighted by discoveries of major geologic features.

Conference Paper↗
USGS1981

Infaunal and neoichnological characteristics of the South Texas Outer Continental Shelf

The zonation of macrobenthic infauna on the South Texas Outer Continental Shelf is related to water depth and sediment facies. Five zones can be defined by species distribution and density, diversity, equitability, and biogenic sedimentary structures. The numbers of species and individuals per unit area correlate locally with substrate characteristics (particularly sand-to-mud ratios). Sandier substrates have more species and individuals than muddier ones. In the study area, sand-to-mud ratios generally decrease as water depth increases. Consequently, the numbers of species and individuals decrease away from land. Diversity (H") is higher in sandier substrates than in muddier substrates. Overall diversity decreases in a seaward direction. Equitability increases as sand-to-mud ratios decrease and thus tends to increase as water depth increases. Biogenic sedimentary structures on the South Texas Outer Continental Shelf result from the interaction of biologic and geologic processes. The zonation of the structures is useful in overall environmental interpretations of Holocene events and processes. The zonation can be defined in terms of diversity, density, and distribution. Zonation of biogenic sedimentary structures parallel macrobenthic infaunal zonation. Substrates with diverse and dense biogenic sedimentary structures are associated with diverse, dense macrobenthic infaunal assemblages. The distribution of biogenic sedimentary structures is similar to the distribution of sediment types. Diversity and density of biogenic sedimentary structures decrease away from land. Locally, individual biogenic sedimentary structures become more obvious and distinct in finer sediments and deeper water.

Texas↗
USGS1981

Composition of tidal flat sediments, Willapa Bay, Washington

The purpose of this study was to characterize the modern sediments of sandy tidal flats in Willapa Bay, Washington based on their composition. Generally, clay comprises less than five percent of the sediment. Clay content increases upslope and up-estuary. Principal clay minerals are montmorillanite, illite, and chlorite; two clay mineral suites are present: (1) muddy flat suite with clay containing 44% montmorillonite, and (2) sandy flat suite with clay composition of 88% montmorillonite. Heavy minerals make up approximately four percent of the tidal flat sediment. Distribution of heavy minerals reflect their source with (1) heavy minerals most abundant near the beach on flats to the north where they were eroded out of terrace deposits, and (2) relatively greater heavy mineral concentrations (supplied by the Naselle River) across the entire flat to the south. The composition of the heavy mineral suite is mainly clinopyroxene, orthopyroxene, hornblende, epidote, and opaque minerals. This mineral suite represents several sources including rivers, ocean and ocean beaches, and reworked local Tertiary and Quaternary deposits. Tidal flat sediments are approximately 90% light minerals, mostly quartz. The light fraction also contains small quantities of lithic fragments, pumice, vegetation, and biogenic shell fragments. Tertiary and Quaternary terrace deposits are the major source of most of the light material. Fossils make up less than one percent of the bottom sediment. Two foram assemblages are present: (1) a modern shallow-water assemblage characterized by Trochammina inflata, found mainly in muddy flats near rivers, and (2) a relic deep-water assemblage (Eocene to Cretaceous) characterized by such species as Bathysiphon and Cyclammina found predominantly on the sandy flats. Macrofossils consists of shells of the modern tidal flat mollusc assemblage. Organic sediments were mostly carbon (1%). The highest concentrations of organic carbon are associated with muddy sediments near the Palix River and Pickernell Creek; overall, organic carbon concentration increased up-estuary. C/N ratios are transitional between open marine environments and marsh deposits of estuaries.

Washington↗
USGS1981

Tidal flat sediments - texture, Willapa Bay, Washington

The purpose of this study was to texturally characterize the sediments of the mid-estuary tidal flats between Goose Point and Pickernell Creek in Willapa Bay, Washington and to compare these flats with other flats in the estuary. The mean grain size of sediments on tidal flats in the mid-estuary are fine sand (2-3 V). Sand shoals at the Bay entrance and erosion of cliffs between Goose Point and Pickernell Creek are the source of the sand. The subordinate mud fraction is supplied by rivers and creeks; little mud is deposited on the tidal flats except for those flats immediately adjacent to the rivers. Gravel is a minor component and is concentrated in sediments near the base of the cliffs high on the tidal flats. Variability in texture within the study area is most pronounced near the Palix River and Pickernell Creek. The average characteristics of mid-estuary tidal flat sediments are best described as poorly sorted, fine-grained sand with strongly-fine skewed leptokurtic distributions. Distribution patterns of textural parameters show consistent trends of hydraulic energy. Locally, textural patterns reflect (1) the coarsing effects of a flood current gyre between Goose Point and Sandy Point, and (2) relatively narrow flats (i.e., greater slopes) have coarser sediments proportionately higher upslope than wider flats. The following comparisons can be made between tide flats in Willapa Bay. Mean grain size varies systematically up-estuary permitting the estuary to be artificially divided into 3 parts: outer estuary = 2-3 Ø ; mid-estuary = 3-4 Ø ; and inner estuary = greater than 4 Ø . Outer estuarine tide flats extend deep into the estuary, particularly to the south. The transition from outer to inner estuarine tide flats based on textural differences is a rapid change (i.e., occurs over a short distance).

Washington↗
USGS1979

Trace element analysis of marine organisms by anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV)

Trace element analysis of marine organisms has generally been conducted by (1) sophisticated instrumentation (e. g., atomic absorption), (2) complicated cookbook laboratory procedures utilizing a host of chemicals and glassware, or (3) a combination of the above. All these procudures present problems to the investigator. For example, analysis by methods other than instrumentation are unable to detect minute amounts of various trace elements and in general are not extremely accurate. Problems common to all procedures are (1) relatively large amounts of sample (2 grams or more) are required for analyses of even the more common trace elements and (2) contamination of samples is almost a certainty due to complicated sample preparation procedures which include large amounts of glassware, chemicals and excessive handling of the sample. The development of new anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV methods (Matson, 1968) has provided investigators with an instrument which (1) is capable of accurately detecting trace elements in minute quantities, (2) utilizes very small amounts of sample (0.01 mg) , (3) works on a simple operating principle which simplifies sample preparation thereby reducing the possibility of contamination, (4) can be used aboard small boats, and (5) is relatively inexpensive (compared to other instruments used for trace element analysis). Recent ASV literature (Matson, 1968, Fitzgerald, 1970; Bradford, 1972) has dealt exclusively with the analysis of salt water and sediments and does not provide an adequate method for analysis of marine organic matter. This paper reports on an investigation designed to develop the methodology necessary for ASV analysis of organic material from the marine environment.

Open-File Report↗
USGS1979

Key to the common marine molluscs of Texas

A dichotomous key is developed which provides the investigator a means for identifying the common marine molluscs on the Texas coast. The key is written as to allow the user to stop or begin at any desired taxonomic level (class, order, superfamily, family, genus, species) depending on prior knowledge or specific need (Table 1). Because of the special importance of bivalves to many studies, species-specific information is provided pertaining to feeding type, relation to substrate, and distribution (Table 2). An illustrated glossary is also provided.

Texas↗