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R. S. Lewis

Publications and source records attributed to R. S. Lewis.

36 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
USGS1995

Sidescan-sonar surveys of critical habitats in Long Island Sound, Connecticut

The Long Island Sound estuary is located in the most densely populated region of the U.S.. Due to the enormous surrounding population, large inputs of anthropogenic wastes and toxic chemicals, benthic habitats were degraded. To address this environmental problem, sidescan-sonar mosaics are being developed within specific areas of critical concern. Detailed bathymetric and high-resolution seismic-reflection data assist in interpretations of relief, to relate bottom features to the underlying stratigraphy, and to estimate thicknesses of surficial sediments. To date, several continuous-coverage sidescan-sonar surveys have been completed. These surveys show that the sedimentary environments and benthic habitats in Long Island Sound vary spatially over short distances.

Conference Paper↗
USGS1990

Stability of giant sand waves in eastern Long Island Sound, U.S.A.

A combination of a highly accurate bathymetric surveying technique and in-situ submersible observations and measurements were used to assess the migrational trends and morphological changes of large sand waves ( Ht ≤ 17 m) in eastern Long Island Sound. Although residing in a high-energy tidal environment characterized by a net westward sediment flux, the large bedforms are relatively stable over the short term. Over a 7 month period, 55.1% of a total 2942 m of sand wave crestline lengths migrated less than the horizontal accuracy limits of navigation (2 m). Approximately 35% of the remaining sand wave crests migrated less than 4 m. Net migration of the sand wave crests in the study area was 0.2 m. In addition, the bulk form (center of area in profile view) or the base of the sand waves showed little, if any, movement. These data, in conjunction with flow data within the sand wave field, suggest that net migration rates are greater than the time span of this study and/or the sand waves move in response to large residual flows created by high-energy, aperiodic storm events. The latter scenerio suggests that day to day processes only serve to rework and modify the sand waves.

Marine Geology↗
USGS1989

Non-energy resources, Connecticut and Rhode Island coastal waters

Cores collected from Long Island Sound, Connecticut, were used to establish control on the geologic framework of the area. Lithologic and stratigraphic analyses verified the presence of the following units: (1) Cretaceous coastal plain, (2) Pleistocene glacial till, (3) late Pleistocene glacial lake, (4) late Pleistocene glacial outwash, and (5) Holocene fluvial, estuarine and marine deposits. Cores collected in Block Island Sound, Rhode Island, were obtained from inferred, relict shoreline features and were analyzed for heavy mineral content. Concentrations ranged from 0.3 to 3.4%; no significant downcore changes were found. The results indicated that surficial sediments in areas of high-velocity tidal flow yield greater amounts of heavy minerals than do inferred placer deposits. During the second phase of the program of study, Connecticut and Rhode Island pooled resources to develop a study plan for the comprehensive quantification of all non-energy resources in the adjacent waters of the states. A literature and data survey was conducted to assess the occurrence, extent, and accessibility of these resources. Sand and gravel and heavy minerals were found in concentrations offering potential for resource exploitation. Constraints on exploitation include (1) water depth restrictions for the protection of shellfish beds and public beaches, (2) fishing activities, (3) military, commercial, and fishing vessel traffic, (4) seafloor cable routes and (5) dump sites. Deposits composed of Pleistocene glacial sediments and/or Holocene marine sediments in regions of little or no user conflict were identified as sites potentially suitable for resource exploitation. The study plan stated additional data needs (geophysical profiling and vibracore sampling) at these sites. Subsequent to these recommendations, high-resolution seismic profiles and sidescan sonographs were obtained from these sites. Seismic stratigraphic analyses confirm the presence of extensive deposits of potential economic value.

Marine Geology↗
USGS1982

High-resolution seismic-reflection profiles and sidescan-sonar records collected on Block Island Sound by U.S. Geological Survey, R/V ASTERIAS, cruise AST 81-2

Cruise AST 81-2 was conducted aboard the R/V ASTERIAS during September 10-18, 1981, in Block Island Sound by the U.S. Geological Survey. It was funded in part by the Connecticut Geological and Natural History Survey. The purpose of the study was to define and map the geology and shallow structure, to determine the geologic framework and late Tertiary to Holocene history, and to identify and map any potential geologic hazards of Block Island Sound. The survey was conducted using an EG&G Uniboom seismic system and an EDO Western sidescan-sonar system. Seismic signals were band-passed between 400 and 4,000 Hz and were recorded at a quarter-second sweep rate. Sidescan sonographs were collected at a 100-m scan range to each side of the ship track. In all, 702 km of seismic-reflection profiles and 402 km of sidescan-sonar records were collected. Navigation was by Loran-C, and the ship position was recorded at 5-minute intervals. Seismic-reflection profiling is continuous and good in quality. Sidescan-sonar records are varied in quality; coverage was intermittent and eventu­ally terminated owing to difficulties with the recorder. Original records can be seen and studied at the U.S. Geological Survey Data Library at Woods Hole, MA 02543. Microfilm copies of the seismic-reflection pro­files and the sidescan sonographs can be purchased only from the National Geo­physical and Solar-Terrestrial Data Center, NOAA/EDIS/NGSDC, Code D621, 325 Broad­way, Boulder, CO 80303 (telephone 303-497-6338).

Open-File Report↗
USGS1976

Shallow sedimentary framework of Georges Bank

Two thousand nine hundred kilometers of minisparker data were collected on Georges Bank by the United States Geological Survey during October of 1975. Several sedimentary features have been observed in the data, The bank is recognized as a compound feature resulting from erosion of Tertiary coastal-plain strata followed by deposition of an extensive sediment wedge on the western flank of the cuesta. Marine planation (probably Late Pleistocene) truncated this bank morphology producing an erosion surface roughly paralleling the present sea floor. The truncated bank surface is blanketed by a veneer of complex Late Pleistocene drift which masks underlying features and is being reworked by modern processes. Present bank morphology is inferred-to be arather recent development. A proper understanding of the significance of complex bank sediments with respect to the potential geologic hazards of drilling or placement of bottom. supported structures necessitates a more detailed seismic reflection program, in conjunction with geotechnical analysis of core-samples.

Open-File Report↗