Single-channel seismic-reflection profiles and sidescan sonar records collected during May 15-20, 1978, on the southern New England continental shelf

Abstract

The U.S. Geological Survey completed a cruise aboard the R/V CAPE HENLOPEN during May 15-20, 1978, to map the surface character, thickness and extent of the fine-grained.sediment deposit that covers an area 100 x 200 km on the southern New England Continental Shelf. The study area lies between Great South Channel to the east and Black Channel to the west, and extends from the 50-m isobath to the shelf edge. Single-channel high-resolution seismic-reflection profiles and echo-sounding profiles were collected along 941 km of trackline, sidescan sonar records were collected along 673 km of trackline. The subbottom profiles were collected by using a Huntec*system that was towed at midwater depths. Filters were set at 1 to 7 kHz. Echo-sounding records were collected by using a 60 kHz EDO Western system. A Klein stdescan sonar, set to scan 100 m to either side of the towed fish, was used to collect the sonographs. Navigation during the survey was done by the scientific staff using Loran-C equipment. Fixes were recorded and logged at least every 15 minutes; after the cruise, they were digitized and stored on magnetic tape. The original records can be seen and studied at the U.S. Geological Survey Data Library at Woods Hole, MA 02543. Microfilm copies of the subbottom, echo­sounding, and sidescan sonar records collected during the cruise can be purchased from the National Geophysical and Solar-Terrestrial Data Center, NOAA (National Oceanic ancl Atmosphere Administration), Boulder, CO 80302.