and Schlee, Folger, and O'Hara (1971). The latter study is based largely 

 on grab samples collected by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) , Woods 

 Hole Oceanographic Institution, and on subsamples from the tops of cores 

 collected by CERC for this study and made available to USGS; it includes 

 sediment distribution maps and data on sediment textures, composition, 

 organic carbon, and calcium carbonate content. 



Surficial sediments of Boston Harbor have been discussed by Mencher, 

 Copeland, and Payson (1968). The study, based largely on 152 grab samples, 

 covers sediment distribution, grain sizes, and organic content. 



A seismic reflection study of the sedimentary framework of the western 

 Gulf of Maine and waters off southeastern Massachusetts by Oldale, Uchupi, 

 and Prada (1973) includes maps of surficial geology, bedrock topography, 

 and reduced seismic reflection profiles showing the relationship between 

 reflection units and stratigraphic units. 



The Commonwealth of Massachusetts conducted extensive surveys in 1971 

 of the sea floor along the Massachusetts coast to assess the potential 

 mineral resources of the contiguous inner shelf floor. Basic data col- 

 lectefd were seismic reflection profiles, side-scan sonar, bathymetric 

 information, vibratory cores of the bottom sediments up to 40 feet in 

 length, grab samples, and bottom photos. Interpreted results of this 

 survey were compiled in a final report (Willett, et al., 1972) that 

 included text, maps, and data summaries. 



An intensive study of a small ocean area situated 11 statute miles east 

 of Boston's Logan Airport (Fig. 1) was made in 1972-73 by Setlow (1973) as 

 part of the New England Offshore Mining Environmental Study (project NOMES) . 

 The study delineated and characterized a sand and gravel deposit measuring 

 about 12,000 by 7,000 feet which trended north-northwest across the sur- 

 veyed area. The field survey collection included 37 seismic reflection 

 profiles, side-scan sonar, and 33 vibatory cores concentrated mostly in 

 the deposit area. The study presents detailed data on physical, chemical, 

 and mechanical properties of sediments recovered in cores; it also in- 

 cluded maps showing the configuration of the sand and gravel deposit at 

 the surface and at -5 and -10 feet, selected reduced seismic reflection 

 profiles, and interpretive discussion of the origin of the deposit and its 

 relationship to the regional marine geology. 



Soden (1973) used statistical methods to determine a predictive model 

 for the Massachusetts Bay area of probable subbottom sediment character 

 based on the character of the surficial sediment. He found two distinct 

 surface-subsurface relationships based on weight percentage of silt and 

 clay in the surficial sediment. Soden concluded that where silt and clay 

 comprised more than 60 percent of the surface sample, it was highly un- 

 likely that significant deposits of sand and gravel occurred in the sub- 

 bottom. 



13 



