Sediments of Western Mass Bay acquired in 1976 (MEISBURGER76 shapefile)

A seismic reflection survey with concurrent bottom sampling was conducted in western Massachusetts Bay to obtain information on bottom topography and sediments, subbottom structure and composition, and the location of sand deposits potentially usable for restoration and nourishment of nearby beaches. Primary sediment data was derived from 43 cores. The predominant sediments of the surface and shallow subsurface deposits in the study area are fine sand, sand and gravel, and clayey silt. Sand suitable for beach restoration and nourishment on the contiguous coast occurs only locally and in generally small quantity relative to other sediments of the study area.