Summary of Suspended-Sediment Concentration Data, San Francisco Bay, California, Water Year 2002

Suspended-sediment concentration data were collected in San Francisco Bay
during water year 2002 (October 1, 2001-September 30, 2002). Optical
backscatterance sensors and water samples were used to monitor suspended
sediment at two sites in Suisun Bay, three sites in San Pablo Bay, two sites in
Central San Francisco Bay, and three sites in South San Francisco Bay. Sensors
were positioned at two depths at most sites. Water samples were collected
periodically and were analyzed for concentrations of suspended sediment. The
results of the analyses were used to calibrate the electrical output of the
optical backscatterance sensors so that a record of suspended-sediment
concentrations could be derived. This report presents the data-collection
methods used and summarizes the suspended-sediment concentration data collected
from October 2001 through September 2002. Calibration curves and plots of
edited data for each sensor also are presented.

[Summary provided by the USGS.]