Surficial Sediments

The surficial sediment cover of the continental shelf in New York Bight consists of a sheet of sand up to 10m thick with small areas of gravel and muddy sand. Modification of the natural pattern of sedimentation has occurred in the Bight apex where man has dumped his wastes for over 60 years. With proper management of municipal and industrial wastes, however, the apex may eventually return to a near-natural setting -- still in use by man, but without harmful ecological effects.