Grain-size analysis data from sediment samples in support of oceanographic and water-quality measurements in the nearshore zone of Sandy Neck Beach, Cape Cod Bay, Massachusetts, collected in March and April, 2021

The U.S. Geological Survey Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center collected data to assess cross-shore sediment transport prediction techniques in coastal models for a wave-dominated sandy coast. A quadpod was deployed on the seafloor in the nearshore zone of Sandy Neck Beach, Cape Cod Bay, MA in March 2021 to analyze water velocities near the seabed and the response of the seabed to these forces. The quadpod was mounted with upward- and downward-looking Nortek Signatures to measure velocity throughout the water column, two Nortek Vectors to measure water velocity at the seabed, a Seabird Microcat to measure temperature, salinity, and depth, a Seabird Seagauge to measure pressure, an Imagenex Sonar to image the seabed, and an Aquatech Aquascat to measure acoustic backscatter. Additionally, sediment samples were collected for grain-size analysis. These data will be used in a coupled ocean-atmosphere-wave-sediment transport (COAWST) model at different grid scales to encompass storm events, regional waves and currents, and fine-resolution wave-breaking to increase our understanding of the drivers that control sediment movement in Cape Cod Bay. The results will allow coastal zone managers to better address shoreline change issues.