Map of unconsolidated sediment thickness in Monterey Bay

Map of unconsolidated sediment thickness in Monterey Bay, excluding Monterey Canyon — There is a very large sediment deposit at the mouth of the Salinas River (blue and green colors), but otherwise the inner continental shelf is mostly underlain by bedrock (white) or has only a thin sediment cover (pink). The thickness of offshore sediment is an important factor in understanding and forecasting coastal erosion in this area, and in devising strategies for dealing with sea-level rise. Excerpt from USGS California State Waters Map Series – Offshore of Monterey Map Area, Sheet 9