Bottom sediments on the continental shelf off the northeastern United States -- Cape Cod to Cape Ann, Massachusetts

These reconnaissance maps have been constructed to show the areal distribution of major types of bottom sediment and some of their constituents on the sea floor off Massachusetts between Cape Ann and Cape Cod (41°45'N and 42°50'N and west of 70°-00W). They are intended to serve as a guide to future detailed mapping of gravel, sand, silt clay, and organic carbon. Because sediment texture is in part a reflection of long-term hydrologic conditions, the maps will also help to infer the important sediment transport mechanisms in the area and thus they should be useful in problems relating to disposal of solid and liquid waste offshore.