This map and associated data present information about the characteristics of sediments from the Patapsco and Back Rivers. 155 surficial sediment samples were collected with a grab sampler in November 1994, February 1995, and June 1996. The upper 2 cm of material was analyzed, thus the characteristics represent the conditions in the harbor at the time of sample collection.

The purpose of the project was to establish grain size characteristics (texture) of surficial bottom sediments for use in associated efforts to model sediment resuspension and transport and to gather information on sediment contaminant levels.

On the map each sample location has an associated station identification number. Clicking on a particular station displays the information for that station. Some stations were occupied in both 1994 and 1996, and in those cases two numbers appear next to each other. Click on each ID number to display data for the respective data.

The associated data table contains the following data fields: Sample Number, Collection Date, Latitude, Longitude, Water Depth (ft), Percent Water Content, Bulk Density (g/cc), Percent Sand and Gravel, Percent Silt, Percent Clay, Percent Nitrogen, Percent Carbon, Percent Sulfur. The associated metadata table should be referred to for details of the analysis procedures and parameters.

A companion map of Chesapeake Bay Surficial Sediment Distribution is now on-line. This is an interactive map that displays the distribution of surficial sediments according to Shepard's Classification.

Funding for the studies was provided by the Maryland Department of the Environment.