H. L. Sanders 1956 Benthic Community Sample Locations in Long Island Sound

Benthic community samples collected by H. L. Sanders in 1956 provide a historical snapshot of seafloor life in Long Island Sound. The dataset is a GIS layer containing sample location points from the survey. It was developed through a cooperative project involving the University of New Haven, the Connecticut DEP, and the U.S. Geological Survey.

Use Cases

• Analyze spatial distribution of historical benthic sample sites using the provided geographic coordinates.
• Establish a baseline for long-term ecological change studies by comparing 1956 sample locations with modern surveys.
• Model historical habitat heterogeneity in Long Island Sound by mapping the point locations of benthic community samples.
• Support regional GIS framework development for benthic ecology by integrating this foundational location layer.

Strengths

• Data originates from a foundational 1956 survey by a noted researcher, H. L. Sanders.
• Created through a cooperative project involving multiple authoritative institutions (USGS, University of New Haven, Connecticut DEP).

Limitations

• Data is over 65 years old, limiting its direct applicability to current ecological conditions without contemporary comparisons.
• The dataset contains only sample locations; associated biological or environmental measurements from the samples are not included in this layer.
• The specific number of sample points (rows) and attribute columns is unknown.

Provenance

Source

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Open-File Report 00-304, based on work by H. L. Sanders.

Collection Method

Field survey and sample collection conducted in 1956, later digitized into a GIS layer.

Time Range

1956

Freshness

1956-12-31

Geography

Long Island Sound, USA.