Long Island Sound Benthic Community Sample Locations from 1983 Survey

Sediment grab samples from Long Island Sound were wet sieved and analyzed to identify individual benthic species. The data layer provides the precise locations of samples collected by researchers P. Pellegrino and W. Hubbard. This foundational survey was conducted in 1983 as part of a cooperative project involving the University of New Haven, the Connecticut DEP, and the U.S. Geological Survey.

Use Cases

• Map sample locations to analyze spatial patterns of benthic species distribution across Long Island Sound.
• Correlate species identification and count data with sediment characteristics inferred from the wet sieving methodology.
• Use the 1983 survey locations as a historical baseline for comparing changes in benthic community composition over time.

Strengths

• Data originates from a documented scientific survey conducted by named researchers (Pellegrino and Hubbard, 1983).
• Project involved multiple authoritative organizations including the U.S. Geological Survey and state environmental agencies.

Limitations

• Dataset is a single snapshot from 1983, offering no temporal trend analysis.
• Specific sample counts, species lists, and measurement columns are not detailed in the available description.

Provenance

Source

U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 00-304, based on work by P. Pellegrino and W. Hubbard.

Collection Method

Sediment samples collected by grab sampler, wet sieved to remove mud, with coarse fractions preserved in formalin for species identification and counting under a microscope.

Time Range

1983

Freshness

1983-12-31

Geography

Long Island Sound, USA.