Mobile Bay Benthic Sediment Study from 1980-1981

Sediment samples from a baseline study of Mobile Bay, Alabama, conducted to inform a coastal monitoring program. The dataset includes measurements for sediment particle size, total organic carbon, and foraminifera. Data collection was funded by the Alabama Coastal Area Board and managed by NOAA, with monthly sampling from April 1980 to August 1981.

Use Cases

• Analyzing sediment grain size distribution across eight sampling stations.
• Investigating correlations between total organic carbon content and biological indicators.
• Studying foraminifera species composition and abundance as environmental proxies.
• Establishing a historical baseline for sediment properties in a coastal estuary.

Strengths

• Data collection followed a structured monthly sampling program at eight fixed stations.
• The study provides a multi-parameter view of sediment, combining geological, chemical, and biological data.
• Sampling spans over 16 months, capturing seasonal variations from April 1980 to August 1981.

Limitations

• The specific column names and row count are not provided by any source.
• Sources conflict on the last updated date, with one listing 2026 and another 1981.
• The dataset is a subset of a larger survey, missing other collected parameters like chlorophyll and hydrographic data.

Provenance

Source

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Department of Commerce

Collection Method

Monthly field sampling at eight stations within Mobile Bay.

Time Range

1980-04-03 to 1981-08-26

Freshness

2026-03-05 22:46:03.143110

Geography

Mobile Bay, Alabama, USA