USGS Studies in Long Island Sound:
Geology, Contaminants, and Environmental Issues

The bedrock, coastal-plain, glacial and postglacial components of the Long Island Sound basin provide clues to the regional Quaternary chronology of events. Together these components constitute a geologic setting that has controlled the development of this estuary and the character of its seafloor and continute to affect the dynamics of the modern sedimentary system.

Figure 1. Section of a high-resolution seismic reflection profile collected from Long Island Sound with a boomer seismic system. Subbottom profiles can be used to interpret the geologic history of the basin.

Quaternary History

Link to Quaternary History results in USGS Open-File Report 02-002, USGS Open-File Report 00-304 and in the Journal of Coastal Research.

Figure 2. Section of a high-resolution seismic-reflection profile collected aboard the R/V Asterias in eastern Long Island Sound. Scale shows estimated penetration depths.

Gravity

Link to Gravity results in USGS Open-File Report 00-304.

Figure 3. The air-free gravity anomalies in Long Island and Block Island Sounds.