Kathryn E.L. Smith Alisha M. Ellis Joseph F. Terrano Matthew Virden 20250527 1.0 tabular digital data Joseph F. Terrano Alisha M. Ellis Kathryn E.L. Smith Jonathan Pitchford Michael Archer Joseph M. Vargas Jonathan P. Griffiths Samuel M. Randall Matthew Virden Cheyenne S. Everhart Eric Sparks 20250527 1.0 Multimedia presentation U.S. Geological Survey data release doi:10.5066/P13VT3ET St. Petersburg, FL U.S. Geological Survey - St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center https://doi.org/10.5066/P13VT3ET To better understand sediment deposition in marsh environments, scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center (USGS-SPCMSC) selected five marsh study sites (Sites 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9) and four nearshore estuarine study sites (Sites 8S, 8D, 9S, 9D) along the Point Aux Chenes Bay shoreline of the Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (GNDNERR), Mississippi. This study builds on Smith and others (2020b) and includes datasets collected after the installation of a living shoreline (a subtidal sill [artificial reef]) that was completed in May 2021. Each marsh site consisted of five plots located along a transect perpendicular to the marsh-estuary shoreline at 5-meter (m) increments (5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 m from the shoreline). Each plot contained three to six net sedimentation tiles (NST) that were secured flush to the marsh surface using polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe. NST are an inexpensive and simple tool to assess short- and long-term deposition that can be deployed in highly dynamic environments without the compaction associated with traditional coring methods. The NST were deployed for three-month sampling periods, measuring sediment deposition from August 2021 to January 2023. Sediment deposited on the NST were processed to determine physical characteristics, such as deposition thickness, volume, wet weight/dry weight, grain size, and organic content (via loss-on-ignition [LOI]). For select sampling periods, ancillary data (water level, elevation, and vegetation) are also provided in this data release. The estuarine sites consisted of Site 8S (shallow; landward of the subtidal sill), 8D (deep; seaward side of the subtidal sill), as well as 9S and 9D (both sites established adjacent to 8S/8D and the subtidal sill). During select trips water parameters (e.g., waves, water level, and turbidity) were collected at each estuarine site to collect turbidity and wave data. Data presented in this data release were collected under three USGS Field Activities Numbers (FAN; one FAN per year) during thirteen sampling trips (alternate FAN; each sampling trip was assigned a unique alt FAN under the main FAN): 2021-320-FA (21CCT01, 21CCT03, 21CCT04, 21CCT05), 2022-302-FA (22CCT01, 22CCT02, 22CCT03, 22CCT04, 22CCT05, 22CCT06, 22CCT07, 22CCT08) and 2023-301-FA (23CCT01), however, every trip does not contain all data types. This data release also contains data for 2020-323-FA (20CCT02) that was collected as a special collection trip for Hurricane Delta. This data was collected before the subtidal sill was installed and is being published with this data release since pre-subtidal sill data was already published. Additional survey and data details are available from the U.S. Geological Survey Coastal and Marine Geoscience Data System (CMGDS) at, https://cmgds.marine.usgs.gov/. Users can look up USGS FANs in the CMGDS by replacing the FAN in the following url: https://cmgds.marine.usgs.gov/services/activity.php?fan=2022-302-FA. Data from a related NST study in the GNDNERR (Middle Bay and North Rigolets) can be found in Smith and others (2020a). Data collected from before the living shoreline (subtidal sill) installation can be found in Smith and others (2020b). For additional information on data processing and analysis, refer to the accompanying journal publication Smith and others (2025). Please read the full metadata for details on data collection, dataset variables, and data quality. This dataset, Grand_Bay_RBR_Wave_Data.zip, includes tidal activity measurements obtained from four sampling locations in Grand Bay, Mississippi. RBRsolo3 sensors were used to measure sensor depth, significant wave height, significant wave period, 1/10 wave height, 1/10 wave period, maximum wave height, maximum wave period, average wave height, average wave period, and wave energy. This data was acquired to help researchers better understand the tidal activity in the region. USGS scientists collected data from RBRsolo3 sensors during a total of nine surveys. Data were downloaded during quarterly field visits. Each field visit was assigned FAN and alternate FAN (alt-FAN) by USGS staff. This publication contains data for field activities from: 2021-320-FA (21CCT03), 2022-302-FA (22CCT02, 22CCT03, 22CCT04, 22CCT05, 22CCT06, 22CCT07, 22CCT08) and 2023-301-FA (23CCT01). The general site locations were: 8S (30.3370, -88.4462), 8D (30.3359, -88.4441), 9S (30.3353, -88.4471), and 9D (30.3337, -88.4449). Due to technical issues or field constraints, not all sensors were deployed every trip. Due to sensor malfunction, some data may be missing from data files or be presented as "0" values. Users are advised to read the rest of this metadata before using this data. The data are displayed in a comma-separated values (CSV) text file format. Additional sensor details (FAN, site, sensor serial number, deployment and retrieval dates and times, and sensor altitudes) can be found in the "AquaTroll_RBR_sensor_info.csv" file provided within the data download file. 20210807 20230131 ground condition Complete None planned -88.4474 -88.4435 30.3370 30.3337 USGS Metadata Identifier USGS:4d8cecd8-e93f-413e-b2ab-ac152ef61648 ISO 19115 Topic Category environment oceans geoscientificinformation USGS Thesaurus hydrogeology geology ocean sciences coastal processes datasets field inventory and monitoring ocean waves None water level depth ocean wave measurement U.S. Geological Survey USGS U.S. Geological Survey St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center SPCMSC significant wave height significant wave period wave energy RBR None Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve NERR Geographic Names Information System State of Mississippi Point Aux Chenes No access constraints. Please see 'Distribution Information' for details. These data are marked with a Creative Common CC0 1.0 Universal License. These data are in the public domain and do not have any use constraints. Users are advised to read the dataset's metadata thoroughly to understand appropriate use and data limitations. U.S. Geological Survey - St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center Kathryn E.L. Smith Research Ecologist Mailing and physical

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St. Petersburg FL 33701 US (727) 502-8000 kelsmith@usgs.gov The authors would like to acknowledge the GNDNERR staff for their contributions in collecting and reviewing this data. Environment as of Metadata Creation: Microsoft Windows 10 Enterprise Version 22H2 (Build 19045.3324, Windows Feature Experience Pack 1000.19041.1000.0); Ruskin (version 2.18.1.202205161545 or 2.8.0.201906131711); RBRsolo3 (Firmware version 1.041 and 1.056); Microsoft Excel for Microsoft 365 MSO (Version 2302, Build 16.0.16130.20806, 32-bit) RBR 2020 Ottawa, Ontario RBR Contains detailed process for sensor maintenance, data collection and processing using the Ruskin software. https://rbr-global.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/RBR-Compact-Instruments-RUG-0006106revN.pdf Kathryn E.L. Smith Joseph F. Terrano Nicole S. Khan Chelsea A. Stalk 20200226 St. Petersburg, Florida U.S. Geological Survey Smith and others (2020a) https://doi.org/10.5066/P9BFR2US Kathryn E.L. Smith Joseph F. Terrano Jonathan Pitchford Michael Brochard Joseph M. Vargas Isabelle D. Atchia Cheyenne S. Everhart Christopher G. Smith 20200713 2.0 (June 2023) St. Petersburg, Florida United States Geological Survey-St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center Smith and others (2020b) https://doi.org/10.5066/P9ONI8PS Kathryn E.L. Smith Jonathan L. Pitchford Eric L. Sparks Michael J. Archer Matthew F. Virden Joseph F. Terrano Christopher G. Smith 20250612 Estuaries and Coasts Volume 48, Article 128 Online Springer Nature Smith and others (2025) https://doi.org/10.1007/s12237-025-01564-7 The values reported in the data file were recorded by RBRsolo3 (Firmware version 1.041 and 1.056) sensors with an accuracy of ±0.05% (RBR 2020). All other measurements were derived from internal calculations from the sensor, except for sensor altitude and corrected sensor depth that were added to the raw RBR file. Wave data with "0" values are considered null values. See the "QC" field for additional erroneous flagged data. RBRs were used with the factory calibration as users cannot calibrate the RBRs themselves. To ensure sensor accuracy and consistency, sensor intercomparisons were conducted in controlled environments to check that all the RBRs were reading similar information. A datum is not presented for the uncorrected (raw) sensor depth because it is a function of the seawater pressure and seawater density derived using internal calculations. Location data were collected using a handheld Garmin GPSMAP 62stc. Vertical and horizontal positional error was not collected. The precise position of the sensor was not as important as the general location (landward of the subtidal sill, seaward of the subtidal sill). The sensor platform was also marked by several buoys to ensure the platform was easily found for retrieval. This dataset includes date and time, burst, depth, sensor altitude, corrected sensor depth, significant wave height, significant wave period, 1/10 wave height, 1/10 wave period, maximum wave height, maximum wave period, average wave height, average wave period, and wave energy from the USGS field activities: 2021-320-FA (21CCT03), 2022-302-FA (22CCT02, 22CCT03, 22CCT04, 22CCT05, 22CCT06, 22CCT07, 22CCT08) and 2023-301-FA (23CCT01). Data were collected in 30-minute intervals. Some data were time shifted from the pre-determined 30-minute interval by several hours due to sensor malfunction and was corrected in post processing. These data are the complete, uncorrected and corrected (e.g., sensor depth corrected) wave data files for data collected within the Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Mississippi. Instrument altitude (length of seabed to the pressure transducer) was measured and can be used to post-process data and correct for depth. This data was minimally processed to remove erroneous data. During quality control steps, potentially erroneous data or data collected when the sensor was out of the water were flagged in the data file and it is recommended not use these sections of data. Wave data with "0" values are regarded as erroneous null data. Data from when the sensor malfunctioned, or the sensor was out of the water (still recording data) were left in the merged data file and were flagged in the "QC" field as "1". These data files are considered complete unless otherwise noted by null data values. For more information, please contact the metadata contact listed in this metadata record. An RBRsolo3 sensor was deployed in the Grand Bay estuary to record wave parameters at four estuarine sites. The general site locations were: 8S (30.3370, -88.4462), 8D (30.3359, -88.4441), 9S (30.3353, -88.4471), and 9D (30.3337, -88.4449). The deployment date and time, retrieval date and time, location, sensor serial number, depth at retrieval, and sensor altitude can all be found in the "AquaTROLL_RBR_sensor_info.csv" file. Location data were collected using a handheld Garmin GPSMAP 62stc. Vertical and horizontal positional error was not collected. The precise position of the sensor was not as important as the general location (landward of the subtidal sill, seaward of the subtidal sill). The sensor platform was also marked by several buoys to ensure the platform was easily found for retrieval. Locations are projected to the World Geodetic System of 1984 (WGS84) coordinate system. Prior to each deployment, the batteries, desiccant and o-rings were replaced, and each sensor was programmed, using the Ruskin software package. Sensors were programmed to record in "wave" mode, at 30-minute intervals with a sampling speed of 4 hertz (Hz) and a sampling duration of 2048 counts. The sampling duration does not relate to the number of rows of data the sensor will report, but instead is the length of data collection per measurement. The sensors were wrapped in plastic wrap then copper foil to prevent biofouling. RBR sensors were mounted vertically to a threaded rod, using hose clamps, attached to a custom-built sensor deployment platform made of starboard and concrete. The RBR was attached so pressure transducers faced the seabed. The sensor altitude (height from the seafloor to the pressure transducer) was collected for use in post-processing. Due to waves and the moving boat, the noted depths in the "AquaTROLL_RBR_sensor_info.csv" file are general depths, as there is some error assumed in the measurements. 2023 AquaTROLL_RBR_sensor_info.csv U.S. Geological Survey - St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center Kathryn E.L. Smith Research Ecologist Mailing and physical

600 4th Street South

St. Petersburg FL 33701 U.S. (727) 502-8000 kelsmith@usgs.gov Following each deployment, the RBRs were removed from the platform, cleaned, and the data was downloaded using the Ruskin software (version 2.18.1.202205161545 or 2.8.0.201906131711). 2023 U.S. Geological Survey - St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center Kathryn E.L. Smith Research Ecologist Mailing and physical

600 4th Street South

St. Petersburg FL 33701 U.S. (727) 502-8000 kelsmith@usgs.gov The sensor altitude was used to correct the raw depth measurement. As part of the final QA/QC process, extraneous data recorded pre- and post-deployment (during periods of time when the sensor was collecting data out of the water) were flagged and field names were edited for clarity and consistency. Wave data with "0" values are considered null values. Data from all trips were converted from .txt to .csv files and combined to make one comprehensive data file for each sensor. 2024 RBR_wave_data_2021_2023.csv U.S. Geological Survey - St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center Kathryn E.L. Smith Research Ecologist Mailing and physical

600 4th Street South

St. Petersburg FL 33701 U.S. (727) 502-8000 kelsmith@usgs.gov Point 0.0197843295 0.0229959585 Decimal degrees D WGS 1984 WGS1984 6378137.0 298.257223563 North American Vertical Datum of 1988 0.0001 meter Attribute values RBR_wave_data_2021_2023.csv Comma separated value file (.csv) with RBR wave data collected in 2021, 2022, and 2023 from four estuarine sites in the Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Mississippi. Data were collected using RBRsolo3 sensors. USGS FAN USGS field activity number (FAN) assigned to each sample collection trip. USGS Character string. Each field visit was assigned a FAN by the USGS SPCMSC to assist with dataset tracking. Field activity numbers were assigned by the USGS to track field collection of samples. The FAN number consists of YYYY-XXX-FA, with YYYY being the 4-digit year, XXX being the trip number, and FA representing that it is a field activity. There are three FANs associated with this dataset: 2021-320-FA, 2022-302-FA, and 2023-301-FA. FANs were used to describe the entire field effort of a project, so alternate FANs were used to differentiate between quarterly sampling trips. Alternate FAN Alternate (abbreviated) FAN assigned each collection trip. Several alternate FANs can fall under one overarching FAN. USGS Character string. Alternate FANs were assigned by the USGS and are YYCCTXX, where YY is the 2-digit year, CCT stands for coastal change and transport (a USGS project identifier), and XX is the trip number. For example, 21CCT01 was from 2021 sample collection trip 01. Site Estuarine site the sensor was deployed at. USGS 8S Shallow; landward of the subtidal sill. USGS 8D Deep; seaward side of the subtidal sill. USGS 9S South of and adjacent to 8S and the subtidal sill. USGS 9D South of and adjacent to 8D and the subtidal sill. USGS Date.Time Date in the M/DD/YYYY, MM/D/YYYY, M/D/YYYY or MM/DD/YYYY format and Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) in the H:MM or HH:MM format. Data were collected in 30-minute intervals. USGS 08/07/2021 00:00 1/31/2023 18:30 Burst The number of the recorded measurement. USGS 1 2584 Sensor depth (m) The sensor depth is a function of the seawater pressure and seawater density derived using internal calculations. It was recorded in meters (m) to yield the depth of the sensor. Additional information on the internal calculation can be found in the RBR user manual (Ruskin, 2020). This depth will be referenced as the raw depth through the rest of the metadata. USGS -0.638 3.4 meters (m) Sensor altitude (cm) The sensor altitude is the user measured height of the pressure transducer off the seafloor. USGS 13 20 centimeters (cm) Sensor depth corrected (m) The corrected sensor depth was calculated using the raw sensor depth plus the sensor altitude. The depth was adjusted to account for the height difference between the pressure transducer and the seafloor. USGS -0.438 3.555 meters (m) Significant wave height (m) The mean wave height of the highest one-third of waves measured during the sampling period. Measured in meters (m). Cells with "0" are considered null values. USGS 0.01 1.7277 meters (m) Significant wave period (s) The mean period associated with the highest one-third of waves. Measured in seconds (s). Cells with "0" are considered null values. USGS 0.5767 378 seconds (s) 1/10 wave height (m) The height of the highest 10% of waves. Measured in meters (m). Cells with "0" are considered null values. USGS 0.0011 2.3485 meters (m) 1/10 wave period (s) The mean period associated with the highest 10% of waves. Measured in seconds (s). Cells with "0" are considered null values. USGS 0.5119 348.25 seconds (s) Maximum wave height (m) Maximum height of the wave. Measured in meters (m). Cells with "0" are considered null values. USGS 0.0016 5.3722 meters (m) Maximum wave period (s) Period representative of the highest waves encountered during the sampling period. Measured in seconds (s). Cells with "0" are considered null values. USGS 0.5 459.25 seconds (s) Average wave height (m) The average height of waves during the sampling period. Measured in meters (m). Cells with "0" are considered null values. USGS 0.001 1.6379 meters (m) Average wave period (s) Average period of waves during the sampling period. Measured in seconds (s). Cells with "0" are considered null values. USGS 0.7279 459.25 seconds (s) Wave energy (j/m2) Average energy of waves. Measured in joules per meter squared (j/m2). Cells with "0" are considered null values. USGS 0.0021 5440.6567 joules per square meter (j/m2) QC Quality control field to flag potentially erroneous data. USGS 0 Cell with "0" denote the values for the specified reading passed preliminary quality control checks. USGS 1 Cell with "1" denote the values for the specified reading did not pass preliminary quality control checks and are not recommended to be used in further studies. Values were flagged if the sensor was out of the water but still recording measurements or there was sensor malfunction. USGS AquaTroll_RBR_sensor_info.csv CSV of RBR deployment and retrieval information collected in 2021, 2022, and 2023 from four estuarine sites in the Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Mississippi. Some RBR data is also present in this data file. However, refer to the Grand_Bay_RBR_Data.zip files and associated metadata for RBR-specific information. USGS Deployment FAN USGS field activity number (FAN) assigned to the deployment trip. USGS Character string. Each field visit was assigned a FAN by the USGS SPCMSC to assist with dataset tracking. The FAN consists of YYYY-XXX-FA, with YYYY being the 4-digit year, XXX being the trip number, and FA representing that it is a field activity. There are two FANs associated with this sensor deployments: 2021-320-FA and 2022-302-FA. FANs were used to describe the entire field effort of a project, so alternate FANs were used to differentiate between quarterly sampling trips. Deployment Alt-FAN Alternate (abbreviated) FAN number assigned each deployment trip. Several alternate FANs can fall under one overarching FAN. USGS Character string. Alternate FAN numbers were assigned by the USGS and are YYCCTXX, where YY is the 2-digit year, CCT stands for coastal change and transport, and XX is the trip number. For example, 21CCT01 was from 2021 sample collection trip 01. Retrieval FAN USGS field activity number (FAN) assigned to the retrieval trip. The retrieval FAN is also the identifying FAN when referring to the data. USGS Character string. Each field visit was assigned a FAN by the USGS SPCMSC to assist with dataset tracking. The FAN consists of YYYY-XXX-FA, with YYYY being the 4-digit year, XXX being the trip number, and FA representing that it is a field activity. There are three FANs associated with this dataset: 2021-320-FA, 2022-302-FA, and 2023-301-FA. FANs were used to describe the entire field effort of a project, so alternate FANs were used to differentiate between quarterly sampling trips. Retrieval Alt-FAN Alternate (abbreviated) FAN assigned each retrieval trip. The retrieval FAN is also the identifying FAN when referring to the data. Several alternate FANs can fall under one overarching FAN. USGS Character string. Alternate FANs were assigned by the USGS and are YYCCTXX, where YY is the 2-digit year, CCT stands for coastal change and transport (a USGS project identifier), and XX is the trip number. For example, 22CCT01 was from 2022 sensor collection trip 01. Site Estuarine site the sensor was deployed at. USGS 8S Shallow; landward of the subtidal sill. USGS 8D Deep; seaward side of the subtidal sill. USGS 9S South of and adjacent to 8S and the subtidal sill. USGS 9D South of and adjacent to 8D and the subtidal sill. USGS Deployment Date Date in the M/DD/YYYY, MM/D/YYYY, M/D/YYYY or MM/DD/YYYY format. USGS 8/3/2021 12/21/2022 Deployment Time (local) Local time in Central Standard Time (CST) or Central Daylight Time (CDT) in the H:MM or HH:MM format the sensor was deployed. Data were collected in 30-minute intervals. USGS 9:20 AM 4:09 PM Retrieval Date Date in the M/DD/YYYY, MM/D/YYYY, M/D/YYYY or MM/DD/YYYY format. USGS 9/28/2021 6/22/2024 Retrieval Time (local) Local time in Central Standard Time (CST) or Central Daylight Time (CDT) in the H:MM AM/PM or HH:MM AM/PM format the sensor was retrieved. Data were collected in 30-minute intervals. If the exact retrieval time was not known, a general time of day descriptor such as "morning" was used instead. USGS 7:57 AM 7:50 PM Deployment Latitude (WGS84) Latitude of the sensor platform in the World Geodetic System of 1984 (WGS84). Coordinates are presented in decimal degrees. USGS 30.3337 30.3372 decimal degrees Deployment Longitude (WGS84) Longitude of the sensor platform in the World Geodetic System of 1984 (WGS84). Coordinates are presented in decimal degrees. USGS -88.4474 -88.4435 decimal degrees Approx Depth at Retrieval (meters) Approximate water depth when the sensors were retrieved. Retrieval data is included because the sensor was still recording at the time of collection, so sensor data can be checked against the measured depth. The depth is approximate due to the potential uncertainty introduced by waves and the moving boat. USGS 0.92 2.95 meters Aqua TROLL S/N Serial number of the Aqua TROLL 600. Serial number is provided as a way to track sensor specific errors. Data in this field do not apply to the RBR data. Cells with "NA" indicate no sensor was deployed that trip. USGS Character string containing the serial number of the Aqua TROLL 600. Aqua TROLL sensor height (centimeter) Height of the Aqua TROLL 600 sensor off the seafloor, in centimeters. Data in this field do not apply to the RBR data. Cells with "NA" indicate no sensor was deployed that trip. USGS 22 22 centimeters RBR S/N Serial number of the RBRSolo3. Serial number is provided so that sensor-specific errors can be traced. USGS Character string containing the serial number of the RBRSolo3. RBR Altitude at deployment (centimeter) Height of the RBRSolo3 pressure transducer off the seafloor, in centimeters. USGS 13 20 centimeters Notes Additional notes about the information presented in the table. USGS Character string additional notes about the information presented in the table. U.S. Geological Survey, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center USGS SPCMSC Data Management mailing and physical

600 4th Street South

Saint Petersburg FL 33701 United States 727-502-8000 gs-g-spcmsc_data_inquiries@usgs.gov GB_RBR_wave_data_2021_2023.csv, AquaTroll_RBR_sensor_info.csv Unless otherwise stated, all data, metadata and related materials are considered to satisfy the quality standards relative to the purpose for which the data were collected. Although these data and associated metadata have been reviewed for accuracy and completeness and approved for release by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), no warranty expressed or implied is made regarding the display or utility of the data for other purposes, nor on all computer systems, nor shall the act of distribution constitute any such warranty.. Any use of trade, firm, or product name is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government. comma-delimited text https://coastal.er.usgs.gov/data-release/doi-P13VT3ET/data/GB_RBR_Wave_Data_2021_2023.zip None 20250618 U.S. Geological Survey, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center USGS SPCMSC Data Management mailing and physical

600 4th Street South

Saint Petersburg FL 33701 United States 727-502-8000 gs-g-spcmsc_data_inquiries@usgs.gov Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata FGDC-STD-001-1998