The West Flower Gardens Bank has been the subject of study by the Department of Oceanography at Texas A&M University during the past several years. These studies, conducted from surface oceanographic vessels, have included bathymetric surveys, high-resolution sub-bottom profiling, analyses of sediment producing organisms, and delineation of sediment facies surrounding the prominence.

Geologic data obtained during EFORC Mission 72-0605-X, using the Nekton Gamma submersible, include: (1) verification of the accuracy of sediment distribution patterns as delineated by surface sampling; (2) the occurrence of dead barrier reefs at depths of 180-190, 290-315, and 420-430 ft; and (3) the occurrence of dead patch reefs on terraces behind the barrier reefs.

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