Generally, size distributions of the shelf sediments are positively skewed to nearly symmetrical and platykurtic and those of the extrashelf (slope and basin) to nearly symmetrical and mesokurtic. Gravel content is much greater on the shelf than on the extrashelf. Scatterplots of size parameters suggest that these textural differences are a function of larger deposition of gravel and sand (as compared to mud) on the shelf than on the extrashelf. Existence of a fair correlation between the nature of ice cover now and gravel distribution suggests that some of the shelf gravels have been transported by ice-rafting.

With an increase in depth outward from the shelf the percentage of calcareous tests of benthonic Foraminifera decreases from greater than 90 percent to 40 percent. There are lower contents of organic carbon and higher carbonate in the shelf sediments compared with those of the extrashelf. Organic carbon is correlative with content of clay, and carbonate with coarse lithogenous and bioclastic contents.