Deep sea habitats - contributing towards completion of a deep sea habitat classification scheme

Abstract

The main aim of this project was to analyse data and provide information that could contribute towards a high-level deep water marine seabed habitat classification scheme. This has been achieved by integrating interpreted acoustic and other deep water datasets from around the United Kingdom, with the results presented in a form that is compatible with the EUNIS habitat classification scheme. This project uses an industry-standard package (ESRI), ensuring that the different data layers presented can be utilized in whatever geospatial software is used in future spatial analysis programmes.

The GIS classification layers are based on existing interpretation of several acoustic deep marine datasets and further interpretation of newly released acoustic data. BGS seabed sediment maps were combined with and modified by these interpretations. Additional data provided by BGS includes delineation of some occurrences of basalt outcrop at the seabed and areas of iceberg ploughmarks. Five classification layers are provided: Confidence, showing the confidence levels of the data available in the region; Physiography, showing the large-scale morphology of the seafloor; Substrate, showing the type of sediment/rock present; Deposits, showing areas where certain deposit types are present, deposit types relate to conditions of sediment transport and/or deposition, and Modifiers, showing areas of the seafloor which have been modified by some kind of post-deposition event or conditions.

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