Benthic habitat mapping on the Scotian Shelf based on multibeam bathymetry, surficial geology and sea floor photographs

摘要: This study presents results of a new approach for sea floor habitat mapping based on an integrated analysis multibeam bathymetric data, associated geoscientific information, and benthos data from Browns Bank the southwestern Scotian Shelf, off Canadian Atlantic coast. Based sediment maps statistical megabenthos determined photographs, 6 habitats corresponding associations were derived mapped. The are dis- tinguished primarily basis type water depth. Additional factors geomorphology, complexity, relative current strength. A benthic map is developed as conceptual model summarizing understanding bank ecology. highlights utility sonar interpretation sediments extrapolating characteristics across large areas floor.