Benthic habitat variations over tidal ridges, North Sea, the Netherlands

摘要: Marine ecosystems on continental shelves endure an increasing burden of human activity offshore, and the impacts benthic habitats are not well known. An improved understanding how vary in relation to substrate types seabed features is therefore essential both scientists offshore developers. This case study shows that marine over two tidal ridges North Sea from low-density/low-diversity communities well-sorted sandy crests high-density/high-diversity poorly sorted muddy, gravelly sediments adjacent troughs. On shelves, including Netherlands Continental Shelf (NCS) Sea, bedforms occur different spatial scales, such as sand banks (tidal ridges), waves, megaripples. habitat maps reveal spatially morphology, water depth, sediment composition. The morphological elements expected accommodate habitats. Some ridge areas nominated become protected areas, but also attractive for their aggregates may be designated part mining areas. Due composition shallow depths, suitable locations construction wind farms. To date, characteristics relatively inaccessible seabeds too understood explain effects physical parameters communities. Therefore, it important expand our variations associated with ridges, benefit science development. © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.