Description of biotope or habitat type

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   Barren littoral shingle

Description

Shingle or gravel shores, typically with sediment particle size ranging from 4 - 256 mm, sometimes with some coarse sand mixed in. This biotope is normally only found on exposed open coasts in fully marine conditions. Such shores tend to support virtually no macrofauna in their very mobile and freely draining substratum. The few individuals that may be found are those washed into the habitat by the ebbing tide, including the occasional amphipod or small polychaete.

Situation

BarSh often extends over the whole shore, sometimes extending into the subtidal zone. BarSh may occur on the upper shore above BarSa, and in moderately exposed conditions, above AmSco on the lower shore. Tal may occur on the same shore as BarSh, where driftlines of algae and other debris accumulate on the upper shore.

Temporal variation

There may be a temporary cover of the green seaweeds Enteromorpha spp. or Ulva spp. during periods of stability in the summer.

Characterising species

Characterising species data not applicable.

Similar biotopes or habitat types

LS.LSa.MoSa.BarSa

A similarly barren sediment habitat, but where the sediment is predominantly sand.

Classification history of this biotope or habitat type