Description of biotope or habitat type
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Atlantic lower bathyal biogenic structure
Physical habitat description
Salinity | Full (30-35 ppt) |
---|---|
Wave exposure | |
Tidal streams | |
Substratum | Biogenic substrate |
Zone | Atlantic lower bathyal |
Depth Band | 1300 - 2100 m |
Other Features |
Download comparative physical and biological data. The comparative tables enable a rapid comparison of the species composition and principal physical characteristics between a given set of biotopes.

- Records used to define the biotope (core records)
- Other records assigned to this biotope, marked as 'certain'
- Other records assigned to this biotope, marked as 'uncertain'
- Predicted extent of the level 3 (for sublittoral rock & deep sea) or 4 (for sublittoral sediment) habitat
Point data based on records in the UK Marine Recorder Snapshot. Predicted habitat extent is from UKSeaMap.
Description
A biogenic structure is formed when reef-forming species, such as cold water corals, attach to any hard substrate present and grow over the surrounding area forming a secondary substrate over the top. This changes the composition of the associated community as it provides a stable surface for epifauna to attach. Biogenic structure includes only areas where the seafloor is completely covered, not isolated structures, such as sponge aggregations or discrete corals.
Situation
No situation data available.
Temporal variation
No temporal variation data available.
Characterising species
Characterising species data not applicable.
Similar biotopes or habitat types
Not applicable or unknown.