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Marine Habitat Classification


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.

Distribution of habitat M.AtLB.Bi Atlantic lower bathyal biogenic structure

  • 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.


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