Research Technical Report
A Classification Scheme For Deep Seafloor Habitats
Greene, H.G., M.M. Yoklavich, R.M. Starr, V.M. OConnell, W.W. Wakefield, D.E. Sullivan, J.E. McRea Jr., and G.M. Cailliet (1999)
Oceanologica Acta 22(6):663-678
ABSTRACT
A standard,
universally useful classification scheme for deepwater habitats needs
to be established so that description of these habitats can be accurately
and efficiently applied among scientific disciplines. In recent years
many marine benthic habitats in deep water have been described using geophysical
and biological data. These descriptions can vary from one investigator
to another, which makes it difficult to compare habitats and associated
biological assemblages among geographic regions. Using geophysical data
collected with a variety of remote sensor systems and in situ biological
and geologic observations, we have constructed a classification scheme
that can be used in describing marine benthic habitats in deep water.