A multi-scale investigation into seafloor topography of the northern Mid-Atlantic Ridge based on geographic information system analysis

The Mid Atlantic Ridge (MAR) has been identified as an important component of the lower bathyal (800−3500m depth) benthic biogeographic province in the North Atlantic Ocean. We performed a multi-scale characterization of seafloor topography of the MAR. In the basin-scale analysis, we have used the 3...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published inDeep-sea research. Part II, Topical studies in oceanography Vol. 98; pp. 231 - 243
Main Authors Niedzielski, Tomasz, Høines, Åge, Shields, Mark A., Linley, Thomas D., Priede, Imants G.
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Elsevier Ltd 15.12.2013
Subjects
Atlantic Ocean
Bathyal
Bathymetry
Benthos
Geographic Information System (GIS)
Mid-ocean ridge
Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV)
Sea-floor topography
Seamount
Sediment
Sediment
Bathyal
Mid-ocean ridge
Sea-floor topography
Atlantic Ocean
Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV)
Bathymetry
Benthos
Seamount
Geographic Information System (GIS)
Online AccessGet full text

Cover

More Information
Summary:The Mid Atlantic Ridge (MAR) has been identified as an important component of the lower bathyal (800−3500m depth) benthic biogeographic province in the North Atlantic Ocean. We performed a multi-scale characterization of seafloor topography of the MAR. In the basin-scale analysis, we have used the 30″ General Bathymetric Chart of the Oceans (GEBCO) grid to estimate the area of different components of lower bathyal habitat in the main North Atlantic basin and to produce a corresponding depth–area relationship. The regional-scale investigation is based on swath bathymetry surveys which show the flanks to MAR to comprise a series of sediment-draped flat plains (37.65% of area) with intervening gentle slopes ranging from 5° to 30° (56.70% of area) and slopes steeper than 30° (5.65% of area). The steep slopes have significant areas of hard substrate (70%) comprising bare cliff faces and rock outcrops. Within the local-scale approach, detailed surveys of such steep areas were done by multi-beam sonar and cameras mounted on a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV). In several locations, the terrace-like seafloor topography has also been identified. Overall, it has been shown that the MAR lower bathyal is 95% covered with soft sediment.
ISSN:0967-0645
1879-0100
DOI:10.1016/j.dsr2.2013.10.006