Habitat ClassificationHabitat Classification

Glen S. Jamieson Interpretation of Vlad Glen S. Jamieson Interpretation of Vlad Kostylov’s habitat classification Kostylov’s habitat classification

approachapproach

Benign Adverse

Scope for Growth

Stable

Disturbed

Risk ofHADD

The colours represent the equivalent of plant hardiness zonesNote: there are no specific boundaries – they can be assigned as appropriate.

Average Temperature

Physical substrate disturbance because of currents or wave energy

Temperature range (variability- mean or absolute?)

Collectively, the two temperature axes, which might also include salinity, ie. to create a water density measure, define water masses, and so incorporate depth

Attempt at clarification of the proposed Habitat Classification of benthic habitats: This is functionally the “climate portion” of a biogeoclimatic classification (terrestrial example = plant hardiness zones), with additional layers being the “geo” portion (substrate features – mud to bedrock?) and a “bio” component (dominant, or characteristic species, that are associate with the geoclimatic components).

Data analysed to date goes from 20 m depth to Data analysed to date goes from 20 m depth to 1000 m. However, this approach can likely be 1000 m. However, this approach can likely be also used for shallower waters if additional also used for shallower waters if additional variables are included to define habitat:variables are included to define habitat:

Eg. Degree of wave exposure (fetch?), Eg. Degree of wave exposure (fetch?), freshwater influence (riverine plumes), depth of freshwater influence (riverine plumes), depth of thermal stratification and/or anoxic layer, etc. thermal stratification and/or anoxic layer, etc.