Publication record details

Title Seabed geomorphology : a two-part classification system : British Geological Survey report OR/16/001
Ref no OR/16/001
Author Dove, D.; Bradwell, T.; Carter, G.; Cotterill, C.; Gafeira Goncalves, J.; Green, S.; Krabbendam, M.; Mellett, C.; Stevenson, A.; Stewart, H.; Westhead, K.; Scott, G.; Guinan, J.; Judge, M.; Monteys, X.; Elvenes, S.; Baeten, N.; Dolan, M.; Thorsnes, T.; Bjarnadóttir, L.; Ottesen, D.
Year of publication 2016
Abstract The BGS has developed a two-part classification system (‘Morphology’ and ‘Geomorphology’) to facilitate work on a new ‘Seabed Geomorphology’ mapping initiative, and this classification system is the focus of this report. As stated in the Foreword, the rationale and the basic framework of the classification system were conceived and established within BGS, but recent collaboration within the MAREANO-Norway, INFOMAR-Ireland, and MAREMAP-UK (MIM) partnership has led to significant improvement of the classifi cation system, and this report. To further support this effort, existing BGS GIS tools (SIGMA) ha ve been adapted to apply this two-part classification system for more efficient geomorphological mapping in the marine environment. This report: • provides a brief background on seabed mapping and characterisation, as well as how this science has been addressed historically within BGS;• describes the current motivation to conduct seabed geomorphological mapping, and the requirement for a new set of tools to facilitate this work;• describes the logical framework that underpins the classification system; • outlines the attributes of the classification system, how it can be applied, and discusses the advantages and limitations of the approach. It is anticipated that through testing and usage, the classification system will be revised and improved over time, with updated versions released through MIM partnership. It is also planned that a further ‘user guide’ report will be produced for the classification system and the GIS tools, including thematic details (e.g. background information on ‘coastal’ or ‘glacial’ features) and a feature glossary.
Publisher British Geological Survey
Place of publication Edinburgh
Series Open Reports
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