Video Transects Reveal That Tidal Sand Waves Affect the Spatial Distribution of Benthic Organisms and Sand Ripples
Johan H. Damveld (University of Twente)
K. J. van der Reijden (University Medical Center Groningen)
C. Cheng (Universiteit Utrecht)
Leo Koop (TU Delft - Aircraft Noise and Climate Effects)
L. R. Haaksma (University Medical Center Groningen)
C. A.J. Walsh (University Medical Center Groningen)
K. E. Soetaert (Universiteit Utrecht)
Bas Borsje (University of Twente)
Laura L. Govers (University Medical Center Groningen, NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research)
G.B. More authors (External organisation)
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Abstract
The sandy seabed of shallow coastal shelf seas displays morphological patterns of various dimensions. The seabed also harbors a rich ecosystem. Increasing pressure from human-induced disturbances necessitates further study on drivers of benthic community distributions over morphological patterns. Moreover, a greater understanding of the sand ripple distribution over tidal sand waves may improve morphological model predictions. Here we analyzed the biotic abundance and ripple morphology in sand wave troughs and crests using video transects. We found that both the epibenthos and endobenthos are significantly more abundant in sand wave troughs, where ripples are less abundant and more irregularly shaped. Finally, we show that camera systems are relatively quick and effective tools to study biotic spatial patterns in relation to seabed morphology.
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