Abstract
We report the first quantitative evaluation of the distribution of seafloor chemosynthetic biological communities on a regional scale. The results are based on the analysis of video images and navigation from 792 benthic remotely operated vehicle dives conducted on the continental margin in Monterey Bay, California. These communities are common, occurring within 5% of the 25-m-square grid cells within which there have been bottom observations within 45 km of the bay9s head and within 9% of the visited cells that are below 550 m water depth. Although it has been previously assumed that these communities are associated with fluid seepage from faults, they are not more common within known fault zones. Surprisingly, the communities in Monterey Bay occur preferentially on steep slopes, which are commonly sites of recent erosion.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
