Environmental variability and biodiversity of megabenthos on the Hebrides Terrace Seamount (Northeast Atlantic)

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Henry, L-A, Vad, J, Findlay, HS, Murillo, J, Milligan, R and Roberts, JM 2014 Environmental variability and biodiversity of megabenthos on the Hebrides Terrace Seamount (Northeast Atlantic). Scientific Reports, 4. https://doi.org/10.1038/srep05589

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Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/srep05589

Abstract/Summary

We present the first remotely operated vehicle investigation of megabenthic communities (1004-1695 m water depth) on the Hebrides Terrace Seamount (Northeast Atlantic). Conductivity-temperature-depth casts showed rapid light attenuation below the summit and an oceanographic regime on the flanks consistent with an internal tide, and high short-term variability in water temperature, salinity, light attenuation, aragonite and oxygen down to 1500 m deep. Minor changes in species composition (3-14%) were explained by changes in depth, substratum and oceanographic stability, whereas environmental variability explained substantially more variation in species richness (40-56%). Two peaks in species richness occurred, the first at 1300-1400 m where cooler Wyville Thomson Overflow Water (WTOW) mixes with subtropical gyre waters and the second at 1500-1600 m where WTOW mixes with subpolar mode waters. Our results suggest that internal tides, substrate heterogeneity and oceanographic interfaces may enhance biological diversity on this and adjacent seamounts in the Rockall Trough.

Item Type: Publication - Article
Additional Keywords: COLD-WATER CORALS; CONTINENTAL-MARGIN; ROCKALL TROUGH; NE ATLANTIC; MEGAFAUNAL COMMUNITIES; INTERNAL TIDES; HATTON BANK; HABITAT; SEA; SLOPE
Divisions: Plymouth Marine Laboratory > Science Areas > Cycling in the Sunlit Ocean (expired)
Depositing User: Mrs Julia Crocker
Date made live: 02 Oct 2014 16:02
Last Modified: 06 Nov 2018 15:36
URI: https://plymsea.ac.uk/id/eprint/6214

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