Seabed geomorphology: a two-part classification system

Abstract

The BGS has developed a two-
\npart classification system 
\n(‘Morphology’ and ‘Geomorphology’) 
\nto facilitate work on a new ‘S
\neabed Geomorphology’ mapping initia
\ntive, and this classification 
\nsystem is the focus of this report. As stated in
\n the Foreword, the rationale
\n and the basic framework 
\nof the classification system were conceived and es
\ntablished within BGS, but
\n recent collaboration 
\nwithin the 
\nMAREANO
\n-Norway, 
\nINFOMAR
\n-Ireland, and 
\nMAREMAP
\n-UK (MIM) partnership 
\nhas led to significant improvement of the classifi
\ncation system, and this report. To further support 
\nthis effort, existing BGS GIS tools (SIGMA) ha
\nve been adapted to apply this two-part 
\nclassification system for more efficient geom
\norphological mapping in the marine environment. 
\nThis report: 
\n
\nprovides a brief background on seabed mapping 
\nand characterisation, as well as how this 
\nscience has been addressed 
\nhistorically within BGS; 
\n
\ndescribes the current motiva
\ntion to conduct seabed geom
\norphological mapping, and the 
\nrequirement for a new set of t
\nools to facilitate this work; 
\n
\ndescribes the logical framework that
\n underpins the classification system; 
\n
\noutlines the attributes of the classification 
\nsystem, how it can be applied, and discusses 
\nthe advantages and limitations of the approach. 
\nIt is anticipated that through testing and usage,
\n the classification syst
\nem will be revised and 
\nimproved over time, with updated versions released
\n through MIM partnershi
\np. It is also planned 
\nthat a further ‘user guide’ report 
\nwill be produced for the classifi
\ncation system and the GIS tools, 
\nincluding thematic details (e.g. 
\nbackground information on ‘coastal’ 
\nor ‘glacial’ features) and a 
\nfeature glossary.