East Antarctic Surface Sediment Grainsize and Composition, 1950s-2012

472 sediment grainsize samples and 304 biogenic silica samples from East Antarctic surface sediments provide insight into seabed habitats. This compilation incorporates data collected and analyzed from the 1950s to 2012, overlain on bathymetry maps to illustrate habitat variations. The dataset was compiled by the Australian Ocean Data Network to support analysis of seven proposed Marine Protected Areas.

Use Cases

• Model benthic habitat suitability based on sediment grainsize and composition data.
• Analyze the relationship between geomorphic features like shelf banks and canyons and sediment type.
• Assess habitat variability within proposed Marine Protected Areas using mapped sedimentary properties.
• Investigate correlations between high carbonate content and known hydrocoral occurrence at the shelf break.

Strengths

• 472 quantitative grainsize samples and an additional 192 Folk classification samples provide a substantial basis for analysis.
• Composition data includes 255 calcium carbonate samples and 304 biogenic silica samples.
• Data spans a long temporal range, incorporating samples from the 1950s to 2012.

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• Freshness should be verified as the last metadata update is dated 2026-06-23.

Provenance

Source

Australian Ocean Data Network

Collection Method

Compilation of data collected and analyzed from various sources.

Time Range

1950s to 2012

Freshness

Last updated 2026-06-23 00:54:58.791398; freshness should be verified.

Geography

East Antarctic region (30-150°E) south of 60°S