East Antarctic Sediment Grainsize and Composition Data from 1950s to 2012

A compilation of 472 sediment grainsize samples, 192 Folk classifications, 255 calcium carbonate samples, and 304 biogenic silica samples from East Antarctic surface sediments. The data was collected and analyzed from the 1950s to 2012 by the Australian Ocean Data Network. It provides insight into seabed habitats by overlaying sediment properties on bathymetry and geomorphic maps.

Use Cases

• Model benthic habitat suitability based on sediment grainsize and composition data.
• Analyze seabed sediment distribution patterns across Antarctic shelf banks and troughs.
• Correlate high carbonate content with known hydrocoral occurrence areas at the shelf break.
• Assess habitat variability within proposed Marine Protected Areas using geomorphic and sedimentary overlays.

Strengths

• Includes 472 quantitative grainsize samples and 192 Folk classifications.
• Composition data covers 255 calcium carbonate and 304 biogenic silica samples.
• Temporal coverage spans over six decades, from the 1950s to 2012.
• Geographic coverage is specific to the East Antarctic region (30-150°E, south of 60°S).

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• Data may reflect geographic and temporal bias inherent to the compilation's source studies.

Provenance

Source

Australian Ocean Data Network

Collection Method

Compilation of data collected and analyzed from various studies.

Time Range

1950s to 2012

Freshness

Last updated 2026-04-10 21:41:11.993065; freshness should be verified.

Geography

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