Coastal Substrate Classification for Scotian Shelf and Bay of Fundy

A coastal surficial substrate layer for the Scotian Shelf and Bay of Fundy, created by Fisheries and Oceans Canada. It integrates geological characterizations from NRCan with digital elevation models and substrate samples to classify grain size and primary habitat type. Each characterization includes a ranking of confidence and original data resolution.

Use Cases

• Analyze the distribution of surficial grain size classifications to model sediment transport in coastal areas.
• Map primary habitat type against substrate confidence rankings to prioritize field validation efforts.
• Integrate substrate characterizations with digital elevation models for regional-scale benthic habitat modeling.

Strengths

• Includes a ranking of confidence for each substrate characterization, informing data quality.
• Integrates data from multiple authoritative sources including NRCan, CHS, and DFO Science.
• Covers a defined regional scale encompassing the coastal Scotian Shelf and Bay of Fundy.

Limitations

• The dataset's creation involved interpretation in areas lacking prior geological description, introducing potential subjectivity.
• Specific sample sizes, spatial resolution, and validation metrics for the interpretations are not provided.
• As a regional-scale product, it may lack the fine-grained detail required for localized site-specific analysis.

Provenance

Source

Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Coastal Ecosystems Science Division.

Collection Method

Previous NRCan geological characterizations were translated; where unavailable, digital elevation models and substrate samples were interpreted.

Time Range

Published March 2022.

Freshness

Last updated March 2026.

Geography

Inshore Scotian Shelf and Bay of Fundy, Maritimes Region, Canada.