Entropy-Ratio Maps for Surficial Reef Facies Classification, Great Barrier Reef

Great Barrier Reef data demonstrates a method for mapping surficial coral reef facies using entropy-ratio maps. The ternary classification uses detritus, framework encrustation, and pavement as end-members, subdivided by their degree of mixing. The classification is sensitive to all reef environments and can be superimposed on other classifications.

Use Cases

• Classifying reef flat zonation based on the described ternary classification of detritus, framework encrustation, and pavement.
• Mapping surficial facies at variable resolutions using the entropy-ratio map technique described.
• Superimposing the facies classification onto other reef classification systems as mentioned.
• Analyzing the mixing degree of reef end-members as a key feature of the classification.

Strengths

• Method is described as sensitive to all reef environments, particularly zonation across reef flats.
• The classification can be superimposed on other classifications, increasing its utility.

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; last metadata update is 2026-06-16 21:32:41.035008.

Provenance

Source

Australian Ocean Data Network

Collection Method

Entropy-ratio mapping technique applied to coral reef data.

Freshness

Last metadata update is 2026-06-16 21:32:41.035008.

Geography

Great Barrier Reef