The Australian exclusive economic zone contains 1.6 million km² of submarine plateaus, representing about 13.8% of the world's inventory. This dataset presents results from two marine surveys on the Lord Howe Rise plateau in 2003 and 2007, conducted by the Australian Ocean Data Network. It includes benthic biological and geological samples, underwater photographs, video, and multibeam sonar bathymetry data.
Use Cases
- Map benthic habitat distribution based on collected geological samples and bathymetry data.
- Analyze epifaunal assemblages dominated by suspension feeders based on biological samples.
- Assess ecological significance for UN CBD criteria (uniqueness, vulnerability, naturalness) based on habitat descriptions.
- Study hard/rocky substrates and volcanic peaks covering approximately 31 km² based on survey data.
Strengths
- Data originates from two major marine surveys in 2003 and 2007, providing temporal context.
- Includes multiple data modalities: biological samples, geological samples, photographs, video, and bathymetry.
- Focuses on a specific, significant geographic feature: the Lord Howe Rise plateau within Australia's EEZ.
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 was 2026-04-16.
Provenance
- Source
- Australian Ocean Data Network
- Collection Method
- Results from two major marine surveys carried out in 2003 and 2007.
- Time Range
- 2003 and 2007 survey dates.
- Geography
- Lord Howe Rise submarine plateau within the Australian exclusive economic zone.