Antarctic Margin Geomorphic Features Map, 1:1-2 Million Scale

Twenty-seven geomorphic units were identified from bathymetry and geophysical data for the Antarctic continental margin and Southern Ocean. The map was created using GEBCO08 and ETOPO2 satellite bathymetry, seismic lines, and manual digitization in ArcGIS. The Australian Ocean Data Network hosts this dataset, which has been updated since original publications in 2009 and 2014.

Use Cases

• Predicting physical conditions influencing seafloor communities based on classified geomorphic features.
• Developing benthic bioregionalisations based on mapped seafloor polygons.
• Supporting the design of Marine Protected Areas for East Antarctica based on habitat maps.
• Analyzing oceanographic influences based on seafloor features with specific substrate types.

Strengths

• Twenty-seven distinct geomorphic units were identified.
• Mapping was performed at a scale of 1:1-2 million.
• Data integrates multiple sources including GEBCO08, ETOPO2, and seismic lines.
• Polygons were digitized by hand for precise feature representation.

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; the last update timestamp is 2026-04-16.

Provenance

Source

Australian Ocean Data Network

Collection Method

Interpretation of seafloor bathymetry and manual digitization of polygons in ArcGIS.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-04-16 16:19:39.093854

Geography

Antarctic continental margin and adjoining Southern Ocean basins