Polychaetes of Northern Australia: Species Identifications from 2009-2012 Surveys

Geoscience Australia data contains taxonomic identifications of polychaete worms collected during four RV Solander surveys in northern Australia between 2009 and 2012. Specimens were collected via sediment grabs, elutriated, and identified to species or operational taxonomic units by taxonomists Chris Glasby and Charlotte Watson. All specimens are lodged at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory.

Use Cases

• Analyzing species composition and diversity of polychaete communities based on survey locations and dates.
• Mapping the distribution of identified species and operational taxonomic units across northern Australia.
• Studying temporal changes in benthic fauna based on data from four distinct survey periods.
• Validating taxonomic classifications against established names mentioned in the description.

Strengths

• Data covers four distinct surveys conducted over a four-year period (2009-2012).
• Specimens were identified by named expert taxonomists using established methods.
• Physical specimens are archived at a known institution (MAGNT) for verification.
• Collection methods (Smith McIntyre grab, boxcore, 500um sieve) are explicitly documented.

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment for large-scale modeling.
• Data may reflect geographic and temporal bias inherent to the specific survey voyages.

Provenance

Source

Geoscience Australia Data

Collection Method

Sediment collection via grab/boxcore, elutriation over 500um sieve, followed by laboratory sorting and taxonomic identification.

Time Range

2009-2012 (surveys SOL4934, SOL5117, SOL5463, SOL5650)

Freshness

Last updated 2026-04-20 03:08:05.498035; freshness should be verified.

Geography

Northern Australia