EMODnet Seabed substrate data products comprise of multiple datasets at different scales, compiled in subsequent EMODnet geology projects running since 2009. In the projects, diverse, national datasets are harmonised into a shared schema which includes not only information on seabed substrate, but also background and confidence level of the data.
Seabed substrate data products are:
- Multiscale (1:25 000, 1:50 000, 1:100 000, 1:250 000, 1:1 000 000)
- 1:100 000
- 1:250 000
- 1:1 000 000
- Sediment accumulation rates
Download links and information about the individual data products can be found below.
Seabed substrate harmonisation is done by reclassifying the diverse national data by using the modified Folk classification system. This EMODnet reclassification scheme includes at least five seabed substrate classes and is supported by European nature information system, EUNIS. Four substrate classes are defined on the basis of the modified Folk triangle (mud to sandy mud; sand; coarse sediment; and mixed sediment) and one additional substrate class (rock and boulders). If the original seabed substrate dataset has enabled more detailed substrate classification, classifications with 7 and 16 substrate classes might be available.
The harmonised schema has been enhanced on the way and some of the attributes have not therefore been gathered in the first place and are missing from the older datasets at 1: 1 000 000 and 1: 250 000 scales. The data coverage varies between scales and in time it has been collated.
Basic background attributes include information on e.g. country, data holder, scale and original classification system, and seabed substrate attributes include information on e.g. reclassification, original substrate, Folk classes and additional surface features. Confidence information is based on remote sensing coverage, amount of sampling and distinctness of class boundaries.
Multiscale
The maps illustrate seabed properties at different scales – 1:25 000 (25 k), 1:50 000 (50 k), 1:100 000 (100 k), 1:250 000 (250 k) and 1:1 000 000 (1 M) – covering all European maritime areas in one product.
Last update: December 2020
Note: The data may include some errors e.g. overlays, topological gaps and data discontinuities. The data coverage depends on the scale.
1:100k
The map illustrates seabed properties at 1:100 000 scale (100 k) – covering all European maritime areas.
Last update: December 2020
Note: The data may include some errors e.g. overlays, topological gaps and data discontinuities.
1:250k
The map illustrates seabed properties at 1: 250 000 scale (250 k) – covering all European maritime areas
The seabed substrate map was produced October 2016.
Note: The data may include some errors e.g. overlays, topological gaps and data discontinuities.
1:1M
The map illustrates seabed properties at 1: 1 000 000 scale (1 M) – covering all European maritime areas. The map is collated from the 1 M data from project partners and generalized 1:250 k EMODnet data.
The seabed substrate map was produced October 2016.
Note: The data may include some errors e.g. overlays, topological gaps and data discontinuities.
Sediment Accumulation Rates
The Sediment Accumulation Rates map was originally produced within EMODnet-Geology project (2009-2012) and updated during EMODnet III Geology (2017 – 2019). The map is compiled and harmonized from all available information on the rate of sedimentation in European maritime areas. The information on sedimentation rates for recent sediments is presented as point-source information.
Estimations of modern sedimentation rates (centimeters/year) can be based e.g. on established historical records of anthropogenic radionuclides (e.g. 137Cs and 241Am), lead (Pb) and stable lead isotope (206/207Pb ratios).
Project partners have delivered information on accumulation/sedimentation rates available in their national waters including their EEZ. Here we focus on the present-day sedimentation rates. That mean sedimentation rates over the past decades, since AD 1900 or so.
Last update: March 2019.
