N1-14 - Biocénoses des sables supralittoraux de l'Atlantique, de la Baltique et de l'Arctique

Biocenosis of Atlantic, Baltic and Arctic supralittoral sands

Classification des habitats EUNIS 2022

Descriptif de l'habitat

Area corresponding to the upper beaches of the Atlantic, Baltic and Arctic seas which is only humected by the sea during storms; however, certain areas do escape being totally submerged and receive a large amount of spray coming from the surge of the waves further down. 2 sets of phenomena are responsible for the dampness: at surface level, the dampness is caused by the salty spray from the breaking of the waves on the coast which is the main cause of the saltiness of the sand and the dampness of the night air. This humification only affects the top 2 or 3 centimetres and disappears quickly under the action of the sun; at depth, the sand is damp because of the proximity of the fairly unsalty ground water.

Bibliographie

 European Topic Centre on Biological Diversity, 2021. EUNIS terrestrial habitat classification 2021 including crosswalks. ETC/BD-EEA. Table Excel transmise par S. Hennekens (Alterra) le 14/02/2022. (Source)