MB3-52 - Biocénose des sables grossiers et des graviers fins sous influence des courants de fond en Méditerranée

Biocenosis of Mediterranean coarse sands and fine gravels under the influence of bottom currents

Classification des habitats EUNIS 2022

Descriptif de l'habitat

This habitat is usually found in the Mediterranean between 3-4 meters and 20-25 meters down, but can, locally, go down to 70 meters. It lies thus on two, infra- and circalittoral, stages. It is frequent in channels between islands that are subject to frequent, violent currents, which constitute the main factor on which its existence depends. It is also found in the ‘intermatte’ channels dug out by the currents in the Posidonia meadows. This habitat, strictly subject to bottom currents, can change if the movement of the water is artificially or naturally modified, for example during long periods of calm weather. Its extension downwards, into the circalittoral stage, is linked to particularly intense hydrodynamic phenomena, either directly below rocky shelf-edge banks (the Banc des Blauquières) or in straits (the Bouches de Bonifacio). It may, in these conditions, present qualititative and quantitative modifications in its habitual population. Seasonal variations are marked by differences in the abundance, and the replacement, of species.

Bibliographie

European Topic Centre on Biological Diversity 2022. EUNIS marine habitat classification 2022 including crosswalks. Table Excel. (Source)