Mixed Consolidated SubstrataBoulderMegaclastPavementMixed CoarseSedimentsSandGranulePebbleMixed FineSedimentsClaySiltCobbleSoft SubstrataHard SubstrataMixed Hard / Soft SubstrataMixedHard SubstrataConsolidatedHard SubstrataUnconsolidatedHard SubstrataCoarse SedimentsFine SedimentsMixedSoft Substrata

The Seamap Australia Substratum Component describes to the surface of any non-living material upon or within which biota can attach and grow. This typically consists of natural rock or mineral sediment, but also organic debris, man-made surfaces, and non-living biota (e.g. shells). In some cases, e.g. soft sediments or veneers, habitats may extend below the surface. In these situations Seamap Australia considers the uppermost 15 centimetres of the substratum

The Substratum Component can be paired with the Substratum Origin to give 8 total levels describing the non-living component of the seabed habitat. The Substratum Component describes the hardness and grainsize of the substratum, while the Substratum Origin describes the geologic of the substratum.

Detailed descriptions and images of each class can be found in the Substratum Component Visual Classification Guide below for Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3.

Level 4 subgroups

Level 4 subgroups further break down the Level 3 substratum classification into mineral grainsize. Descriptions and images of Level 4 classifications are embedded within Level 3 items in the Substratum Component Visual Classification Guide.

Unknown, or Not Assessed

An Unknown, or Not Assessed classification can be applied at any level within the hierarchy.

Substratum Component Visual Classification Guide

Boulder


Primary domain: Substratum Component

Classification level: Level 3

Parent classification: Consolidated Hard Substrata

Investigate

Clay


Primary domain: Substratum Component

Classification level: Level 3

Parent classification: Fine Sediments

Investigate

Coarse Sediments


Primary domain: Substratum Component

Classification level: Level 2

Parent classification: Soft Substrata

Investigate

Cobble


Primary domain: Substratum Component

Classification level: Level 3

Parent classification: Unconsolidated Hard Substrata

Investigate

Consolidated Hard Substrata


Primary domain: Substratum Component

Classification level: Level 2

Parent classification: Hard Substrata

Investigate

Fine Sediments


Primary domain: Substratum Component

Classification level: Level 2

Parent classification: Soft Substrata

Investigate

Granule


Primary domain: Substratum Component

Classification level: Level 3

Parent classification: Coarse Sediments

Investigate

Hard Substrata


Primary domain: Substratum Component

Classification level: Level 1

Parent classification:

Investigate

Megaclast


Primary domain: Substratum Component

Classification level: Level 3

Parent classification: Consolidated Hard Substrata

Investigate

Mixed Coarse Sediments


Primary domain: Substratum Component

Classification level: Level 3

Parent classification: Coarse Sediments

Investigate

Mixed Consolidated Substrata


Primary domain: Substratum Component

Classification level: Level 3

Parent classification: Consolidated Hard Substrata

Investigate

Mixed Fine Sediments


Primary domain: Substratum Component

Classification level: Level 3

Parent classification: Fine Sediments

Investigate

Mixed Hard Substrata


Primary domain: Substratum Component

Classification level: Level 2

Parent classification: Hard Substrata

Investigate

Mixed Hard/Soft Substrata


Primary domain: Substratum Component

Classification level: Level 1

Parent classification:

Investigate

Mixed Soft Substrata


Primary domain: Substratum Component

Classification level: Level 2

Parent classification: Soft Substrata

Investigate

Pavement


Primary domain: Substratum Component

Classification level: Level 3

Parent classification: Consolidated Hard Substrata

Investigate

Pebble


Primary domain: Substratum Component

Classification level: Level 3

Parent classification: Coarse Sediments

Investigate

Sand


Primary domain: Substratum Component

Classification level: Level 3

Parent classification: Coarse Sediments

Investigate

Silt


Primary domain: Substratum Component

Classification level: Level 3

Parent classification: Fine Sediments

Investigate

Soft Substrata


Primary domain: Substratum Component

Classification level: Level 1

Parent classification:

Investigate

Unconsolidated Hard Substrata


Primary domain: Substratum Component

Classification level: Level 2

Parent classification: Hard Substrata

Investigate