A scheme for mapping Antarctic seafloor geomorphology to aid benthic bioregionalisation

Publicly available bathymetry and geophysical data can be used to map geomorphic features of the Antarctic continental margin and adjoining ocean basins at scales of 1:1-5 million. The geomorphic features identified and their properties can be related to major habitat characteristics such as sea floor type (hard versus soft), ice keel scouring, sediment deposition or erosion and current regimes. Where more detailed data are available, comparisons with the geomorphic features mapped in this study show that they can provide a guide to the distribution in the area of shelf benthic communities. The geomorphic mapping method presented here rapidly provides a layer to add to benthic bioregionalisation using readily available data.