Resumen de Mediterranean Outflow Water imprints on the deep cold-water coral reefs ecosystems on the Galicia Bank (Spain)
Ricardo León, Gemma Ercilla Zárraga, Francisco Javier Hernández Molina, Victoriano Urgorri, Luis Somoza, David Casas, Teresa Medialdea, Francisco Javier González
An extensive set of multibeam bathymetry, high resolution multi-channelseismic data, and TOPAS and 3.5 kHzsub-bottom profiles acquired during BREOGHAM, ERGAP 1 and ERGAP2 have allowed the characterization of the imprints of the Mediterranean Outflow Water current on the Galicia Bank (NW Iberian Margin). The study area, located from 600 to 1200 m water depth, has revealed a highly variable range of current-controlled morphological features and deep cold-water coralreefs . We have observed, based on backscatter images and seismic profiles, four main morphological features: bioconstructions, hardgrounds, and patches and fringes of sediment-biosediment. These features are a reflection of the along-slope mode of transport and morphologic constriction of the Mediterranean Outflow water.
