Marine benthic habitat mapping of the West Arm, Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, Alaska

Research reveals that the West Arm of Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, Alaska, is divided into two distinct marine environments: a dynamic upper fjord and a relatively static lower fjord. This differentiation is driven by high glacial sediment flux and meltwater inputs, which dominate the seafloor substrate with mud and create a highly dynamic estuarine ecosystem. The study utilized multibeam sonar, ground-truthed observations, and geological interpretations to map benthic habitats using the CMECS classification scheme. Additionally, sediment accumulation data from differential bathymetry and water-column characteristics from CTD measurements and circulation models were analyzed. These findings not only test the utility of the CMECS classification in glacimarine environments but also establish a baseline for future research on the correlations between seafloor substrate, benthic habitats, and glacial processes.

Hodson, T. O., Cochrane, G. R., & Powell, R. D. (2013). Marine benthic habitat mapping of the West Arm, Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, Alaska. Scientific Investigations Map. https://doi.org/10.3133/sim3253