Analysis and Reporting of Outer Thames Regional Environmental Characterisation (REC)
- Reference:
- REC 08/01
- Organisation:
- Emu Ltd, University of Southampton
- Amount Funded:
- £147,790
- Status:
- Complete
Synthesis and analysis of high quality geophysical,
archaeological and biological data for the Thames region is
underway. Interpretations to date reveal substantial areas of
bedrock (London Clay and Bagshot Beds) exposed at seabed which is
locally incised by fluvial channels. The bedrock expression at
seabed is controlled by polygonal faulting.
Ecological analysis indicates that areas with sandy
gravel/gravelly sand substrate are those with comparatively rich
and diverse Sabellaria and Ampelisca communities and sand substrate
support comparatively impoverished macrofauna comprising of Nepthys
cirrosa, Ophelia borealis and Gastrosaccus spinnifer. Mixed muddy
sand and gravel substrate form a narrow band along inshore areas
and support Nephtys hombergii, Lagis koreni, Nucula nuleus and Abra
spp. Geological and ecological features and analysis of polygonal
faulting implies they may impact the local biotope and seabed
structure. A number of potential wrecks have been identified and
are being cross references with the UKHO wreck records.
The REC will be a high quality reference study that will permit
confident, informed, consistent decision making by all stakeholders
(developers, regulators, government advisors and other interested
parties). It will provide a context for the integrated management
of offshore resources and marine spatial planning. The Thames REC
will be delivered in the first quarter 2009.
Data Available
Survey data and an operations report is available for download
from the Marine GIS website - www.marinealsf.org.uk