Habitat--Offshore of Point Reyes Map Map Area, California

This part of DS 781 presents data for the habitat map of the seafloor of the Offshore of Point Reyes map area, California. The vector data file is included in "Habitat_PointReyes.zip," which is accessible from http://pubs.usgs.gov/ds/781/OffshorePointReyes/data_catalog_OffshorePointReyes.html.

Using multibeam echosounder (MBES) bathymetry and backscatter data, potential marine benthic habitat maps were constructed. The habitats were based on substrate types and documented or "ground truthed" using underwater video images and seafloor samples obtained by the USGS. These maps display various habitat types that range from flat, soft, unconsolidated sediment-covered seafloor to hard, deformed (folded), or highly rugose and differentially eroded bedrock exposures. Rugged, high-relief, rocky outcrops that have been eroded to form ledges and small caves are ideal habitat for rockfish (Sebastes spp.) and other bottom fish such as lingcod (Ophiodon elongatus). Habitat map is presented in a map format generated in a GIS (ArcMap), and both digital and hard-copy versions will be produced.

DS 781的本部分内容提供了加利福尼亚州雷耶斯角外海域制图区的海底生境地图数据。矢量数据文件收纳于"Habitat_PointReyes.zip"压缩包中，可通过http://pubs.usgs.gov/ds/781/OffshorePointReyes/data_catalog_OffshorePointReyes.html获取。

研究人员利用多波束测深声呐（multibeam echosounder, MBES）水深与背散射数据，构建了潜在海洋底栖生境地图。该类生境以底质类型为划分依据，并通过美国地质调查局（USGS）获取的水下视频影像与海底采样样本完成实地验证。本地图涵盖多种生境类型，覆盖范围从平坦松软、被松散沉积物覆盖的海底，到坚硬、褶皱变形或起伏剧烈、经差异侵蚀出露的基岩露头。经侵蚀形成岩架与小型洞穴的崎岖高陡岩礁，是平鲉属（Sebastes spp.）鱼类及蛇齿龙鳕（Ophiodon elongatus，lingcod）的理想栖息生境。本生境地图通过地理信息系统（GIS，ArcMap）生成，将同时提供数字版与纸质版成果。