Landscape mapping in MAREANO

Abstract

Norway\u2019s ongoing seabed mapping programme MAREANO (Marine AREA database for NOrwegian waters) includes delineation of the sea floor into large geomorphic units, which are referred to as marine landscapes. These landscape units are mapped in accordance with Version 1.0 of the nature-type classification system Nature types in Norway (Naturtyper i Norge, NiN), and the classification operates at the \u2018landscape\u2019 level of NiN. Similar to their terrestrial counterparts, marine landscapes are defined in NiN and MAREANO as broad-scale, non-overlapping, full-coverage areas with a uniform surficial appearance. The following eight marine landscape types and subtypes have been identified and mapped in the MAREANO areas so far (2013): Strandflat, smooth continental slope, marine canyons, fjords, marine valleys, shallow marine valleys, deep sea plain, and continental shelf plains.