Geomorphology of the Oceanic Shoals Marine Park

Geomorphic features describe the shape and form of the seafloor with regard to the physical, biological and chemical processes that contributed to their formation. Geomorphology has a significant impact of the types of biota and ecological communities that exist in certain regions, and geomorphic features can be used to infer broad habitat types. For example raised geomorphic features such as banks and pinnacles typically act as hotspots for biodiversity and reef formation, while lower features such as basins and valleys are likely to support soft sediment habitats. These associations between geomorphology and biological communities can aid in determining potential habitat types in remote regions of the ocean where little other information exists.