Weird lines in kelp forest
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by
Artman40
What causes kelp forest to be split like that? Is it because of ships that pass by?
Posted
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by
kyleccav
scientist
There are a couple potential explanations for those lines. In some cases it is indeed ships or kelp harvesting operations (http://www.seaweed.ie/_images/KelpHarvester_MG35514.jpg). Those patterns also sometimes occur due to bottom type or bathymetry. If there are deep trenches, sand, or some other feature that prevents giant kelp from attaching to the seafloor then you will see those gaps in the canopy.
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