A Biogeographic Assessment off North/Central California

Analyses/Maps

Environmental and Ecological Setting

Environmental Variables map

A three-dimensional image of the marine study area off north/central California. The boundaries of the three national marine sanctuaries (NMSs) in the study area are in red, with Cordell Bank NMS to the left/north, Gulf of the Farallones NMS in the center and Monterey Bay NMS to the right or south. Note the relatively broad continental shelf in the northern half of the study area, and the large, complex Monterey Canyon in the center of Monterey Bay NMS. The entire study area has several significant submarine canyon systems.

Quick Link to PDF file of Chapter 2 (4.3MB)

The distribution and abundance of marine species are strongly influenced by their environment. The purpose of this chapter is to provide a background of selected environmental and ecological features that influence the occurrence of marine species off the north/central coast of California.

A PDF file of chapter two is accessed through the link above; the environmental maps and figures in the chapter are listed below and can be accessed through the links shown. GIS files for selected maps will be available in April 2007.

List and Links to Maps and other Figures in Phase II Report, Chapter 2: Environment and Ecological Setting
Map or Figure Title Links to PDF Files In Phase I Report and/ or Phase II
Figure 2.1. A three-dimensional view of bathymetric relief and the national marine sanctuaries off north/central California. Map 1 I and II
Figure 2.2. Bathymetry and depth zones of the study area. Map 1 I and II
Figure 2.3. Marine physiographic features - northern region. Map 1 II
Figure 2.4. Marine physiographic features - central region. Map 1 II
Figure 2.5. Marine physiographic features - southern region. Map 1 II
Figure 2.6. Average sea surface temperature (1985-2005): by ocean season and year-round average. Map 1-4 II
Figure 2.7. Tracking El Niño’s and La Niña’s in the North Pacific Image II
Figure 2.8. Tracking the Pacific Decadel Oscillation (PDO) Index. Image II
Figure 2.9. Sea surface temperature (1995-2005): examples of warm, cool and neutral periods and the 21-year average (climatology). Maps 1-4 II
Figure 2.10. Comparing sea surface temperatures during a warm phase of the Pacific Decadel Oscillation (PDO) and the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO). Image II
Figure 2.11. A schematic of two major surface currents and a subsurface current in the study area. Map II
Figure 2.12. Ocean color (chlorophyll a), by ocean season and year-round. Maps 1-4 II
Figure 2.13. Offshore sea surface temperature fronts, by ocean season and year-round. Maps 1-4 II
Figure 2.14. Aerial view of South Farallon Islands. Image I and II

Notes:
  1. GIS files of selected maps will be available in April 2007 at http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/products/biogeography/canms_cd/welcome.html
  2. Due to resource constraints, individual descriptions were not developed for the maps in chapter two, but the maps are often described in the chapter.


Summary of Environmental Variables and Base Maps used in the Phase I Report
Environmental Variable Mapped Map Description Link to PDF Files Links to GIS Data Downloads
High Resolution Bathymetry Description PDF Map Download
Substrate Types Description PDF Map Download
Kelp     Download
Sanctuary Boundaries     Download
Bathymetric Contours     Download
Coastline     Download
Five Minute Grid (shapefile)     Download