Study of biological processes on the US North Atlantic slope and rise. Volume 1. Executive summary. Report for November 1984-November 1986

Temporal and spatial variations in infaunal community structure, sediment texture, and concentrations of total organic carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and hydrocarbons in sediments were sampled at 14 stations six times between November 1984 and July 1986. Megafaunal populations were studied along a transect near the U.S./Canadian boundary, a second transect to the west, and along the 2100-m isobath near Lydonia Canyon. The fauna appears to change along depth gradients. The most distinct communities were seen on the upper slope, where sediments are coarse and currents presumably are strong. Recolonization experiments indicate slow rates of recovery of disturbed environments.