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Brine channels
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| English name | Brine channels |
|
| EUNIS habitat type code | A8.3 | Level | 3 |
| Edition | EUNIS Habitat Classification 2012 - a revision of the habitat classification descriptions. | ||
Description ( English )
During freezing of seawater, salt is rejected from the ice crystals. The remaining brine solution forms a three-dimensional network of tubes and channels with typical diameters of 200 µm within the ice matrix. Despite the harsh environmental conditions (low light intensities, low temperature, high salinity), a specialised community has developed and adapted to live within the brine channel system. Minute unicellular algae like diatoms are the dominant primary producers.
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Relationships with other classifications
| Classification | Code | Title | Relation type |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUNIS Habitat Classification 200410 | A8.3 | Brine channels | same |
| EUNIS Habitat Classification 200308 | A8.3 | Brine channels | same |
| EUNIS Habitat Classification 200202 | A8.3 | Brine channels | same |
| CORINE Land Cover | 5.2.3. | Sea and ocean | n/a |
| A | Marine habitats |
Ancestor
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| A8 | Ice-associated marine habitats |
Parent
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The European Environment Agency (EEA) is an agency of the European Union.