EUNIS habitat classification 2017 > N - Coastal habitats > N1 - Coastal dunes and sandy shores > N12 - Mediterranean and Black Sea sand beach > N123 - Biocenosis of Mediterranean and Black Sea supralittoral sands

Biocenosis of Mediterranean and Black Sea supralittoral sands

Description (English)

Area corresponding to the upper beaches of the Mediterranean and Black Sea which is only humected by the sea during storms; however, certain areas do escape being totally submerged and receive a large amount of spray coming from the surge of the waves further down. 2 sets of phenomena are responsible for the dampness: at surface level, the dampness is caused by the salty spray from the breaking of the waves on the coast which is the main cause of the saltiness of the sand and the dampness of the night air. This humification only affects the top 2 or 3 centimetres and disappears quickly under the action of the sun; at depth, the sand is damp because of the proximity of the fairly unsalty ground water.

Source: EUNIS habitat classification

Quick facts

EUNIS habitat type code N123

Vegetation types

Relation to vegetation types (syntaxa)

Not available

Species mentioned in habitat description

Not available

Other classifications

Classification Code Habitat type name Relationship type
EUNIS Habitat Classification 2007 (revised descriptions 2012) B1.22 Biocenosis of supralittoral sands narrower
For relation to plant communities (syntaxa), see Vegetation types

History

Classification Code Habitat type name Relationship type Comment
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200410 B1.22 Biocenosis of supralittoral sands same
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200308 B1.22 Biocenosis of supralittoral sands same
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200202 B1.22 Biocenosis of supralittoral sands same
EUNIS Habitat Classification 199910 B1.22 Biocenosis of supralittoral sands same
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