Brine channels
English name:
Brine channels
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.
Source: EUNIS habitat classification
Quick facts
| EUNIS habitat type | code A8.3 |
|---|
Vegetation types
Relation to vegetation types (syntaxa)
Not availableSpecies mentioned in habitat description
Not available
Other classifications
| Classification | Code | Habitat type name | Relationship type |
|---|---|---|---|
| CORINE Land Cover | 5.2.3. | Sea and ocean | n/a |
History
| Classification | Code | Habitat type name | Relationship 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 |
