User guide for Predictive Seabed Sediments - UK (v1)

Dove, D.; Marchant, B.; Mowat, M.; Paice, M.. 2025 User guide for Predictive Seabed Sediments - UK (v1). Edinburgh, UK, British Geological Survey, 50pp. (OR/25/040) (Unpublished)

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Abstract/Summary

The national-scale Predictive Seabed Sediments (UK) dataset comprises four digital map products, including one classified SBS map, as well as maps of the predicted proportions of %gravel, %sand, and %mud. This User Guide describes the production of these maps which characterise the distribution of SBS composition across the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS). The maps are generated using a machine learning algorithm known as a Distributional Random Forest (DRF). The input data consists of more than 38,000 legacy measurements of the proportion of mud, sand and gravel from locations across the study area which were collated from various sources, as well as exhaustive maps of various covariates that are likely to be related to the spatial distribution of seabed sediments. The predicted UK SBS map outputs were reviewed via a qualitative assessment (QA) protocol (e.g. contrasting with existing maps, and local examples higher-resolution data and mapping), and following methodological improvements based on this feedback, updated SBS map products were prepared. The results of statistical validation of the map outputs are presented in this report. Several measures of uncertainty are also presented together with the predicted SBS maps. These maps are presented at a national-scale, with a spatial resolution of approximately 110m, covering the UKCS (slightly modified UKCS area based on data availability). The input data and model outputs are listed below.

Item Type:	Publication - Report
Funders/Sponsors:	British Geological Survey
Additional Information:	This item has been internally reviewed, but not externally peer-reviewed.
Date made live:	21 Aug 2025 10:08 +0 (UTC)
URI:	https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/540114

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