Seabed Sediment Map of Denmark

The seabed sediment map shows the distribution of seabed sediments in Danish waters and represents an integrated interpretation of sediment types within the upper approximately 0.5 metres of the seabed. Sediment classes are defined based on grain-size composition and reflect an average of the surface sediments. Glacial till is classified as a mixed sediment, while sedimentary bedrock indicates areas where deposits several million years old are exposed on the seabed.

The map was updated in 2020 and builds upon the previous version from 2014, with newly mapped areas added at full level of detail. The dataset provides a nationwide overview of seabed sedimentary conditions and is used, among other purposes, for raw material mapping, marine spatial planning, and environmental assessments.

Simple

Date ( Publication )
2020-01-01
Identifier
dk.geus / dk_seabed_sediment_map
Presentation form
Digital map
Purpose
The purpose of the dataset is to provide a coherent and updated overview of the distribution of seabed sediments in Danish waters. The map is suitable for use in marine raw material mapping, marine spatial planning, environmental management, research, and as a scientific basis for analyses of physical and biological seabed conditions.
Status
Completed
Point of contact
  The Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland (GEUS) - GIS-support ( )
Maintenance and update frequency
As needed
Point of contact
  The Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland (GEUS) - GIS-support
Keywords ( Theme )
  • Dataset
  • Marine geology
  • Seabed sediments
  • Raw materials
  • Denmark
  • ArcGIS
  • QGIS
Forskningsemner Forskningsemner ( Theme )
Geografisk Geografisk ( Place )
Access constraints
Other restrictions
Use constraints
Other restrictions
Other constraints
CC BY 4.0
Spatial representation type
Vector
Denominator
500000
Metadata language
Da
Character set
UTF8
Topic category
  • Geoscientific information
Begin date
2020-01-01
End date
2020-12-31
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Supplemental Information
The dataset represents a generalised interpretation of seabed surface sediments based on available data and expert assessment. The map is not subject to continuous updates and should be used in conjunction with local surveys and more recent data for detailed analyses.
Reference system identifier
ETRS 89 / UTM 32N (EPSG:25832)
Distribution format
  • WMS ( )

  • WMTS ( )

  • REST ( )

Distributor
  The Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland (GEUS) - GIS-support
OnLine resource
Download ( WWW:DOWNLOAD-1.0-http--download )

Download dataset from GEUS' Dataverse

OnLine resource
Interactive webmap ( WWW:LINK-1.0-http--link )

Interactive map displaying the dataset.

OnLine resource
Seabed sediment map – Geoviden 2014, No. 2 ( WWW:LINK-1.0-http--link )

Article describing the previous 2014 version of the seabed sediment map and its scientific basis.

OnLine resource
New digital seabed sediment map ( WWW:LINK-1.0-http--link )

GEUS publication presenting the background, methodology, and applications of the digital seabed sediment map.

OnLine resource
Seabed surface sediments ( WWW:LINK-1.0-http--link )

GEUS webpage providing general information on seabed surface sediments and their relevance for raw material mapping.

OnLine resource
Havbundssediment ( ESRI:REST )

ArcGIS REST Service

OnLine resource
Denmark_Havbundssediment ( OGC:WMTS-1.0.0-http-get-capabilities )

ArcGIS WMTS Service

OnLine resource
Marinsediment ( OGC:WMS-1.3.0-http-get-capabilities )

ArcGIS WMS Service

Hierarchy level
Dataset
Statement
The map is primarily based on seismic and acoustic background data calibrated using seabed sediment samples. Data coverage varies significantly across Danish waters, and interpretations therefore rely extensively on interpolation between data points. Geological knowledge of sedimentary formation processes, together with detailed bathymetric data, has been used to delineate sediment boundaries. In addition, biological information on the distribution of benthic algae, eelgrass, and mussels has been incorporated as supplementary evidence, as these organisms provide indirect indications of seabed substrate. The 2020 version represents an update of the 2014 map, with newly mapped areas added at full mapping detail.
File identifier
98e75789-2512-4961-8985-e23d91ef4dd7 XML
Metadata language
Danskda
Character set
UTF8
Hierarchy level
Dataset
Date stamp
2026-02-11T13:21:05.808082Z
Metadata standard name
ISO 19115:2003/19139
Metadata standard version
1.0
Point of contact
  The Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland (GEUS) - GIS-support ( )
 
 

Overviews

overview

Spatial extent

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Keywords

ArcGIS Dataset Denmark Marine geology QGIS Raw materials Seabed sediments
Forskningsemner
Sedimentary rocks and processes Soils and biogeochemistry

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Associated resources

Not available