USGS Studies in Long Island Sound:
Geology, Contaminants, and Environmental Issues

Benthic communities are an important component of the Long Island Sound estuarine ecosystem. The distribution of these communities is defined by many interacting factors that include water temperature, sediment grain size, degree of pollution, organic content, surface roughness, and current energy in the overlying water column.

Figure 1. Two genera of benthic infauna that are common in Long Island Sound.

Figure 2. Scanning electron microscope photograph of benthic foraminifers (Elphidium excavatum clavatum) from Long Island Sound.

Foraminifera Indicating Environmental Change

Link to results for Foraminifera Indicating Environmental Change in USGS Open-File Report 00-304 and the Journal of Coastal Reserach.

Figure 3. Spatial distribution of bivalve assemblages in Long Island Sound.

Biology and Distriubtion of Benthic Habitats

Link to results for Biology and Distriubtion of Benthic Habitats in USGS Open-File Report 98-502 and the Journal of Coastal Research.

Figure 4. Photograph of a northern sea robin (Prionotus carolinus). This fish uses modified pectoral fins to search for prey in soft sediments.

Photo Gallery of Benthic Habitats

View the Photo Gallery of Benthic Habitats in USGS Open-File Report 00-304.