British Geological Survey produces seabed geology maps for conservation around Ascension Island

The maps, which include seabed geology (substrate and geomorphology) and habitat, are the first to be created for the island and determine the character, distribution and extent of the nearshore habitats of the MPA.

The geomorphological map revealed a collection of previously unmapped volcanic, erosion-depositional and coastal features including seamounts, submerged lava flows, ridges, submarine landslides and channels.

The substrate map focused on the nearshore areas, composed of sandy sediments and rocky outcrops which are fundamental habitats for the marine communities.