While the Louisiana OCS is less well studied. A previous impact investigation, Central Gulf Platform Study, provides some data for this region. Since these studies were conducted over 10 years ago, data analysis employing advanced computer workstations has become highly advanced. These systems allow direct visual examination of large data sets. Therefore, application of these technologies affords new opportunities to examine and compare the large data set generated by benthic fauna surveying.
Specific objectives are as follows.
Identification and conversion of suitable NODC archives into a vector and matrix form suitable for massive data handling in the workstation environment. Examination and cross study comparison of the major trends for faunal abundance. Examination and cross study comparison of the major trends for species diversity. Examination and cross study comparison of the major trends for faunal composition and similarity. Faunal abundance and taxa richness are sufficiently log-normal to be treated as such.