@article {Somerfield:2007yf,
	title = {Three-dimensional spatial structure: nematodes in a sandy tidal flat},
	journal = {Marine Ecology-Progress Series},
	volume = {336},
	year = {2007},
	pages = {177-186},
	publisher = {INTER-RESEARCH},
	address = {NORDBUNTE 23, D-21385 OLDENDORF LUHE, GERMANY},
	abstract = {Benthic infauna live in a three-dimensional world, and patterns of horizontal distribution may vary with depth in the sediment, as may the mechanisms that determine those patterns. This study examines how horizontal spatial structure varies with depth in a semi-exposed coarse-sand flat adjacent to St Martin{\textquoteright}s, one of the Isles of Scilly, UK. Nematode samples were collected from 3 sediment depth horizons (0 to 5, 5 to 10 and 10 to 15 cm) in a nested hierarchical design, with samples 0.1, 1 and 10 m apart. Results show that spatial patterns are strongest amongst samples of intermediate depth (5 to 11) cm), and generally insignificant amongst samples collected from 10 to 15 cm. There is short-order spatial autocorrelation in surface (0 to 5 cm) samples, with samples collected 10 cm apart being significantly more alike than samples collected further apart. We postulate that this is because spatial structure of nematodes in surface sediments is determined by patchiness induced by interactions between the water column and the physical structure of the surface layers of the sediment, which are constantly reworked by wind and tides. The deeper layers, 10 to 15 cm below the surface, are constantly reworked by a dense population of heart urchins Echinocardium cordatum. It is only in the intermediate horizon that relatively stable conditions allow nematode assemblages to establish spatial structure over a range of scales. It is concluded that the interaction between sediment permeability, and therefore interfacial advection, and bioturbation in controlling infaunal diversity and spatial patterns is potentially important.},
	keywords = {advection, bioturbation, Echinocardium, nematodes, spatial structure, vertical distribution},
	author = {Somerfield, P. J. and Dashfield, S. L. and Warwick, R. M.}
}
@article {Schratzberger:2009uo,
	title = {The impact of seabed disturbance on nematode communities: linking field and laboratory observations},
	journal = {Marine Biology},
	volume = {156},
	year = {2009},
	pages = {709-724},
	publisher = {SPRINGER},
	address = {233 SPRING ST, NEW YORK, NY 10013 USA},
	abstract = {Physical disturbance is a key factor in controlling the spatial and temporal composition of shallow-water benthic communities. Like shallow waters, deeper waters are increasingly subject to a range of anthropogenic disturbances, which can lead to significant alterations in sedimentation patterns. These alterations often exceed naturally occurring changes. We used a combined analysis of six independent data sets arising from large-scale field surveys and small-scale laboratory experiments to investigate the effects of seabed disturbance on nematode communities. Disturbance response was documented as a function of disturbance type (coastal development, dredged material disposal, bottom trawling, glacial fjord) and intensity (low, medium, high). Natural and man-induced seabed disturbance exerted differential effects on exposed populations, generating changes in the taxonomic (genus) and functional (feeding type) attributes of their assemblages. The genus composition of nematode assemblages from geographically separate seas converged with increased level of various types of man-made disturbance. Assemblages present along a gradient of natural disturbance in a glacial fjord followed an opposite response vector, suggesting that community changes induced by anthropogenic activities, or experimental treatments simulating the principal impacts of these, inherently differ from disturbance of natural origin. Changes in trophic diversity and structure were primarily driven by factors confounded with physical disturbance, such as metal contamination. Coupling the results of analyses at multiple scales proved a useful means of providing deeper insights into the general response of ecological communities to environmental change.},
	doi = {DOI 10.1007/s00227-008-1122-9},
	author = {Schratzberger, M and Lampadariou, N. and Somerfield, P. J. and Vandepitte, L. and Vanden Berghe, E.}
}
