Features of the distribution of benthic tropical groups in the Laptev Sea

The general discontiniuties in distributions of fauna in the Laptev Sea appear to be related to the changes in the sediment size distribution which in turn are controlled by the deposits of predominantely terrigen derived fine sediments. Distribution of the sediments is associated with the major distribution of organic matter. Contents and distribution of organic carbon in bottom sediments on the Laptev Sea shelf is controlled by currents, tides, storms and bottom topography. The coastal estuary-arctic water mass has been divided into 4 trophic zones by dominant species: selective deposit feeders, suspension feeders, predators and deposit feeders. Five zones were distinguished in the Arctic surface water mass: deposit feeders, suspension feeders, predators, selective deposit feeders' and non-selective deposit feeders.