Polychaete/oligochaete dominated upper estuarine Black Sea littoral mud

Upper estuarine sandy mud and mud shores, in areas with significant freshwater influence typically forms mudflats, though dry compacted mud can form steep and even vertical structures, particularly at the top of the shore adjacent to saltmarshes. Little oxygen penetrates these cohesive sediments, and an anoxic layer is often present within millimetres of the sediment surface. Upper estuarine mud communities support few infaunal species and are principally characterised by a restricted range of polychaetes and oligochaetes. Chironomids are present in the upper estuary where fresh water conditions are prevalent.

Código Eunis 2021: MA641