The classification of intertidal mudflats

Twenty attributes of 18 mudflats from North-west Europe have been analysed statistically to establish a classification scheme. Correlation analysis, multidimensional scaling and cluster analysis have revealed five effective levels of mudflat classification. The first level is obtained using tidal range as the discriminator. This is followed by sub-divisions defined by exposure to waves and by mudflat slope. Slope is separated into steep slope >0.04, and low slope