Sandbank occurrence on the Dutch continental shelf in the North Sea |
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| Authors: | Michiel A F Knaapen |
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| Institution: | (1) HR Wallingford, Howbery Park, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, OX10 8BA, UK |
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| Abstract: | Sandbanks, the largest of bed patterns in shallow sandy seas, pose a potential risk to shipping. They are also valuable elements
of natural coastal protection, dissipating the energy of waves. In the Southern Bight of the North Sea, several sandbank areas
have been reported in the literature. However, based on an objective crest–trough analysis of the bathymetry of the Dutch
continental shelf, the present study shows that sandbanks are more widespread than commonly considered. These banks are relatively
low, presumably explaining why they have not been documented before. This widespread occurrence of sandbanks in the North
Sea is in agreement with theoretical predictions based on stability analysis techniques. The possible interference between
large-scale human activity and low-amplitude open-shelf ridges implies that one should be careful not to overlook these patterns
if none should appear in a preliminary (visual) assessment. The only part of the Southern Bight in which no ridges can be
seen is a circular area with a diameter of about 50 km near the mouth of the river Rhine. Here, freshwater outflow affects
the direction of tidal ellipses and residual flow, and suppresses the formation of open ridges. |
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