Shape and size trends for sand waves in a depositional zone of the North Sea

Abstract

Summary A continuous profile of 430 large sand waves shows a progressive decrease in height (with some increasing crest separation) in their inferred migration direction, as well as showing the changing effectiveness of the ebb and flood tidal currents to move sand. The height of these and other sand waves around the British Isles is virtually unrelated to the depth of the sea, contrary to what has been suggested elsewhere. However, most sand waves occur on the continental shelf broadly because it is there that the currents reach a suitable range of speeds and sufficient sand is available at the present time.