A geomorphological map of the Dutch shoreface and adjacent part of the continental shelf

Abstract

The last decades there has been a steady encroachment of human activities into the Dutch marine environment. Knowledge about the seafloor lithology and geomorphology is imperative for further development of the Continental Shelf but also for a proper management of the shoreface, beaches and dunes, that act as a sea defence for the densily populated, low lying areas of Holland. To ensure that the coastal strip retains this function in the future, an understanding of its morphodynamics and its governing processes is of primary importance, especially in view of the projected rise in sea level. Within this framework, a geomorphological map, scale 1:250.000, has been prepared of the Dutch coastal region and adjacent part of the continental shelf which shows the distribution and characteristics of major morphological elements below the LW-line such as the shoreface, ebbdelta's with related shoals and channels, tidal ridges and sandwaves. In this paper the units identified on the map are described and their origin and behaviour is discussed.