Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: This study presents a transnational geomorphological map of the Southern Bight, North Sea, using bathymetric data (EMODnet – c. 115 m horizontal resolution; UKHO – 4 m horizontal resolution). Based on the erosional and/or depositional relationship of the mapped features, a first step is established towards the reconstruction of the evolution of the Axial Channel, i.e. a major geomorphological feature on the southern North Sea seafloor. It reveals that the present-day Axial Channel reflects four distinct phases that occurred throughout the Pleistocene: a glacial phase, a major, regional scale fluvial dominated phase – that evolved after the glacial phase; a short-lived, high-energy drainage event; and a last, tidal dominated marine phase. These findings contribute to a refined understanding of the Southern Bight’s geomorphological evolution and offer a framework for future palaeo-environmental and stratigraphic studies in the region.
Source: Journal of Maps
Institutions: Flanders Marine Institute, Ghent University
Language: English
Subfield: Earth-Surface Processes
Field: Earth and Planetary Sciences
Domain: Physical Sciences
SDG: Life below water
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $778
OpenAlex ID: W7127406328