The influence of bedforms on flow and sediment transport over intertidal mudflats

A range of bedforms of different types are found at a range of scales on intertidal mudflats. The different types include (a) channels, creeks and gullies, (b) ridge–runnel systems, (c) ripples and other micro-topography, and (d) cliffs. The main features of these bedform types are illustrated with examples found at a number of NW European mudflat sites studied during the EC INTRMUD project. Some comments are made on their environment of formation and observations of bed sediment properties and flow and suspended sediment processes are presented. Finally, the influence of bedforms on the hydrodynamics, shallow water tidal flow and wave propagation, and sediment processes are discussed.