Bridging Worlds in Bedform Research with an Open Access, Universal Toolbox: the Bedform Analysis Toolbox

Abstract

Bedforms (ripples, dunes, sandwaves) are ubiquitous features in many sandy subaqueous settings. They have been observed in a wide variety of flows, including rivers, the surf zone, estuaries, tidal inlets, shallow seas, and deep waters. Bedforms exert a major influence on a range of processes, from small-scale turbulence and sediment transport to large-scale coastal geomorphology. Therefore, knowledge on the dimensions, morphological characteristics and dynamics of large bedforms is relevant for a range of fundamental and applied research. Several methods have been developed over the years to characterise Lefebvre et al., AGU2021

Automated Bedform Identification—A Meta‐Analysis of Current Methods and the Heterogeneity of Their Outputs

“…This would enable both experts and non‐experts to test and utilize different methods while ensuring a unified approach to calculating dune characteristics. Preparations to develop this toolbox are currently underway and open for contributions by the community (Lefebvre et al., 2021). Ultimately, this standardization would facilitate the creation of comparable and consolidated data sets in order to dwell less on methodological details and rather advance our understanding of the morphological processes that create and shape bedforms in all kinds of environments.…”

“…The identification tool presented by Lefebvre et al. (2021) focuses on the identification in 2D (b) and 3D (e) and the measurement of bedforms (d). It was originally developed for bathymetric maps of a fairway channel in the Weser Estuary.…”