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 bedform
dimensions from bathymetric data. Each method has been created for a
specific purpose (e.g. discriminate bedform scale, calculate bedform
size and/or shape, detect crestlines) and environment (unidirectional,
constrained tidal or open marine) and with a certain accuracy (precise
time-consuming detection or coarse rapid detection). Although some of
these methods are freely available, it may be difficult for scientists
to use them due to the specificity of their design. A unique toolbox
which combines the available methods into one easy-to-use software would
help the bedform community advance knowledge on bedform research by
facilitating the analysis of bedform characteristics. This should also
include recommendations of which method should be used for which
purpose. The present project aims at creating a Bedform Analysis Toolbox
which combines several methods already available. The toolbox will be
made open source and freely available. Feedback on the need of the
community or required design and specificity would help us create a
toolbox which is useful to many scientists.