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Bridging Worlds in Bedform Research with an Open Access, Universal Toolbox: the Bedform Analysis Toolbox
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  • Alice Lefebvre,
  • Leon Scheiber,
  • Julia Cisneros,
  • Li Wang,
  • Judith Zomer,
  • Ronald Gutierrez
Alice Lefebvre
MARUM, University of Bremen

Corresponding Author:alefebvre@marum.de

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Leon Scheiber
Ludwig-Franzius-Institute, Leibniz University of Hannover
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Julia Cisneros
Texas A & M University
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Li Wang
East China Normal University
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Judith Zomer
Wageningen University and Research Center
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Ronald Gutierrez
GEOSED, Pontifical Catholic University of Peru
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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.