Geomorphology of the Axial Channel (Southern Bight, North Sea)

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.