Contents	6
	Introduction to the Atlas	10
	Bedform Analysis and Main Physical Processes	13
	1 Bedform Mapping: Multibeam Data Processing, Metadata and Spatial Data Services	14
	Abstract	14
	1.1 Introduction: Multibeam Data Processing	14
	1.2 Metadata	15
	1.3 Spatial Data Services	16
	1.4 The INSPIRE Directive	17
	1.5 Conclusions	17
	References	17
	2 Methods for Analysing Bedform Geometry and Dynamics	18
	Abstract	18
	2.1 Introduction	18
	2.2 Review of Methods	19
	2.2.1 Bedform Orientation and Wavelength	19
	2.2.2 Superimposed Bedforms and Identification of Crests and Troughs	20
	2.2.3 Bedform Dynamics	20
	2.3 Discussion	21
	2.4 Conclusions	22
	Acknowledgments	22
	References	22
	3 Principles of Physical Modelling of Bedforms Under Waves and Currents	25
	Abstract	25
	3.1 Introduction	25
	3.2 Physical Modelling in Three Steps	25
	3.3 Two Simple Cases	26
	3.4 Concluding Remarks	27
	Acknowledgments	27
	References	27
	4 Modelling Bedforms on the Continental Shelf	28
	Abstract	28
	4.1 Introduction	28
	4.2 Tidal Sand Waves	29
	4.3 Tidal Sand Banks	30
	4.4 Long Bed Waves	31
	4.5 Shoreface-Connected Sand Ridges	31
	4.6 Future Perspectives	32
	Acknowledgements	32
	References	32
	5 Internal Waves and Bedforms	34
	Abstract	34
	5.1 Introduction	34
	5.2 Internal Wave Impact on Sediment	35
	5.3 Observational Setup	36
	5.4 Discussion	37
	References	37
	6 Turbidity Current Bedforms	38
	Abstract	38
	6.1 Turbidity Current Bedforms	38
	6.2 Bedform Stability Diagram for Turbidity Currents	39
	6.3 Discussion	40
	References	41
	7 Dense Shelf Water Cascading and Associated Bedforms	43
	Abstract	43
	7.1 Introduction	43
	7.2 Dense Shelf Water Cascading in the Western Mediterranean	44
	References	47
	8 Currents in the Western Mediterranean Basin	49
	Abstract	49
	8.1 Introduction	49
	8.2 The Mediterranean Basin	50
	8.3 Methods and Observations	50
	8.4 Surface Circulation	52
	8.5 Intermediate Circulation	53
	8.6 Deep Circulation	53
	Acknowledgments	54
	References	54
	Bedforms in the Coastal Zone	56
	9 Bedforms as Self-organized Patterns	57
	Abstract	57
	9.1 Introduction	57
	9.2 Forced or Self-organized Response?	57
	References	59
	10 Beach Cusps	60
	Abstract	60
	10.1 Introduction	60
	10.2 Modelling Beach Cusp Formation	61
	Bibliography	62
	11 Km-Scale Shoreline Sand Waves	63
	Abstract	63
	11.1 Shoreline Undulations	63
	11.2 Km-Scale Shoreline Sand Waves	63
	11.3 Self-organized Origin and Evolution	65
	Acknowledgments	67
	References	67
	12 KM-Scale Shoreline Sand Waves In The Western Mediterranean Sea	68
	Abstract	68
	12.1 Introduction	68
	12.2 Open Coasts	69
	12.3 Deltas	71
	12.4 Sheltered Shores	73
	Acknowledgments	74
	References	74
	13 Nearshore Sand Bars	76
	Abstract	76
	13.1 Motivation	76
	13.2 Classification and Morphological Characteristics and Dynamics	76
	13.2.1 Shore-Parallel Bars (Straight or Crescentic)	76
	13.2.2 Transverse Bars	77
	13.3 Physical Processes for Their Development and Dynamics	79
	13.3.1 Shore-Parallel Straight Bars	79
	13.3.2 Crescentic Bars and Transverse TBR Bars (Type 1)	80
	13.3.3 Transverse Medium-Energy Finger Bars (Type 2)	80
	13.3.4 Transverse Low-Energy and Large-Scale Finger Bars (Types 3 and 4)	80
	Acknowledgments	81
	References	81
	14 Nearshore Sand Bars on Western Mediterranean Beaches	83
	Abstract	83
	14.1 Introduction	84
	14.2 Observations of Nearshore Sand Bars in the Western Gulf of Lions, France	84
	14.3 Observations of Nearshore Sand Bars on Catalan Beaches, Spain	84
	14.3.1 Ebro Delta	84
	14.3.2 Llobregat Delta (Barcelona and Castelldefels)	85
	14.4 Summary and Comparison with Nearshore Bars on Other Coasts	87
	Acknowledgments	90
	References	90
	15 Contemporary Subaqueous Dune Field Development Over an Abandoned River Mouth (Ebro Delta)	91
	Abstract	91
	15.1 Introduction	92
	15.2 General Setting	92
	15.3 Data Collection	93
	15.4 Results and Discussion	93
	15.5 Conclusions	94
	Acknowledgments	95
	References	95
	16 Bedforms on the Lowermost Reach of the Tiber River (Rome, Italy): Preliminary Results from Integrated Geophysical Surveys and Samplings	96
	Abstract	96
	16.1 Introduction	97
	16.2 Methods	97
	16.3 Results	98
	16.4 Final Remarks	99
	Acknowledgments	99
	References	99
	Bedforms in Prodeltas and Sorted Bedforms	100
	17 Holocene Muddy Bedforms on the Llobregat River Prodelta Wedge	101
	Abstract	101
	17.1 Introduction-Study Area	102
	17.2 Methods	103
	17.3 Results-Discussion	103
	17.4 Conclusions	105
	Acknowledgments	105
	References	105
	18 Prodeltaic Undulations and Hyperpycnal Flows (I): Morphological Observations	107
	Abstract	107
	18.1 Introduction	108
	18.2 Sediment Supply of Short, Mountainous Rivers	108
	18.3 Morphological Observations	109
	18.4 Diagnostic Morphological Criteria Compatible with Hyperpycnal Flow Genesis	111
	Acknowledgments	112
	References	112
	19 Prodeltaic Undulations and Hyperpycnal Flows (II): Evolutionary Trends	113
	Abstract	113
	19.1 Introduction	114
	19.2 Holocene Prodeltaic Wedges in the Mediterranean Sea	114
	19.3 Evidence of Progressive Undulation Development	115
	19.4 Evolutionary Trends Compatible with Sediment Flow Activity	116
	Acknowledgments	119
	References	119
	20 Sorted Bedforms Along the Egadi Islands Continental Shelf (Southern Tyrrhenian)	121
	Abstract	121
	20.1 Introduction-Study Area	122
	20.2 Methods	123
	20.3 Results-Discussion	123
	20.4 Conclusions	125
	Acknowledgments	125
	References	125
	21 Sorted Bedforms Developed on Sandy Deposits Derived from Small Ephemeral Streams (Catalan Continental Shelf)	127
	Abstract	127
	21.1 Introduction	128
	21.2 Methods	128
	21.3 Results	128
	21.4 Discussion and Conclusions	129
	Acknowledgments	132
	References	132
	22 Dynamics of Sorted Bedforms on a Shallow Infralittoral Prograding Wedge Influenced by Dredging (El Masnou, NW Mediterranean)	134
	Abstract	134
	22.1 Introduction	135
	22.2 Methods	136
	22.3 Results	136
	22.3.1 Sorted Bedform Characteristics	136
	22.3.2 Short-Term Bedform Evolution	136
	22.4 Discussion and Conclusions	136
	Acknowledgments	139
	References	139
	23 Sorted Bedforms Along the Continental Shelf of Western Sardinia	141
	Abstract	141
	23.1 Introduction	141
	23.2 Methods	144
	23.3 Results	144
	23.4 Discussion and Conclusions	145
	Acknowledgments	145
	References	145
	Bedforms in the Continental Shelf	146
	24 Sedimentary Bedforms in the Menorca Channel Region, Balearic Islands (Western Mediterranean)	147
	Abstract	147
	24.1 Study Area	148
	24.2 Methods	148
	24.3 Results and Discussion	149
	Acknowledgments	152
	References	152
	25 Dome Dunes on the Inner to Middle Shelf Transition on a Temperate-Water Carbonate Sediment Shelf. Pitiusas Islands	154
	Abstract	154
	25.1 Introduction	154
	25.2 Methods	156
	25.3 Results	156
	25.4 Discussion and Conclusions	156
	Bibliography	159
	26 Trawl Marks and Dredge Spoils as Examples of Seabed Anthropic Alteration on Sediments (Menorca Shelf)	161
	Abstract	161
	26.1 Introduction	162
	26.2 Methods	162
	26.3 Results	162
	26.3.1 Trawl Marks	162
	26.3.2 Dumping of Dredged Sediment	163
	26.4 Discussion and Conclusions	163
	Acknowledgments	165
	Bibliography	165
	27 Sand Ridges on the Mid-Outer Valencia Continental Shelf	167
	Abstract	167
	27.1 Introduction, Study Area and Methods	167
	27.2 Results and Discussion	169
	27.3 Conclusions	170
	Acknowledgments	170
	References	170
	28 Subaqueous Dune Fields on the Marine Protected Area Around the Cabrera Archipelago (Balearic Islands)	172
	Abstract	172
	28.1 Introduction	173
	28.2 Methods	174
	28.3 Results	174
	28.3.1 The Northern Dune Field (Na Foradada Island)	174
	28.3.2 The Eastern Dune Field (Sa Conills and Na Redona Islands)	175
	28.3.3 The Southern Dune Field (Es Estells islands)	176
	28.4 Discussion and Concluding Remarks	176
	Acknowledgments	177
	References	178
	29 Subaqueous Dunes Over Sand Ridges on the Murcia Outer Shelf	179
	Abstract	179
	29.1 Introduction	180
	29.2 Methods	180
	29.3 Results	181
	29.3.1 Sand Ridges	181
	29.3.2 Subaqueous Dunes	181
	29.4 Discussion and Conclusions	183
	Acknowledgments	183
	References	183
	Bedforms and Benthos	185
	30 Bedforms as Benthic Habitats: Living on the Edge, Chaos, Order and Complexity	186
	Abstract	186
	30.1 Study Area	186
	30.2 Methodology	186
	30.3 Results	186
	Acknowledgments	189
	References	189
	31 Benthic Communities on Shallow Sedimentary Bottoms in the Western Mediterranean	190
	Abstract	190
	31.1 Introduction	191
	31.2 Benthic Communities	191
	31.2.1 Very Coarse Bottoms	191
	31.2.2 Sandy Bottoms	191
	31.2.3 Fine-Grained Bottoms	192
	31.2.4 Meadows	194
	31.2.5 Maërl Beds	196
	31.3 Concluding Remarks	196
	References	197
	32 Characterization of Benthic Communities in a Subaqueous Dune Field on the Continental Shelf (Mar Menor, Western Mediterranean)	198
	Abstract	198
	32.1 Introduction	198
	32.2 Methods	199
	32.3 Results	200
	32.3.1 Subaqueous Dunes	200
	32.3.2 Habitat Types and Benthic Communities	200
	32.3.2.1 The Maërl Community	200
	32.3.2.2 The Transition Community	204
	32.3.2.3 The Fine-Sediment Community	204
	32.4 Concluding Remarks	204
	Acknowledgments	204
	References	204
	33 Bio and Anthropogenic Disturbance of Maërl Communities Settled on Subaqueous Dunes on the Mar Menor Continental Shelf (Western Mediterranean)	206
	Abstract	206
	33.1 Introduction	207
	33.2 Maërl Beds	208
	33.3 Biogenic Disturbance	208
	33.4 Anthropogenic Disturbance	209
	33.5 Concluding Remarks	210
	Acknowledgments	210
	References	210
	Beforms in Submarine Canyons	211
	34 Bedforms in the Southern Submarine Canyons of the Balearic Islands (Western Mediterranean) Interpreted as Cyclic Steps	212
	Abstract	212
	34.1 Introduction	213
	34.2 Methods	214
	34.3 Results-Discussion	215
	34.4 Conclusions	216
	Acknowledgments	216
	References	216
	35 Cyclic Steps at the Head of Channelized Features Along the Calabrian Margin (Southern Tyrrhenian Sea, Italy)	218
	Abstract	218
	35.1 Introduction and Study Area	219
	35.2 Methods	219
	35.3 Results and Discussion	219
	Acknowledgments	222
	References	222
	36 Potential Cyclic Steps in a Gully System of the Gulf of Palermo (Southern Tyrrhenian Sea)	223
	Abstract	223
	36.1 Introduction-Study Area	224
	36.2 Methods	224
	36.3 Results-Discussion	224
	36.4 Conclusions	228
	Acknowledgments	228
	References	228
	37 Bedforms Feeding and Bedforms Fed by Canyon Activity Around Punta Alice Promontory (Calabria Ionian Margin, Italy)	229
	Abstract	229
	37.1 Introduction	229
	37.2 Data and Methods	230
	37.3 Results and Discussions	230
	Acknowledgments	233
	References	233
	38 Examples of Sediment Waves in and Around Submarine Canyons of the North Alboran Sea	235
	Abstract	235
	38.1 Introduction and Methods	235
	38.2 Results and Discussion	236
	Acknowledgments	240
	References	240
	39 Sediment Waves at the Mouth of the Almanzora-Alías-Garrucha Canyon	241
	Abstract	241
	39.1 Introduction	241
	39.2 Methods	242
	39.3 Results and Discussion	242
	References	244
	Slope and Deep Bedforms	245
	40 Large Sediment Waves Over the Gulf of Roses Continental Slope (NW Mediterranean)	246
	Abstract	246
	40.1 Introduction	247
	40.2 Methods	247
	40.3 Results and Discussion	248
	40.4 Conclusions	250
	Acknowledgments	250
	References	250
	41 Large-Scale Fine-Grained Sediment Waves Over the Gulf of Valencia Continental Slope (NW Mediterranean)	252
	Abstract	252
	41.1 Introduction	253
	41.2 Methods	253
	41.3 Results and Discussion	254
	41.4 Conclusions	257
	Acknowledgments	257
	42 Generation of Bedforms by the Mediterranean Outflow Current at the Exit of the Strait of Gibraltar	259
	Abstract	259
	42.1 Introduction	260
	42.2 Results and Discussion	260
	42.3 Concluding Remarks	265
	Acknowledgments	265
	43 Bedforms on the Distal Valencia Channel and Turbidite System	267
	Abstract	267
	43.1 Introduction	268
	43.2 Methods	269
	43.3 Results and Discussion	269
	Acknowledgments	271
	References	271
	44 Small-Scale Bedforms Generated by Gravity Flows in the Aeolian Islands	272
	Abstract	272
	44.1 Introduction	273
	44.2 Data and Methods	273
	44.3 Results and Discussions	274
	Acknowledgments	276
	References	276
	45 Large-Scale Bedforms on Volcaniclastic Aprons Around the Aeolian Islands (Italy)	278
	Abstract	278
	45.1 Introduction	279
	45.2 Data and Methods	279
	45.3 Results and Discussion	279
	Acknowledgments	283
	References	283
	46 Deep-Water, Large-Scale Sediment Waves Bounded by the Valencia Channel	284
	Abstract	284
	46.1 Introduction and Methods	284
	46.2 Results and Discussion	285
	References	290
	List of Reviewers	291