Bedform Distribution and Sand Transport Trend on a Subtidal Sand Ridge in a Macrotidal Bay, West Coast of Korea

A large subtidal sand ridge (Jungang Satoe) in Asan Bay, on the west coast of Korea, was studied in order to understand the morphology and sediment transport trend in a macrotidal setting, by means of analyzing sediment samples, current data, side-scan sonographs and seismic profiles. The ridge is about 15 km long and 2-5 km wide, with a relief of about 15 m. It is elongated in the flow direction of flood (SE) and ebb (NW) tidal currents, but asymmetrical in cross section. The western and southwestern side of the ridge is characterized by relatively gentle slopes averaging 0.4$^{\circ}$, whereas on the northeastern side, relatively steep slopes were mapped with 1.6$^{\circ}$ slope angles. Tidal currents associated with the ridge are very strong; maximum surface velo-cities range from neap values of 50 cm/s to spring values of 130 cm/s. The shear velocities during flood and ebb are strong enough to erode and transport sands on the ridge. Sand waves and megaripples (dunes) are the most common bedforms produced by the tidal currents, which show regional differences in shape and size on the ridge. The distribution pattern of these bedforms in-dicates that the flood tidal currents are dominant on the offshore (northwest) side of the ridge, whereas the onsho.e (southeast) side of the ridge is ebb-dominated. The sand transport path as inferred from bedform orientations is directed toward the ridge crest on the flanks, whereas on the crest, it is near-longitudinal to the ridge axis. The convergent, upslope movement of sands on the ridge flanks appears to be important in sand ridge building and maintenance. A significant ridge migration toward the northeast can be suspected on the basis of the ridge morphology, which may cause offshore hazards for navigation.