Faunas Associated with Longitudinal Furrows and Sand Ribbons in a Tide-Swept Area in the English Channel

Abstract

INTRODUCTIONIn the central regions of the English Channel surface tidal streams are strong, often exceeding 160 cm s−1 at peak springs, with maximum values of over 250 cm s−1 off the headlands of Portland Bill and Cap de la Hague (Sager & Sammler, 1975). Correspondingly high values for bottom stress (Pingree & Griffiths, 1979) result in a scoured sea-bed covered with a minimum of sediment, the underlying bedrock being exposed in places. Study of current-generated bedforms in relation to the prevailing tidal currents has indicated the presence of a bed-load parting zone across the Channel from the Isle of Wight to Cap de la Hague (Stride, 1963; Johnson et al. 1982).