Geomorphology of the Continental Shelf

The continental shelfContinental shelf around Scotland covers an area of ~286,500 km2, around 3.5 times the size of the Scottish landmass. This relatively shallow underwater realm (mainly <200 m water depth) boasts extremely varied geomorphology: from small individual landforms (<100 m2) to large extensive landsystems (>1000 km2). These landforms and landsystems relate to both past terrestrial processes, when global sea levelsSea level were >100 m lower than at present, and more recent marine processes, active since sea levels rose. This chapter outlines the main geomorphological landsystems found on the shelf, highlighting notable landform examples imaged in high-resolution digital bathymetry data. Many of the landforms have remained exceptionally well preserved since deglaciation, unlike on land, having not been subject to significant disturbance by human activity. The uniquely preserved submarine landformsOffshore landformssubmarine moraines and landscapes in the shallow seas around Scotland should be protected where possible, especially where they host rare or valuable ecosystems.