Submarine geomorphology

Abstract

Abstract Submarine geomorphology underwent significant development in the second half of the twentieth century, largely thanks to advances in technology by the military, navigation and hydrocarbon industry, which were later transferred to the academic and commercial sectors. In this chapter we summarize the development of the key methods used in submarine geomorphology between 1950 and 2000, which include sidescan sonar, multibeam echo sounder, reflection seismology, seafloor sampling and marine robotic systems. We then highlight the progress in our understanding of seafloor processes and landforms made using these methods, focusing on continental shelf landforms, slope instability, submarine canyons, submarine fans and channels, and current-controlled landforms.