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With the recent push for a transition towards a climate-resilient economy, the demand on marine resources is accelerating. For many economic exploits, a comprehensive understanding of environmental parameters underpinning seabed morphodynamics in tidally-dominated shelf seas, and the relationship between local and regional scale sediment transport regimes as an entire system, is imperative. In this paper, high-resolution, time-lapse bathymetry datasets, hydrodynamic numerical modelling outputs and various theoretical parameters are used to describe the morphological characteristics of sediment waves and their spatio-temporal evolution in a hydrodynamically and morphodynamically complex region of the Irish Sea. Analysis reveals sediment waves in a range of sizes (height = 0.1 to 25.7 m, and wavelength = 17 to 983 m), occurring in water depths of 8.2 to 83 mLAT, and migrating at a rate of 1.1 to 79 m/yr. Combined with numerical modelling outputs, a strong divergence of sediment transport pathways from the previously understood predominantly southward flow in the south Irish Sea is revealed, both at offshore sand banks and independent sediment wave assemblages. This evidence supports the presence of a semi-closed circulatory hydrodynamic and sediment transport system at Arklow Bank (an open-shelf linear sand bank). Contrastingly, the Lucifer–Blackwater Bank complex and associated sediment waves are heavily influenced by the interaction between a dominant southward flow and a residual headland eddy, which also exerts a strong influence on the adjacent banner bank. Furthermore, a new sediment transfer system is defined for offshore independent sediment wave assemblages, whereby each sediment wave field is supported by circulatory residual current cells originating from offshore sand banks. These new data and results improve knowledge of seabed morphodynamics in tidally-dominated shelf seas, which has direct implications for offshore renewable developments and long-term marine spatial planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On tidally-dominated shelf seas, hydrodynamic flow exerts shear stress on the seabed, inducing sediment transport and seabed evolution. Net sediment transport pathways and associated bed load partings zones (the 'head' of sediment transport pathways) are important elements of this sediment dispersal process. A robust comprehension of these dynamics on a local and regional scale are crucial for a range of offshore activities, including the rapidly growing offshore renewable energy industry. Previous studies infer a bedload parting zone (BLP) in the central Irish Sea, yet this predominantly bedform-derived BLP remains to be fully supported by underlying hydrodynamics. This study reviews how sediment transport pathways in the Irish Sea are defined to date, investigates whether a hydrodynamic regime capable of supporting this inferred BLP exists, and if proven, aims to elucidate its origin. Tidal asymmetry indicators, derived from the phase and amplitude relationships of numerically modelled M₂ and M₄ tidal constituents, reveal the existence of a symmetrical tidal zone in the proximity of the inferred BLP. New numerically modelled residual tidal current and bed shear stress vectors reinforce the presence of this distinct tidal character change and further reveal strong opposing tidal flows extending from this region, thus supporting the presence of a tidal flow capable of producing divergent bedload patterns. Analysis of tidal propagation through the Irish Sea Basin concludes that the origin of the BLP is mainly attributed to the intersection of the north and south tidal fronts at an inclined angle due to Coriolis Forcing and coastline interactions. Minor factors impacting the shape and location of the BLP are the change in tidal character at (a) abrupt bathymetry changes, (b) headlands and intricate coastline topography, and (c) large-scale constrictions. Further investigation into localised morphodynamics is needed. These findings are highly valuable to efficient marine spatial planning, underpinning a movement towards a climate resilient economy. The integrated approach used in this body of work can be applied to tidally-dominated continental shelves beyond the Irish Sea. [Display omitted] • Determine whether the bed load parting zone is fully supported by underlying hydrodynamics. • The origin of the BLP and factors impacting its shape and location are elucidated. • Strong divergence from previously defined net sediment transport pathways is revealed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The seafloor is increasingly being used for siting renewable energy and telecommunication infrastructure as well as supporting key fisheries and biodiversity. Understanding seabed stability and sediment dynamics is, therefore, a fundamental need for offshore engineering and geoscience and biological studies. In this study we aim to quantify the levels of sediment mobility in the Irish Sea: an area of increasing socio-economic interest and subsequent seabed pressures. The temporal and spatial interaction between bathymetry, hydrodynamics and seabed sediments leads to a complex pattern of erosion, bedload transport and deposition which can affect seabed infrastructure and modify habitats. Information on current and wave conditions were obtained from numerical modelling to assess their role in generating seabed hydrodynamic conditions. These outputs were coupled with observed seabed grain-size data to predict the exceedance of sediment mobility thresholds by bed shear stress values for a period of one year according to empirical formulae. Exceedance frequency values were used to calculate a number of sediment disturbance and mobility indexes to allow for a robust assessment of sediment dynamics. Sediment in the Irish sea, on average, is being mobilised 35% of the time during the year, with 35% of the spatial area studied being mobilised over 50% of the time. Even in areas of low sediment mobilisation frequency (<5%), there are implications for bedform dynamics. The spatial patterns of the calculated sediment mobility are discussed in the context of current seabed geomorphology and the implications for both engineering and environmental considerations. • A 2D hydrodynamic model and a spectral wave model were developed to assess sediment mobilisation in the Irish Sea. • Sediment mobility indices calculated for combined wave-current sediment mobilisation. • 35% of the sediment coverage spatially within the study area is mobilised 50% of the year, some areas higher than 90%. • Only 2% of the study area was calculated as experiencing 0% sediment mobility. • Sediment mobility maps can be used in siting offshore infrastructure and to inform effective marine management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]