Exploring the two-way coupling between sand wave dynamics and benthic species: an idealised modelling approach.

In order to quantify the effects of mutual feedbacks between geomorphology and benthic activity, we present a twoway coupled idealised sand wave model. This model allows for an extensive parameter analysis and gives insight in the effects of different time scales. Our analysis shows that the behaviour of the coupled system is essentially different from that of an abiotic system. Where in the latter, the basic state (flat bed) is essentially static, in the former, biomass may show growth (or decay). In turn, this affects hydro- and sediment dynamics, such that the basic state can be considered dynamic