Constantly reshaped by the combined action of marine currents and swell, marine dunes are highly variable sedimentary structures. They are relatively frequent in the North Sea and the English Channel, where future offshore farms are planned. Their dynamic morphology, which can lead to scour around foundations and buried or exposure of cables, has direct implications for the design, implementation, longevity and safety of offshore renewable energy devices.

A correct prediction of dune morphodynamics is therefore essential to limit damage to infrastructures and to design anti-scouring protection. In parallel, it is also necessary to understand the effects that offshore farms can have on these areas of high ecological importance.