GS1-2-3-4 Goodwin Sands - United Kingdom Hydrographic Office

THE UNITED KINGDOM 

HYDROGRAPHIC OFFICE 

GOODWIN SANDS 

ASSESSMENT ON THE ANALYSIS OF ROUTINE RESURVEY AREAS 

GS1, GS2, GS3 & GS4 

FROM THE 2009 SURVEY 

July 2010

THE UNITED KINGDOM 

HYDROGRAPHIC OFFICE 

GOODWIN SANDS 

AREAS GS1, GS2, GS3 & GS4 

Assessment GS1-4/2009 

An assessment of the 2009 hydrographic survey of the area: to monitor recent seabed 

movement; to identify any implications for shipping; and to make recommendations for 

future surveys. 

The Admiralty Chart extracts, other graphics and tables in this Report are included for illustrative purposes only and are NOT 

TO BE USED FOR NAVIGATION. 

This material is protected by Crown Copyright. It may be downloaded from the UK Hydrographic Office's (UKHO) web site 

and printed in full for personal or non-commercial internal business use. Extracts may also be reproduced for personal or 

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the Crown is acknowledged as the copyright owner. 

Applications for permission to reproduce the material for any other purpose (including any distribution of the material or 

extracts to third parties) can be made interactively on the UKHO's web site (www.ukho.gov.uk), by e-mail to 

intellectualproperty@ukho.gov.uk or in writing to Intellectual Property, UK Hydrographic Office, Admiralty Way, Taunton, 

Somerset, TA1 2DN. 

Assessment Goodwin Sands/2009 – Original Page 1 of 51

CONTENTS 

1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 5 

2. INTRODUCTION 6 

3. HISTORY 6 

4. DESCRIPTION OF THE AREA 7 

5. SHIPPING IN THE AREA 7 

6. 1997 SURVEY DETAILS 7 




10. DESCRIPTION OF RECENT BATHYMETRIC CHANGE 9 

11. IMPLICATIONS FOR SHIPPING 13 

12. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FUTURE SURVEYS 13 

13. REFERENCES 17 


Survey History 

ANNEXES 

A-1 Area Specifications (Including Survey History) Area GS1 18 

A-2 Area Specifications (Including Survey History) Area GS2 19 



General Diagrams 

B Goodwin Sands Resurvey Scheme 22 

C Sun-Illuminated View of the 2009 Survey Showing Bank and Channel Migration 23 

D Shipping Routes 24 

E Sun-Illuminated View of the 2009 Survey and Location of Cross-Sections shown 25 

at Annex F 

F Survey Cross-Sections 26 

Whole Area Depth, Variability & Contour Plots 

G-1 Colour Banded Depth Plot from the 1997 Survey showing Selected Depths 28 

G-2 Colour Banded Depth Plot from the 2009 Survey showing Selected Depths 29 

H Variability Plot showing Bathymetric Changes between the 1997 and 2009 Survey 30 

Data and Charted Contours from the 2009 Survey 

I-1 Composite Diagram of the 2 metre Contour from the 1997 & 2009 31 




GS1 Area Depth, Variability & Contour Plots 

J-1 Colour Banded Depth Plot from the 2006 Survey showing Selected Depths Area GS1 35 

J-2 Colour Banded Depth Plot from the 2009 Survey showing Selected Depths Area GS1 36 

K Variability Plot showing Bathymetric Changes between the 2006 and 2009 Survey 37 

Data and Charted Contours from the 2009 Survey Area GS1 

L-1 Composite Diagram of the 5 metre Contour from the 2006 & 2009 Area GS1 38 



GS2 Area Depth, Variability & Contour Plots 

M-1 Colour Banded Depth Plot from the 2003 Survey showing Selected Depths Area GS2 41 

M-2 Colour Banded Depth Plot from the 2009 Survey showing Selected Depths Area GS2 42 

N Variability Plot showing Bathymetric Changes between the 2006 and 2009 Survey 43 

Data and Charted Contours from the 2009 Survey Area GS2 

O-1 Composite Diagram of the 5 metre Contour from the 2003 & 2009 Area GS2 44 


O-2 Composite Diagram of the 10 metre Contour from the 2003 & 2009 Area GS2 45 

GS3 Area Depth, Variability & Contour Plots 

P-1 Colour Banded Depth Plot from the 2003 Survey showing Selected Depths Area GS3 46 

P-2 Colour Banded Depth Plot from the 2009 Survey showing Selected Depths Area GS3 47 

Q Variability Plot showing Bathymetric Changes between the 2006 and 2009 Survey 48 

Data and Charted Contours from the 2009 Survey Area GS3 

R-1 Composite Diagram of the 5 metre Contour from the 2003 & 2009 Area GS3 49 

R-2 Composite Diagram of the 10 metre Contour from the 2003 & 2009 Area GS3 50 

Proposed Limits 

S Proposed Revised Limits 51 


GOODWIN SANDS, 2009 

1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 

The Area and Recent Changes 

1.1 The 2009 survey was a complete re-survey of the Goodwin Sands. The area is covered 

by four routine resurvey areas with re-survey frequencies of 3, 6 and 12 years. 

1.2 Shipping generally avoids the shoal and changing banks of the Goodwin Sands, 

keeping offshore to the south and east or using the inshore route of Gull Stream to the 

west. Ferry traffic en-route to or from Ramsgate crosses the northern end of the 

Goodwin Sands. 

1.3 GS1 (South Sand Head): The southern end of the bank system has seen a new limb 

develop, resulting in a realignment of the contours. 

1.4 GS2 (Gull Stream): The inshore buoyed route is relatively stable and devoid of 

significant sediments within the central part and along the western side, but with 

sandwaves at the north and south entrances, which have produced shallower depths in 

the 2009 survey. The survey as a whole is notably shallower than the previous survey, 

which is likely to be the result of different tidal reduction methods. Along the eastern 

side of Gull Stream, sinuous broken shoal areas have been reworked, with a bulge 

extending into the channel between North West Goodwin and North Goodwin buoys. 

1.5 GS3 (North Head of South Calliper): The bank has migrated eastwards by 

approximately 70 metres and extended north-eastwards by 200 metres since the 2003 

survey. 

1.6 GS4 (Goodwin Sands Inner Area): The most dramatic changes to the bank complex 

have occurred in this area, in particular to South Calliper. Depths have increased by 

over 20 metres on the eastern side, exposing several large wrecks, while on the 

western side over 20 metres of sediment has built up, with the bank encroaching into 

Trinity Bay by up to 1,000 metres. Within the bank system itself, the banks and 

channels have generally moved in a southeast direction since last surveyed. 

1.7 Due to the large scale changes that have occurred, an urgent New Edition of chart 

1828 is being produced in lieu of Notice to Mariner action. In advance of the New 

Edition, Trinity House marked the limit of the bank in Trinity bay with a temporary west 

cardinal buoy. 

Reasons for Continuing to Resurvey the Area 

1.8 The Goodwin Sands are generally avoided by shipping, but there is an ongoing 

requirement for re-surveying: 

• Gull Stream, although a relatively stable channel, borders the northwest side of 

the bank system and the limits of the bank require re-surveying to capture 

changes; 

• The south and west extents of the bank are buoyed and resurveying of these 

outer limits is required; 

• The northern end of the bank is crossed by Ramsgate ferry traffic and changes 

in depth require monitoring; 


• The full bank system requires re-surveying on a less frequent basis to ensure 

the chart gives a depiction of the banks and channels which bears some 

resemblance to their likely configuration, although the highly changeable nature 

of the banks and limited use of the area supports less frequent surveying. 

Recommendations 

1.9 The changes that have occurred necessitate a revision to the area limits, with the 

introduction of more frequent surveying in the form of check surveys in some areas. 

The proposed new scheme is shown at Annex S. 

1.10 GS1 (South Sand Head): The 3-year resurvey frequency should be retained, but with 

the limits revised. 

1.11 GS2 (Gull Stream): The 3-year focused survey should be retained, with minor changes 

to the limits. 

The full 6-year survey should be retained, although a second multibeam survey may 

support a reduction in limits or decrease in frequency. 

North Sand head shows some shoaling and, given the density of ferry traffic, a 3-year 

focused survey should be introduced to cover the area. 

1.12 GS3 (North Head of South Calliper): The 3-year resurvey frequency should be retained, 

but with the limits reduced. 

1.13 GS4 (Goodwin Sands Inner Area): The 12-year resurvey frequency should be retained, 

but with the introduction of a 3-year checkline survey to cover South Calliper and a 6- 

year checkline survey to cover the eastern side of Goodwin Knoll. 

2. INTRODUCTION 

2.1 This Assessment is produced by the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office (UKHO), on 

behalf of the Ministry of Defence (MOD), for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency 

(MCA), on behalf of the Department for Transport (DfT). 

2.2 The Assessment is funded as part of the Civil Hydrography Programme (CHP) and is 

governed by a Memorandum of Understanding between the DfT (including the MCA) 

and the MOD (including the UKHO). 

3. HISTORY 

3.1 The Goodwin Sands have been surveyed numerous times, going right back to 1795. 

They were last surveyed as a complete area in 1997 (with a small area initially covered 

by checklines resurveyed in 1998). 

3.2 The four re-survey areas cover 37 square Nautical Miles. These are broadly similar to 

those in place at the time of the 1997 survey, but analysis of that survey resulted in 

the following two changes. Three areas covering the Gull Stream were merged into a 

single area (this has subsequently been revised further to include a focused area). The 

survey frequency of the largest area, covering the inner banks, was extended from 6 to 

12 years. 

3.3 Details of the areas including the survey history are at Annexes A-1 to A-4. The limits 

of the areas are shown at Annex B. 


3.4 The history and long term evolution of the bank system was reported on in detail by 

R.L. Cloet in 1954. 

4. DESCRIPTION OF THE AREA 

4.1 Goodwin Sands comprises of a complex and dynamic system of banks incised by 

relatively deep ebb and flood channels. Sandwaves overlie the banks, with notable 

sandwave fields at the northern ends of them. The general form of the bank is shown 

in Annex C. 

4.2 The Gull Stream to the west is less dynamic, with thinly covered or exposed shoal 

ledges and ridges within the channel but sandwaves present at both ends. 

5. SHIPPING IN THE AREA 

5.1 The shoal and changing banks of the Goodwin Sands are generally avoided by shipping. 

Most pass well to the east but, where draught permits, some choose to use the inshore 

buoyed route of Gull Stream. Sample data shows vessels up to 7.3 metres using the 

route, and an estimated annual usage of about 900 vessels. While most vessels keep 

to the buoyed channel, in the north some leave the channel when not constrained by 

draught, as shown in Annex D. 

5.2 Ramsgate to Ostend ferry traffic, drawing up to 5.3 metres, passes across the northern 

part of North Sand head. A Ramsgate to Boulogne high speed ferry service is being 

introduced, with four crossings a day passing through the Gull Stream or, depending 

upon weather conditions and state of the tide, east of the Goodwin Sands. Trinity Bay 

and The Downs, lying between the Goodwin Sands and Kent coast, provides a waiting 

area for ferry traffic in the event of the Port of Dover being closed and sheltered 

anchorage for large draught vessels. 

6. 1997 SURVEY DETAILS 

6.1 A survey of all areas was conducted from 19 May to 24 June. Prior to surveying, sea 

conditions were moderate with south-westerly winds, however, during the surveying 

period sea states and wind directions varied considerable. 

6.2 Sounding lines were run at 62.5 metre intervals in the direction of 031°/211°. 

Positioning was by DGPS and the survey referred to OS(SN)80 Datum, meeting the 

requirement for a horizontal accuracy of better than 13 metres (2 sigma). The 

assessed accuracy of depth measurements was +/-0.36 metres (2 sigma). The survey 

data was processed at a scale of 1:25,000. 


7.1 The survey of areas GS2 and GS3 was conducted from 22 April to 11 May. Prior to 

surveying, a deep depression transited the United Kingdom with winds up to 30 knots, 

the strongest of which came from the west and southwest. 

7.2 Sounding lines were run at 62.5 metre intervals, in the direction of 037°/217° in area 

GS2 and 032°/212° in area GS3. Positioning was by DGPS and the survey referred to 

the current equivalent of the World Geodetic System 1984 (WGS 84) Datum for 

Europe, the European Terrestrial Reference System (ETRS 89) Datum. The survey 

meets the requirement for a horizontal accuracy of better than ±5 metres (2 sigma). 


7.3 The assessed accuracy of depth measurements was +/-0.38 metres (2 sigma) and met 

the required standard. The survey data was processed at a scale of 1:25,000. 


8.1 The survey of areas GS1 and GS2 (focused) was conducted from 2 to 10 September. 

Weather in the area was initially poor and on 6 September deteriorated, with the vessel 

breaking off surveying. The weather had improved enough by 10 September to 

complete the survey. 

8.2 Survey data was acquired using a Kongsberg 3002D multibeam echosounder system. 

8.3 The Primary Reference Position was provided by Applanix POS MV systems, supplied 

with GPS data from a Real Time Kinematic (RTK) system, using GPS carrier phase 

measurements observed at an installed Geodetic Control Station in Margate. The 

survey met the accuracy requirements for an IHO Order 1 survey. 

8.4 The shallowest part of GS1, with depths of less than 5 metres, was surveyed at the end 

of the survey period, following a 4 day break in operations. Where these lines overlap 

with those run 5 days earlier, there is a significant change in the shape of the bank. 

The profile below shows the extent of change that occurred between 5 and 10 

September, with over 2 metres of sediment accumulating and a steep southern slope 

forming (Figure 5.1). 

2 m 

80 m 

South 

Figure 5.1: Survey line cross-sections (Blue 5 Sept, Red 10 Sept) 

North 

8.5 Examination of WaveNet data for Hastings and West Gabbard shows increased 

significant wave heights during the period, with wave heights exceeding 2 metres at 

both sites. Over the course of a year, these wave heights are not exceptional and it is 

likely that over the shallowest part of the bank sediments are regularly reworked with 

changes in wave energy, direction and tidal factors. 


9.1 The four Goodwin Sands areas were surveyed from 23 July to 1 September, in 

conjunction with four Dover Strait areas. Weather in the area was generally good 

throughout the survey period, with slight to smooth sea states. Survey work was 

undertaken by two vessels, surveying in the Goodwin Sands areas for 16 and 25 days 

each. 

9.2 South Calliper had extended outside the established survey limits (with the 10 metre 

contour migrating up to 1,000 metres), although the survey work was not adjusted at 


the time to cover this. Because of this, the surveyor was requested to run additional 

lines to delimit the bank, which were run in March 2010. 

9.3 The survey was conducted using dual head Kongsberg Maritime EM3002D multibeam 

echosounders. The survey achieved IHO S44 Order 1a standard and obtained 100% 

seafloor cover up to the 2 metre contour. This has left three large area of shallower 

water unsurveyed. 

9.4 Positioning was by Applanix POS/MV, combining GPS and inertial Measurement Unit 

data to produce the navigation solution. The survey is referred to the ITRF2000 

Datum. 

9.5 Depths were reduced to Chart Datum using GPS heights, with ellipsoidal height to chart 

datum separation values taken from the Vertical Offshore Reference Framework 

(VORF). 

9.6 The survey overlaid on chart 1828 is shown at Annex E. 

10. DESCRIPTION OF RECENT BATHYMETRIC CHANGE 

10.1 Colour banded depth plots of the 1997 and 2009 surveys are at Annexes G-1 and G-2. 

A variability plot showing the depth differences between the 1997 and 2009 surveys is 

at Annex H. The variability plot shows the large changes to the banks since the area 

was last fully surveyed. 

10.2 Comparison plots of the 2, 5, 10 and 15 metre contours from the 1997 and 2009 

surveys are at Annexes I-1 to I-4. 

10.3 Colour banded depth plots, variability plots and contour comparisons are at Annexes J 

to R for areas GS1, GS2 and GS3, to examine the changes since the previous survey of 

those areas. 

GS1 South Sand Head 

10.4 Colour banded depth plots of the 2006 and 2009 surveys are at Annexes J-1 and J-2. 

A variability plot showing the depth differences between the 2006 and 2009 surveys is 

at Annex K. 

10.5 Comparison plots of the 5, 10 and 15 metre contours from the 2006 and 2009 surveys 

are at Annexes L-1, L-2 and L-3. 

10.6 Changes that have occurred to South Sand Head are broadly similar to those observed 

in the previous assessment of the area, when the 2003 and 2006 surveys were 

examined. 

10.7 In the north of the area, the bank has migrated north-westwards, with the greatest 

change occurring over the top of the bank, as shown in cross-section A-B at Annex F. 

10.8 At the southern end, a new limb is forming to the east of a previous one. The result of 

this is that, along the new limb, the 10 metre contour has extended 340 metres southwestwards 

since 2006 (as shown in Annex L-2). The longer term changes over the last 

12 years are shown in figure 10.1. 


10 

10 

20 

20 

Figure 10.1: 10 & 20 metre contours and limb axis 1997 (Blue) diminishing and 2009 (Red) 

developing 

10.9 Depths at South West Goodwin buoy have shoaled by 2 metres and the buoy, which 

has been moved 1,100 metres north-eastwards since the 2006 survey, now sits on the 

20 metre contour. Depths in this area will shoal further if the new limb continues to 

extend. 

10.10 The greatest change that has occurred to the southern part of South Calliper is in area 

GS4 to the north of South Sand Head. In GS4, there has been extensive movement of 

sediment since last surveyed 12 years ago, with depths of over 20 metres in an area 

that was previously drying. These changes could have a significant influence on the 

long-term development of South Sand Head. 

GS2 Gull Stream 

10.11 Within Gull Stream itself, the same megaripples are present in both the 2006 and 2009 

surveys, highlighting the general stability and absence of short term change. 

10.12 There is a noticeable depth offset between the 2006 focused survey and the 2009 

multibeam survey, with the new survey being shallower. In sample cross-sections, the 

difference is 0.30 metres in the north of the 2006 survey, increasing to 0.57 metres in 

the south (see figure 10.2). The surface difference between the 2003 singlebeam and 

2009 survey also suggests a shoal offset in the 2009 survey. This is likely to be due to 

the difference in tidal reduction methods and this offset needs taking into account 

when comparing these surveys. 


Depth Difference over Stable Area 2006 & 2009 

(Mean Difference 0.57 Metres) 

Depth (m) 

-10.5 

-11 

-11.5 

-12 

-12.5 

-13 

-13.5 

-14 

-14.5 

2006 

2009 

0 250 500 

Distance (m) 

Figure 10.2: Depth offset between the 2006 and 2009 surveys (southern area) 

10.13 At the southern entrance to the channel, sandwaves have migrated northwards by up 

to 100 metres since 2006. The controlling depth within the buoyed entrance in the 

2009 survey is 5 4 , which lies close to Goodwin Fork buoy. This is notably shallower 

than a controlling depth of 6 7 lying to the southwest in the 2003 survey. 

10.14 At the northern entrance to the channel, sandwaves have generally migrated northeastwards 

slightly since 2003. However, some of the features lying across the channel 

are in broadly similar positions to 50 years ago, appearing well established and subject 

to little change, although a new minimum depth of 8 2 was found in the channel in the 

2009 survey. The northern extent of North Head Sand remains in a broadly similar 

position to 30 years ago, but the 5 metre contour has expanded since last surveyed. 

10.15 Along the eastern side of the channel, the bank can be considered as having two 

distinct characteristics. In the north of the area, North Sand Head appears well defined 

and relatively stable, but with expansion occurring over the last 12 years, as shown by 

the 5 and 10 metre contours at Annexes I-2 and O-2. To the south of this, extending 

in a south-westerly direction from Goodwin Knoll, there are several sinuous broken 

shoal areas. These areas are subject to large change, as the sediments are reworked 

and indentations in the bank form or infill. Much of this change is occurring within the 

overall bank limits and there is no strong evidence of a general migration into Gull 

Stream. However, between North West Goodwin and North Goodwin buoys, a bulge in 

the bank extends further out into Gull Stream than in the 1997, 2003 and 2006 

surveys (see Annexes I-2 and O-1). 

10.16 The eastern side of the sinuous shoal areas has generally deepened since surveyed in 

1997, resulting in the exposure of a 125 metre long wreck previously charted as a foul 

area. This highlights the potential for large features to become exposed by shifting 

sediments as shown in figure 10.3. 


Figure 10.3: Large wreck exposed since 1997 survey 

GS3 North Head of South Calliper 

10.17 The bank has migrated eastwards by approximately 70 metres and extended northeastwards 

by 200 metres since the 2003 survey. This continues the trend seen 

between the 1997 and 2003 surveys. The greatest change is to the upper part of the 

bank, resulting in an increase in gradient on the eastern side, as shown in profile G-H 

at Annex F. 

GS4 Goodwin Sands Inner Area 

10.18 The greatest change that has occurred within GS4 has been to South Calliper, where 

there has been a significant westward migration of the bank and reworking of 

sediments. On the eastern side, large amounts of sediment have been removed, 

exposing several large wrecks. In the area of greatest change, depths in excess of 20 

metres now exist where areas of drying bank were present in the 1997 survey. On the 

western side, the bank has encroached into Trinity Bay by up to 1,000 metres (average 

83m/yr), resulting in drying depths in an area where depths of more than 20 metres 

were found previously. These changes are best seen in the 5 and 10 metre contours at 

Annexes I-2 and I-3. They indicate that the once homogenous area of bank between 

North Head of South Calliper and South Sand Head may be reforming into a main 

northern area and separate southern area. 

10.19 Within the central part of the bank system, the banks and ebb channels have generally 

migrated south-eastwards by around 600 metres. Goodwin Knoll has also extended 

eastwards to the south of North Sand Head, with the 10 metre contour extending 

eastwards by up to 350 metres. Shallower water and extending of the bank was 

reported by the Ramsgate lifeboat in 2008. The ridge at the southern end of Kellet Gut 

has retreated 600 metres. 

Goodwin Sands Long-Term Changes 

10.20 Analysis of the Goodwin Sands and the Brake Bank by R. L. Cloet (1954) considered 

the Goodwin Sands system to have an aerofoil shape. The orientation of the system 

from a 1795 survey onwards was examined and showed a trend in rotation towards a 

north-south alignment, but with an indication of slowing down in the rate of change. 


10.21 Updating the figures for the 2009 survey shows that, as a whole, the bank system has 

continued the trend towards a more north-south alignment. However, much of this 

appears to be due to the eastward migration of South Sand Head and, within the bank 

system itself, there is evidence of a clockwise rotation away from a north-south 

alignment. 

Goodwin Sands Major Axis Orientation 

30 

Orientation (degrees) 

25 

20 

15 

10 

1750 1800 1850 1900 1950 2000 

Year 

Figure 10.4: Orientation of Goodwin Sands 

10.22 Further analysis of the long-term changes prior to the 1997 survey is beyond the scope 

and purpose of this report. 

11. IMPLICATIONS FOR SHIPPING 

11.1 As shown in Annex D, shipping generally avoids the shallowest, most mobile and 

potentially treacherous areas of the Goodwin Sands, keeping well to the east, where 

buoyage adequately mark the banks, or using the buoyed inner route of the Gull 

Stream. Changes to the western side of the bank are occurring close to the buoyed 

route and require monitoring more frequently than the main channel itself, along with 

the area of sandwaves at the southern entrance. Ramsgate traffic crossing North Sand 

Head would potentially be concerned should depths continue to shoal in the area. 

11.2 Vessels are known to use The Downs and Trinity Bay region for shelter; expansion of 

South Calliper into Trinity Bay would be of concern to these vessels and the survey 

frequency needs to be adequate to capture these changes. Because of the 

encroachment into Trinity Bay, and as a precautionary measure, Trinity House installed 

a temporary Pillar buoy to mark the current limit of the bank ahead of the publication 

of a New Edition of chart 1828. 

12. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FUTURE SURVEYS 

GS1 South Sand Head 

12.1 Due to the realignment and development of the southern limit of South Sand Head, the 

area should continue to be resurveyed every 3 years. To align with the current position 

of the bank, and adequately cover likely developments over the next 3 years, the limits 

should be revised, as shown in Annex S. 


GS2 Gull Stream 

12.2 Due to bank mobility on the eastern side of the Gull Stream and sandwave mobility in 

the southern entrance, the 3 year focused survey should continue, with minor changes 

in limits as shown in Annex S. 

12.3 North Sand Head shows evidence of some shoaling. Given the density of ferry traffic 

crossing the bank and proximity of depths to maximum draughts, it is recommended 

that a 3-year focused survey be introduced to cover the area, as shown in Annex S. 

12.4 The full 6 year survey includes the northern entrance and western side of the channel. 

Considering the stability of these areas, particularly the western side of the channel, a 

reduction in limits or decrease in survey frequency may be possible. However, as the 

full area covers the trafficked route through Gull Stream, and has only been fully 

surveyed once with multibeam, it is recommended that another survey of the area be 

conducted before revising the limits or frequency. 

GS3 North Head of South Calliper 

12.5 The migration of the bank supports continued surveying of the seaward side every 6 

years, as shown in Annex S. Although the bank is likely to be still adequately marked 

by East Goodwin buoy after that time, a north-easterly extension to the head of 550 

metres over the last 12 years justifies not extending the survey period beyond 6 years 

at present. The western side, which is deepening and away from the shipping routes, 

should be transferred to GS4. 

GS4 Goodwin Sands Inner Area 

12.6 Due to the dynamic and shoal nature of the area it is avoided by shipping, although 

some recreational and research activities, such as fishing, and wreck monitoring, are 

known to take place. Changes are such that, if the 12 year re-survey interval is 

retained, depths are likely to have changed notably by the time of the next survey (by 

more than 10 metres in some places), with the potential uncovering of wrecks. 

However, to capture changes more frequently could be considered disproportionate 

considering avoidance of the area by large vessels and need for caution by small craft. 

12.7 It is recommended that the 12-year survey interval is retained, but with slight changes 

to the overall limits as shown in Annex S. In addition, due to the marked changes in 

overall bank extents that have occurred at South Calliper, it is recommended that a 3- 

year checkline survey of 250 metre spaced lines be carried out to capture the general 

developments in bank limits, as shown in Annex S. The bank limits in the northeastern 

part of GS4 should also be surveyed as a 250 metre spaced checkline survey, 

but on the intervening 6 years between the full surveys. 


12.8 The proposed area limits are as follows – 

GS1 (3 yr) 

a) 51˚.16100N 1˚.47550E 

b) 51˚.15180N 1˚.50900E 

c) 51˚.13640N 1˚.48200E 

d) 51˚.14250N 1˚.46330E 

GS2 (focused Gull Stream 3 yr) 

a) 51˚.30583N 1˚.50350E 

b) 51˚.30583N 1˚.52000E 

c) 51˚.29714N 1˚.50579E 

d) 51˚.27625N 1˚.47800E 

e) 51˚.26000N 1˚.46000E 

f) 51˚.23420N 1˚.44520E 

g) 51˚.23667N 1˚.43000E 

h) 51˚.26067N 1˚.45150E 

i) 51˚.29583N 1˚.48883E 

GS2 (focused North Sand Head 3 yr) 

a) 51˚.33333N 1˚.53600E 

b) 51˚.33333N 1˚.55000E 

c) 51˚.31960N 1˚.55250E 

d) 51˚.31960N 1˚.53600E 

GS2 (full 6 yr) 

a) 51˚.34167N 1˚.51167E 

b) 51˚.34167N 1˚.54833E 

c) 51˚.31960N 1˚.55250E 

d) 51˚.31960N 1˚.54300E 

e) 51˚.29000N 1˚.50000E 

f) 51˚.25250N 1˚.46000E 

g) 51˚.23333N 1˚.45067E 

h) 51˚.23667N 1˚.43000E 

i) 51˚.26333N 1˚.44333E 

j) 51˚.32333N 1˚.51167E 

GS3 (6 yr) 

a) 51˚.27825N 1˚.57950E 

b) 51˚.27825N 1˚.58869E 

c) 51˚.25690N 1˚.59000E 

d) 51˚.24090N 1˚.58415E 

e) 51˚.24090N 1˚.57950E 


GS4 (full 12 yr) 

a) 51˚.31960N 1˚.55250E 

b) 51˚.27825N 1˚.57300E 

c) 51˚.27825N 1˚.57950E 

d) 51˚.24090N 1˚.57950E 

e) 51˚.24090N 1˚.58415E 

f) 51˚.21600N 1˚.57300E 

g) 51˚.18570N 1˚.53600E 

h) 51˚.15180N 1˚.50900E 

i) 51˚.16100N 1˚.47550E 

j) 51˚.19400N 1˚.47670E 

k) 51˚.21180N 1˚.49120E 

l) 51˚.21720N 1˚.47500E 

m) 51˚.25275N 1˚.49300E 

n) 51˚.25680N 1˚.48080E 

o) 51˚.23333N 1˚.45067E 

p) 51˚.25250N 1˚.46000E 

q) 51˚.29000N 1˚.50000E 

r) 51˚.31960N 1˚.54300E 

GS4 (focused South Calliper 3 yr) 

a) 51˚.24090N 1˚.57950E 

b) 51˚.24090N 1˚.58415E 

c) 51˚.21600N 1˚.57300E 

d) 51˚.18570N 1˚.53600E 

e) 51˚.15180N 1˚.50900E 

f) 51˚.16100N 1˚.47550E 

g) 51˚.19400N 1˚.47670E 

h) 51˚.21180N 1˚.49120E 

i) 51˚.21720N 1˚.47500E 

j) 51˚.24000N 1˚.48650E 

k) 51˚.24000N 1˚.50000E 

l) 51˚.21600N 1˚.50000E 

m) 51˚.20000N 1˚.51300E 

n) 51˚.20000N 1˚.53250E 

o) 51˚.21600N 1˚.56000E 

GS4 (focused Goodwin Knoll 3 yr) 

a) 51˚.31960N 1˚.55250E 

b) 51˚.27825N 1˚.57300E 

c) 51˚.27825N 1˚.57950E 

d) 51˚.27050N 1˚.57950E 

e) 51˚.27050N 1˚.55300E 

f) 51˚.31960N 1˚.54300E 


13. REFERENCES 

13.1 Cloet R. L. 1954: Hydrographic Analysis of the Goodwin Sands and the Brake Bank 

13.2 United Kingdom Hydrographic Office, 1986: Report on the Analysis of Resurvey Area C1 

13.3 United Kingdom Hydrographic Office, 1997: Report of Survey, Goodwin Sands 

13.4 United Kingdom Hydrographic Office, 1999: The Goodwin Sands - Report on the 

Analysis of Routine Resurvey Areas A, b, C, C1, C2 & C3 

13.5 United Kingdom Hydrographic Office, 2003: Report of Survey, Gull Stream & North 

Head of South Calliper 

13.6 United Kingdom Hydrographic Office, 2006: Report of Survey, Gull Stream & South 

Sand Head 

13.7 United Kingdom Hydrographic Office, 2010: Report of Survey, Goodwin Sands 2009 


ANNEX A-1 

AREA SPECIFICATIONS 

(Including Survey History) 

REGION: Goodwin Sands NAME: South Sand Head AREA: GS1 

LIMITS: 

AREA SIZE: 

a) 51°09.78 N 1°31.20 E 

b) 51°08.43 N 1°29.80 E 

c) 51°08.23 N 1°27.60 E 

d) 51°10.23 N 1°28.90 E 

2.78 SQ NM (9.54 SQ KM) 

Area co-ordinates are 

referred to WGS84 Datum 

SURVEY INTERVAL: 3 yrs 

SURVEY SCALE: 1:25,000 unless otherwise indicated (not applicable to multibeam survey). 

SURVEYS: 1975 K7392 H4577/73 

1976 K7646 H4845/75 

1977 K7742 H1934/76 

1978 K8003 H1962/77 

1979 K8222 H1937/78 

1980 K8552 H1938/78 

1981 K8629 H1951/80 s.t. 

1985 K9655 H2342/84 s. 

1988 M1266 H6343/87 s.t.d. 

1991 M1777 HH090/511/01 s.t.d 

1994 M2308 HH090/630/01 s.d 

1997 M2902 HH090/737/01 s.t.d. 

2000 M3448 HH090/893/01 s.d. 

2003 M3930 HH090/1027/01 s.d. 

2006 M4566 - m 

2009 SDRA200929529 m 

REPORTS: 1980 Latest survey included K8222 (H1934/76) 

1981 Latest survey included K8629 (H1934/81) 

1999 Latest survey included M2902 (HA145/010/019/01) 

ASSESSMENTS: 2002 Assessment of the 2000 Survey 

2004 Assessment of the 2003 Survey 

REMARKS: 1976 Report covering old area B (H1934/76) 

1980 New Area B established (HA3913/80) 

1999 Report changes area limits and identifier to GS1. 

LARGEST SCALE CHART: BA 1828 (1:37,500) 

KEY: s sonar sweep 

t bottom texture tracing 

d digital data available 

m multibeam digital data 




ANNEX A-2 

REGION: Goodwin Sands NAME: Gull Stream AREA: GS2 

LIMITS: Full a) 51°20’.5N 01°30’.7E Focused a) 51°18’.3N 01°30’.2E 

b) 51°20’.5N 01°32’.9E b) 51°17’.5N 01°29’.9E 

c) 51°19’.6N 01°33’.2E c) 51°15’.5N 01°27’.7E 

d) 51°15’.4N 01°28’.3E d) 51°14’.1N 01°26’.7E 

e) 51°14’.0N 01°27’.4E e) 51°14’.1N 01°26’.1E 

f ) 51°14’.2N 01°25’.8E 

f) 51°15’.6N 01°27’.1E 

g) 51°15’.8N 01°26’.6E g) 51°17’.7N 01°29’.3E 

h) 51°19’.4N 01°30’.7E h) 51°18’.3N 01°30’.2E 

AREA SIZE: 

8.46 SQ NM (28.8 SQ KM) / 1.88 SQ NM (6.5 SQ KM) 

SURVEY INTERVAL: Full Area 6 yrs, Focused Area 3 yrs 

SURVEY SCALE: 1:25,000 


referred to ETRS 89 Datum 

SURVEYS: 1979 K8237 H1937/78 

1980 K8552 H1938/78 

1981 K8629 H1951/80 s.t. 

1983 K9179 H3650/78 

1984 K9564 H2907/83 s.t. 

1985 K9883 H2331/85 s.t. 

1988 M1263 H6342/87 s.t.d. 

1991 M1777 HH090/511/01 s.t.d 

1994 M2287 HH090/629/01 s.d. 

1997 M2864 HH090/736/01 s.t.d. 

1997 M2865 HH090/738/01 s.t.d 

1997 M2882 HH090/738/01 s.t.d 

2000 M3432 HH090/892/01 s.t.d 

2003 M3936 HH090/1028/01 s.t.d 

2006 M4586 HH090/1028/01 m 

2009 SDRA200929529 m 

REPORTS 1980 Latest survey included K8237 (H3650/78). 

1981 Latest survey included K8629 (H3650/78). 




ASSESSMENTS: 2001 Assessment of 2000 survey (M3432) 

2004 Assessment of 2003 survey (M3936) 

REMARKS: 

1980 Area A established. Old area A (H3913/80) 

1980 Area C1 established. Part of old area C (H3913/80) 

1980 Area C2 established. Part of old area C (H3913/80) 

1999 Report amalgamates A, C1 & C2 into one area GS2 (limits altered) 

2001 GS2 limits altered, also affects GS4, see Assessment March 2001 

2004 Full area re-survey frequency extended from 3 yrs to 6 yrs; focused 3 yr area created 


BA 1827 (1:12,500) – northern part of area only 



d 

m 

digital data available 

multibeam 


ANNEX A-3 



REGION: Goodwin Sands NAME: North Head of South Calliper AREA: GS3 

LIMITS: 

AREA SIZE: 

a) 51°16’.63 N 1°35’.20 E 

b) 51°15’.93 N 1°35’.60 E 

c) 51°14’.43 N 1°35’.20 E 

d) 51°14’.73 N 1°33’.50 E 

e) 51°16’.03 N 1°33’.50 E 

2.14 SQ NM (7.34 SQ KM) 


referred to ETRS89 Datum 

SURVEY INTERVAL: 6 yrs NEXT SURVEY DUE: 2009 

Note: Survey brought forward to coincide with GS1 & GS2 surveys in 2003. 

SURVEY SCALE: 1:25,000 unless otherwise indicated 

PREVIOUS SURVEYS: 1980 K8552 H1938/78 

1986 K9866 H2333/85 s.t. 

1991 M1777 HH090/511/01 s.d.t 

1997 M2866 HH090/741/01 s.d.c 

1998 M3054 HH090/820/01 s.d.t 

2003 M3935 HH090/1029/01 s.d.t 

2009 SDRA200929529 m 

REPORTS: 1986 Latest survey included K8552 (H0423/86) 


ASSESSMENTS: none 

REMARKS: 1980 Area C3 established. Part of old area C (H3913/80). 

1999 Report changed area limits and identifier from C3 to GS3 





c checklines 


ANNEX A-4 



REGION: Goodwin Sands NAME: Goodwin Sands AREA: GS4 

LIMITS: 

AREA SIZE: 

a) 51°19’.60 N 1°33.20 E 

b) 51°18’.53 N 1°34.05 E 

c) 51°16’.63 N 1°35.20 E 

d) 51°16’.03 N 1°33.50 E 

e) 51°14’.73 N 1°33.50 E 

f ) 51°14’.43 N 1°35.20 E 

g) 51°12’.78 N 1°34.60 E 

h) 51°09’.78 N 1°31.20 E 

i ) 51°10’.23 N 1°28.90 E 

j ) 51°12’.43 N 1°30.30 E 

k) 51°13’.03 N 1°28.50 E 

l ) 51°14’.53 N 1°29.60 E 

m) 51°15’.00 N 1°28.04 E 

n) 51°15’.40 N 1°28.30 E 

23.07 SQ NM (79.13 SQ KM) 


referred to ETRS89 Datum 

SURVEY INTERVAL: 12 yrs NEXT SURVEY DUE: 2009 

SURVEY SCALE: 1:25,000 unless otherwise indicated 

PREVIOUS SURVEYS: 1980 K8552 H1938/78 

1990 M1655 HH090/511/01 s.d. 

1991 M1777 HH090/511/01 s.t.d 

1997 M2865 HH090/738/01 s.t.d 

2003* M3930 HH090/1027/01 s.d 

2009 SDRA200929529 m 

* Check lines run over South Calliper bank (on eastern side of the area) 

REPORTS: 1984 Latest survey included K8552 (no reference). 

1999 Latest survey included M2865 (HA145/010/019/01). 

ASSESSMENTS: none 

REMARKS: 1980 Area C established. Part of old area C (HA3913/80). 

1999 Area limits altered. Identifier changed to GS4. 






ANNEX B 

GOODWIN SANDS RESURVEY SCHEME 

GS2 

(3/6 yrs) 

2003 (Full) 

2006 (Focused) 

GS3 

(6 yr) 

2003 

GS4 

(12 yr) 

1997 

GS1 

(3 yr) 

2006 

_________ Full Survey Limits 

- - - - - Focused Survey Limits 

Details show area identifier, 

survey frequency and year of 

previous survey 


ANNEX C 

SUN-ILLUMINATED VIEW OF THE 2009 SURVEY 

SHOWING BANK AND CHANNEL MIGRATION 

∆ 

∆ 

∆ 

∆ 

∆ 

Area of significant 

sediment removal 

∆ Steepest side in areas of 

asymmetric banks 


ANNEX D 

SHIPPING ROUTES 

Main shipping routes 

Other routes (representative tracks) 


SUN-ILLUMINATED VIEW OF THE 2009 SURVEY AND 

LOCATION OF CROSS-SECTIONS SHOWN AT ANNEX F 

ANNEX E 

E 

G 

H 

F 

C 

D 

A 

B 


ANNEX F 

SURVEY CROSS-SECTIONS 

(see Annex E for locations) 

GS1: South Sand Head 

Depth (m) 

5 

0 

-5 

-10 

-15 

-20 

-25 

-30 

2006 

2009 

0 1000 2000 3000 

Distance (m) 

A Profile A – B B 

Depth (m) 

5 

0 

-5 

-10 

-15 

-20 

-25 

-30 

GS4: South Calliper 

0 1000 2000 3000 4000 

Distance (m) 

1997 

2009 

C Profile C – D D 


GS4: Goodwin Sands 

Depth (m) 

10 

0 

-10 

-20 

-30 

-40 

1997 

2009 

Kellet 

Gut 

0 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000 7000 8000 9000 10000 11000 12000 

Distance (m) 

E Profile E – F F 

GS3: North Head of South Calliper 

Depth (m) 

0 

-5 

-10 

-15 

-20 

1997 

2003 

2009 

-25 

-30 

0 500 1000 1500 

Distance (m) 

G Profile G – H H 


ANNEX G-1 

COLOUR BANDED DEPTH PLOT 


SHOWING SELECTED DEPTHS 

Scale 1:75,000 

Selected depth comparisons 

Depths in Metres 

Drying Heights 

0.1 to 5.0 

5.1 to 10.0 

10.1 to 40.0 

Metres 2000 

1000 

0 

2000 

4000 

6000 Metres 


ANNEX G-2 




SCALE 1:75,000 




0.1 to 5.0 

5.1 to 10.0 

10.1 to 40.0 

Metres 2000 

1000 

0 

2000 

4000 

6000 Metres 


ANNEX H 

VARIABILITY PLOT SHOWING BATHYMETRIC CHANGES 

BETWEEN THE 1997 AND 2009 SURVEY DATA 

AND CHARTED CONTOURS FROM THE 2009 SURVEY 

SCALE 1:75,000 

22.0 

Metres 

10.0 

3.0 

0.5 

-0.5 

-3.0 

-10.0 

-27.0 

Shoaling Deepening 

Metres 2000 

1000 

0 

2000 

4000 

6000 Metres 


ANNEX I-1 

COMPOSITE DIAGRAM OF THE 

2 METRE CONTOUR 

FROM THE 1997 AND 2009 SURVEYS 

Scale 1:75,000 

Year of Survey 

_____ 

2009 

_____ 

1997 

Metres 2000 

1000 

0 

2000 

4000 

6000 Metres 


ANNEX I-2 




Scale 75,000 


_____ 

2009 

_____ 

1997 

Metres 2000 

1000 

0 

2000 

4000 

6000 Metres 





Scale 1:75,000 

ANNEX I-3 


_____ 

2009 

_____ 

1997 

Metres 2000 

1000 

0 

2000 

4000 

6000 Metres 


ANNEX I-4 




Scale 1:75,000 


_____ 

2009 

_____ 

1997 

Metres 2000 

1000 

0 

2000 

4000 

6000 Metres 


ANNEX J-1 




AREA GS1 

Scale 1:30,000 

1 9 

10 

8 2 

16 5 



0.1 to 5.0 


5.1 to 10.0 

10.1 to 40.0 

16 5 

2009 survey depth 

Assessment Goodwin Sands/2009 – Original

ANNEX J-2 





Scale 1:30,000 



0.1 to 5.0 


5.1 to 10.0 

10.1 to 40.0 


ANNEX K 





Scale 1:30,000 

>5.0 

5.0 

Metres 

3.0 

1.5 

0.5 

-0.5 

-1.5 

-3.0 

-5.0 

>-5.0 



ANNEX L-1 





Scale 1:30,000 


_____ 

2009 

_____ 

2006 


ANNEX L-2 





Scale 1:30,000 


_____ 

2009 

_____ 

2006 


ANNEX L-3 





Scale 1:30,000 


_____ 

2009 

_____ 

2006 


ANNEX M-1 




AREA GS2 

Scale 1:60,000 

8 7 


5 6 


5 7 

4 9 

4 9 

0 6 

5 4 



0.1 to 5.0 

5.1 to 10.0 

10.1 to 40.0 


ANNEX M-2 




AREA GS2 

Scale 1:60,000 




0.1 to 5.0 

5.1 to 10.0 

10.1 to 40.0 


ANNEX N 




AREA GS2 

Scale 1:60,000 

>5.0 

5.0 

Metres 

3.0 

1.5 

0.5 

-0.5 

-1.5 

-3.0 

-5.0 

>-5.0 



ANNEX O-1 




AREA GS2 

Scale 1:60,000 


_____ 

2009 

_____ 

2003 


ANNEX O-2 




AREA GS2 

Scale 1:60,000 


_____ 

2009 

_____ 

2003 


ANNEX P-1 




AREA GS3 

Scale 1:25,000 

8 2 



8 2 

4 7 



0.1 to 5.0 

5.1 to 10.0 

10.1 to 40.0 


ANNEX P-2 




AREA GS3 

Scale 1:25,000 


2 9 


2 9 



0 3 

0.1 to 5.0 

5.1 to 10.0 

10.1 to 40.0 


ANNEX Q 




AREA GS3 

Scale 1:25,000 

>5.0 

5.0 

Metres 

3.0 

1.5 

0.5 

-0.5 

-1.5 

-3.0 

-5.0 

>-5.0 



ANNEX R-1 




AREA GS3 

Scale 1:25,000 


_____ 

2009 

_____ 

2003 


ANNEX R-2 




AREA GS3 

Scale 1:25,000 


_____ 

2009 

_____ 

2003 


PROPOSED REVISED LIMITS 

ANNEX S 

GS2 

Focused 

(3 Yrs) 

GS2 

Focused 

(3 Yrs) 

GS2 

(6 Yrs) 

GS4 

Checkline 

(6 Yrs) 

GS3 

(6 Yrs) 

GS4 

(12 Yrs) 

GS4 

Checkline 

(3 Yrs) 

GS1 

(3 Yrs) 

Existing Survey Limits 

Proposed Full Survey Limits 

- - - - - Focused Survey Limits 

….….. Checkline Survey Limits

GS1-2-3-4 Goodwin Sands - United Kingdom Hydrographic Office

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