Genesis and morphology of cold-water coral ridges in a unidirectional current regime

► This study documents cold-water coral ridges at the base of the Miami Terrace. ► Coral ridges are oriented perpendicular to a southward bottom current up to 0.6 m/s. ► Coral ridges are biogenic in origin and unrelated to the antecedent topography. ► Active bedload sand transport limits coral ridge development. ► Ridge initiation is related to a Mid-Miocene unconformity.