Abstract
Estimation of the flow energy dissipation induced by an ecosystem that accounts for its characteristics (i.e. biomechanical properties, morphology, density) and the incident hydrodynamic conditions is crucial if ecosystem-based coastal protection measurements want to be implemented. Characterization of a vegetated ecosystem by measuring leaf traits, biomechanical properties of plants and the number of individuals per unit area involves a lot of effort and is case-specific. Standing biomass can be a unique variable defining the flow energy attenuation capacity of the ecosystem. To explore its relation to the induced energy attenuation on the flow, a new set of experiments using real vegetation with contrasting morphology and biomechanical properties, and subjected to different incident flow conditions is presented. The obtained standing biomass-attenuation relationships will help to quantify the expected coastal protection provided by different vegetated ecosystems based on their standing biomass and the flow conditions.Recorded Presentation from the vICCE (YouTube Link): https://youtu.be/-qaKkBWZApk
References
Bouma, T.J., de Vries, M.B., Herman, P.M.J. (2010): Comparing ecosystem engineering efficiency of two plant species with contrasting growth strategies, Ecology, 91(9), 2696-2704.
Dalrymple, R.A., Kirby, J.T., Hwang, P.A. (1984): Wave diffraction due to areas of energy dissipation, J. Waterw. Port Coast. Ocean Eng. 110, 67–79.
Doughty, C.L., Cavanaugh, K.C. (2019): Mapping Coastal Wetland Biomass from High Resolution Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Imagery, Remote Sensing, MDPI, vol. 11, 540.
Losada, I.J., Maza. M., Lara, J.L. (2016): A new formulation for vegetation-induced damping under combined waves and currents, Coastal Engineering,107, 1-13.
Maza. M., Lara, J.L., Losada, I.J., Ondiviela, B., Trinogga, J., Bouma, T.J. (2015): Large-scale 3-D experiments of wave and current interaction with real vegetation. Part 2: Experimental analysis, Coastal Engineering, ELSEVIER, vol. 106, pp. 73-86.
Mendez, F.J., Losada, I.J. (2004): An empirical model to estimate the propagation of random breaking and non-breaking waves over vegetation fields. Coast. Eng. 52, 103–118.