Effectiveness of coral reefs for marine flood reduction

Abstract

An important component of the ocean ecosystem is the coral reef ecosystem. In addition to providing a variety of habitats for marine life, coral reef systems also serve as natural barriers against waves. The roughness of the coral is one of the factors that determines how well it can reduce wave impact. An idealized bathymetry data is included in this study. With different boundary wave characteristics and bed roughness, wave heights were assessed. Based on the results, severe wave energy reduction was noted with an effective wave force of up to 90% being attenuated in some scenarios. Shoreline waves arrived at the shore with a delay in most cases. Several analysis presented in the literature reviewed as part of the research presented consistent findings with some of the results obtained.