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Interactions between Fragmented Seagrass Canopies and the Local Hydrodynamics
Nazha El Allaoui1, Teresa Serra1, Jordi Colomer1
1Department of Physics, University of Girona, 17071, Girona, Spain.
Plos One
|May 27, 2016
Summary
Canopy fragmentation alters coastal hydrodynamics, with gap orientation impacting wave energy. Denser canopies offer more shelter, and a new model predicts turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) in gaps.
Area of Science:
- Coastal engineering
- Hydrodynamics
- Ecological engineering
Background:
- Canopy fragmentation due to human activities and climate change creates heterogeneous coastal environments.
- Fragmented canopies exhibit different architectures and hydrodynamic properties compared to intact canopies.
- Understanding wave attenuation and sheltering in fragmented canopies is crucial for coastal protection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the hydrodynamic effects of canopy fragmentation, specifically the role of gap orientation.
- To quantify wave velocity and turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) within canopy gaps.
- To develop a predictive model for TKE in gaps and assess overall mixing in fragmented canopies.
Main Methods:
- Experimental investigation of a single transversal gap within canopies of varying densities (2.5% and 10% solid plant fraction).
- Comparison of hydrodynamic conditions in fragmented canopies, fully vegetated canopies, and bare sediment.
- Non-dimensional analysis of experimental data to formulate a TKE prediction parameterization and develop a fragmented canopy model.
Main Results:
- Wave velocity increased with gap width, reaching levels observed over bare sediment.
- Turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) within gaps increased but was more attenuated by adjacent vegetation than wave velocity.
- Denser canopies exhibited greater attenuation of wave velocity and TKE compared to sparser canopies.
Conclusions:
- Canopy fragmentation significantly alters hydrodynamics, with gap geometry playing a key role in wave attenuation.
- A novel parameterization allows prediction of TKE in canopy gaps based on easily measured variables.
- Fragmented canopies with larger gaps show more mixing, while denser fragmented canopies provide greater sheltering for a given total gap area.
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