Numerical modelling of wave–vegetation interaction: Embracing a cross-disciplinary approach for bridging ecology and engineering for nature-inclusive coastal defence systems
El Rahi, J.; Stratigaki, V.; De Troch, M.; Troch, P. (2024). Numerical modelling of wave–vegetation interaction: Embracing a cross-disciplinary approach for bridging ecology and engineering for nature-inclusive coastal defence systems. Water 16(14): 1977. https://dx.doi.org/10.3390/w16141977
Coastal areas are increasingly at risk due to climate change, necessitating innovative mitigation approaches. This study explores the integration of living environments, particularly aquatic vegetation, with conventional defence systems to provide socially acceptable and nature-inclusive coastal defence systems. Through examining the published literature, this study identifies two perspectives: engineering and ecological. From an engineering perspective, wave propagation models and simulation techniques for wave–vegetation interaction are identified. Ecologically relevant coastal and marine vegetation is presented, and based on its ecological features (morphology, biomechanics, buoyancy, and variability) a novel ecological categorization framework is developed. The results challenge the notion of a strict divide between ecological and engineering approaches. Analysis of existing wave–vegetation models reveals that many engineers consider the ecological features of vegetation-induced wave attenuation studies. However, computational limitations often lead to simplifications. Furthermore, complex models, while offering detailed ecological insight, are often limited to small-scale experimental domains. Conversely, simpler models, suitable for large-scale engineering problems, may lack ecological detail. This suggests a potential future approach numerical modelling that combines high-resolution models for small areas with large-scale, implicit engineering models operating at the ecosystem scale.
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