Reduction of wave energy due to monotypic coastal vegetation using response surface methodology (RSM)

Abstract

Information of interactions between waves and aquatic vegetation is becoming increasingly important, in particular, due to the trend of plant-induced wave attenuation towards sustainable coastal management systems. This study aims to understand monotypic vegetation-wave interactions through three-level, four factors, response surface methodology (RSM) using laboratory wave flume under controlled conditions. Cymodocea Serrulata is one of the prevalent monotypic seagrass species found in the Gulf of Mannar, Tamilnadu, South India. It was physically simulated using synthetic plant imitations to create a relationship between wave attenuation (E%) and four direct control factors, i.e., water depth (h), wave period (T), plant density (N) and bed roughness factor (f) using an empiric model. The model developed was tested using the analysis of variance technique (ANOVA) and evaluated for the main and interaction effects of the studied parameters. The findings showed that both individually and in combination, all of the parameters considered were significantly effective on E%. All model-based findings were compared with a new collection of experimental data and validation tests were performed. The comparison of experimental results with model predictions was at a good agreement with a high coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.98 (with p-value < 0.05).