Experimental Observations And Prediction Of Wave Attenuation Using A Coral Reef Restoration Approach

Abstract

The large bottom roughness typical of coral reefs can be effective at reducing wave energy incident to coastlines through the dissipation induced by how wave-driven oscillatory flows interact with the roughness to determine hydrodynamic forces (i.e., drag and inertial). A physical understanding of these fluid-structure interaction processes is essential in designing coral reef restoration projects that can enhance coastal protection as well as deliver other beneficial ecosystem services, as a more sustainable alternative over conventional engineered structures (e.g. breakwaters and seawalls). In this study we quantify both wave attenuation and hydrodynamic forces across progressive stages of a coral reef restoration solution developed by Mars Sustainable Solutions. The Mars Assisted Reef Restoration System (MARRS) involves propagating coral fragments onto hexagonal steel structures called Reef Stars, which are connected in tessellating patterns over degraded reef flats (Figure 1).