Author(s): Xiaoxia Zhang; Pengzhi Lin
Linked Author(s): Pengzhi Lin
Keywords: No Keywords
Abstract: In order to study the complicate interactions between mangrove and coastal wave environment, a numerical model is developed to simulate the wave transformation in coastal forest by treating the forest as a special type of porous medium. The model is used to study one of t he most common mangrove species in China, i. e., Kandelia candel (K. candel). By incorporating the process of K. candel leaf area simulation, photosynthesis calculation, dry matter generation and distribution, a K. candel growth model is first established. With the use of a large number of existing experimental and field survey data, the growth model is carefully calibrated. In order to have more accurate reflection on the root system, a field survey has been designed to collect the data to further improve and complete the K. candel growth model. By applying K. candel growth model, the influence of mangroves at different ages on wave and tide action are studied. The results show that during the first few years after the mangrove is planted, the forest has limited impacts on reducing the wave height. However, with the K. candel forest well established later, the fluid hydrodynamic properties changed significantly. A twenty years old K. candel tree reaches about 5 meters high. The forest with a 5 meters plant spacing and a width of 100 meters can reduce the wave height up to 80% when compared to that without forest.
Year: 2018