Author(s): Davide Vettori; Giordana Francesco; Costantino Manes
Linked Author(s): Costantino Manes, Davide Vettori
Keywords: Wave attenuation current seagrass
Abstract: The wave damping properties of seagrass meadows are vital to assess how this marine vegetation can contribute to coastal protection. Despite recent advances in our knowledge of seagrass wave damping under pure waves, the additional effects of a current have not been explored fully. In this work, we compare laboratory measurements of wave attenuation under pure waves with those in the presence of a collinear following current. In agreement with findings from the relevant literature, for most of the experimental conditions tested the current leads to a reduction of wave attenuation. However, we report cases wherein the current unexpectedly boosts wave attenuation. Such result cannot be explained using the existing models and a dedicated investigation is required to shed a light on the underlying physical mechanisms.
Year: 2025