Reduction of wind and swell waves by mangroves

Coastal populations are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of extreme events such as
storms and hurricanes, and these pressures may be exacerbated through the influence of
climate change and sea level rise. Coastal ecosystems such as mangrove forests are
increasingly being promoted and used as a tool in coastal defence strategies. There remains,
however, a pressing need to better understand the roles that ecosystems can play in defending
coasts. This report focuses on mangrove forests and the role they can play in reducing wind
and swell waves. While mangrove forests are usually found on shores with little incoming
wave energy, they may receive larger waves during storms, hurricanes and periods of high
winds. Large wind and swell waves can cause flooding and damage to coastal infrastructure.
By reducing wave energy and height, mangroves can potentially reduce associated damage.

Available online

Call Number: [EL]

Physical Description: 27 p.