The need
Singapore has about 203 km of coastline, the country has diverse coastal environments. The coasts may face open sea or bounded by very restricted waterbody (Johor Strait). These coastal stretches can be protected by relatively narrow mangrove belts. The study aims to quantify wave reduction through mangrove belts in realistic condition of Singapore coasts. The findings support the development of guidelines for the design and implementation of nature-based coastal protection solutions in Singapore.
Approach
The study aims to bridge the gap between ocean coastal modelling for Singapore (scale in the order of 100~km) and physical lab modelling (10~m). This so-called "large-scale" modelling retains realistic ecological hydrodynamics yet omit complex small-scale process at the organism level.
Outputs
- Distributions of wave attenuation parameters for Singapore coast;
- Simulated prediction bands for wave attenuation of mangroves;
- Superiority of Rhizophora sp. in wave reduction and sediment trapping;
- Realistic mangrove root densities in modelling and sea-level rise scenarios.
About the Project
Participants: Nguyen Quang Chien, Pang Ee Khang, Tay Zhi Yung, Singapore Institute of Technology.
Photo credits: weareaway (Pixabay) •