Parameterization of Mangrove Root Structure of Rhizophora stylosa in Coastal Hydrodynamic Model

Mangroves are able to attenuate tsunamis, storm surges, and waves. Their protective function against wave disasters is gaining increasing attention as a typical example of the green infrastructure/Eco-DRR (Ecosystem-based Disaster Risk Reduction) in coastal regions. Hydrodynamic models commonly employed additional friction or drag forcing term represent mangrove-induced energy dissipation for simplicity. The well-known Morison-type formula (Morison et al. 1950) has been considered appropriate model vegetation-induced resistance which information geometric properties mangroves, including root system, needed. However, idealized vegetation configurations mainly were applied existing numerical models, only few field observations provided empirical parameterization complex mangrove structures. In this study, we conducted surveys on Iriomote Island Okinawa, Japan, Tarawa, Kiribati. We measured representative parameters Rhizophora stylosa, their system. By analyzing data, significant correlations hydrodynamic modeling found among key such trunk diameter at breast height ( DBH ), tree H , prop roots, projected areas also discussed correlation these factors with age. These relationships summarized end.