Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2012
DOI
10.1029/2012GL053577
Publication Title
Geophysical Research Letters
Volume
39
Issue
20
Pages
L20601 (1-5)
Abstract
Significant buffering of storm surges by vegetation canopies has been suggested by limited observations and simple numerical studies, particularly following recent Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma. Here we simulate storm surge and inundation over idealized topographies using a three-dimensional vegetation-resolving storm surge model coupled to a shallow water wave model and show that a sufficiently wide and tall vegetation canopy reduces inundation on land by 5 to 40 percent, depending upon various storm and canopy parameters. Effectiveness of the vegetation in dissipating storm surge and inundation depends on the intensity and forward speed of the hurricane, as well as the density, height, and width of the vegetation canopy. Reducing the threat to coastal vegetation from development, sea level rise, and other anthropogenic factors would help to protect many coastal regions against storm surges.
Original Publication Citation
Sheng, Y. P., Lapetina, A., & Ma, G. (2012). The reduction of storm surge by vegetation canopies: Three-dimensional simulations. Geophysical Research Letters, 39(20), L20601. doi:10.1029/2012GL053577
Repository Citation
Sheng, Y. Peter; Lapetina, Andrew; and Ma, Gangfeng, "The Reduction of Storm Surge by Vegetation Canopies: Three-Dimensional Simulations" (2012). Civil & Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications. 12.
https://digitalcommons.odu.edu/cee_fac_pubs/12