WAVE ATTENUATION FUNCTION OF MANGROVES ALONG SINGAPORE'S NORTHERN COAST

Abstract

Urbanization and increasing populations in the coastal zone, and climate change have increased the coastal vulnerability of coastal population. Disturbed urban mangroves could provide coastal protection to coastal zone through their wave attenuation ability. This study has investigated the wave attenuation extent and the influencing factors of disturbed mangroves along Singapore’s northern coastline. Wave attenuation extents under different hydrodynamic conditions were quantified by a wave evolution model. Mean wave height reduction within the mangroves was 7.71% and 62.47% under average and extreme hydrodynamic conditions respectively, albeit with a large range across mangrove sites. Wave breaking was the main wave attenuation mechanism during extreme events. Mangrove forest density, width, and mangrove roots were the main influencing factors. This study has demonstrated the wave attenuation potential of disturbed urban mangroves. The knowledge will help to incorporate urban mangrove ecosystems into coastal management plan and provide essential coastal protection to the coastal community.