Work

The role of narrow fringing reefs in tsunami mitigation: a numerical modelling study along the Sanya coastline

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study assesses the tsunami mitigation capacity of narrow fringing reefs (50–200 m width) under varying ecological health states using a high-resolution implementation of the COMCOT model. Satellite-derived reef bathymetry (20 m resolution) and non-uniform bottom friction coefficients were incorporated to simulate tsunami propagation from four ∼Mw 9 earthquake scenarios along the Manila Subduction zone. The results indicate that healthy reefs can reduce the maximum on-platform current velocities by nearly 80% and delay wave arrival by 5–10 min – providing a critical window for early evacuation. While these narrow coral reefs exert limited influence on initial tsunami wave crests, they significantly attenuate subsequent waves, with up to 50% reduction in wave heights when the peak arrives after the first crest. These findings highlight the disproportionate protective value of healthy narrow fringing reefs, framing them as essential natural infrastructure for tsunami risk reduction. This study offers quantitative thresholds for targeted reef conservation and supports the integration of ecological parameters into computational tsunami hazard modelling frameworks.

Source: Engineering Applications of Computational Fluid Mechanics

DOI: 10.1080/19942060.2025.2583301

Authors: Xintong Xie, Linlin Li, Zhiyuan Ren, Chuanxu Chen

Institutions: Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Deep-Sea Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Northwestern Polytechnical University

Language: English

Topic: Earthquake and Tsunami Effects

Subfield: Civil and Structural Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Life below water, Climate action

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,993