Storm surge reduction by mangroves

Cambridge coastal research unit working paper 41:

This report explores the capacity of mangroves to reduce storm surge water levels and inundation, and hence to reduce the impact of storm surges on coastal populations and infrastructure, in order to inform decision makers, planners and coastal engineers about the potential role that mangroves can play in coastal defence against storm surges.

The first section of the report provides some basic information about storm surges and the factors affecting surge levels and surge reduction. Section 2 explores the evidence for mangroves reducing storm surge water levels, followed by Section 3, which focuses on the attributes of mangroves that affect the level of storm surge reduction. Section 4 reviews the effect of mangroves on surface wind speeds, which affect wave generation and hence surge water levels. Section 5 reviews the literature on the ability of mangroves to reduce loss and damage caused by storm surges. Section 6 then explores how mangroves are themselves affected by storm surges and cyclones.