Preprints
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-321
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-321
03 Feb 2025
 | 03 Feb 2025
Status: this preprint is open for discussion and under review for Natural Hazards and Earth System Sciences (NHESS).

Modeling wave-vegetation interactions: the impact of seagrass flexibility and seasonal variability

Seimur Shirinov, Ivan Federico, Simone Bonamano, Salvatore Causio, Nicolás Biocca, Viviana Piermattei, Daniele Piazzolla, Jacopo Alessandri, Lorenzo Mentaschi, Giovanni Coppini, Marco Marcelli, and Nadia Pinardi

Abstract. This study delves into the intricate dynamics between wave activity and marine vegetation, focusing on Posidonia oceanica meadows in the Mediterranean Sea along the Civitavecchia coastal zone (north-eastern Tyrrhenian Sea, Italy). Traditional modeling approaches often oversimplify wave-vegetation interactions and overlook the necessity for robust in-situ observational systems, which can lead to inadequate representations of the dynamic environments where seagrasses thrive. The Digital Twin modelling framework presents a compelling solution, offering comprehensive insights that enhance decision-making for coastal management. We advance wave-vegetation modeling by integrating a refined seagrass representation that encompasses flexibility, seasonal growth dynamics, and phenotypic traits, all informed by site-specific measurements. Applying this model to the Civitavecchia coast demonstrated that integrating observed seasonal variability into the numerical model was crucial for obtaining realistic results. This revealed a mean monthly wave damping capacity variation of up to 10 %, intricately driven by seasonal growth dynamics. Spatial assessments unveiled wave height reductions ranging from 10 % to 40 %, with an average attenuation of 18 % across Sites of Community Importance and 24 % for seagrass traits over rocky substrate. These findings offer valuable insights into the role of seagrasses as nature-based solution, facilitating more effective coastal management strategies and guiding restoration efforts in vulnerable marine ecosystems.

Publisher's note: Copernicus Publications remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims made in the text, published maps, institutional affiliations, or any other geographical representation in this preprint. The responsibility to include appropriate place names lies with the authors.
Share
Seimur Shirinov, Ivan Federico, Simone Bonamano, Salvatore Causio, Nicolás Biocca, Viviana Piermattei, Daniele Piazzolla, Jacopo Alessandri, Lorenzo Mentaschi, Giovanni Coppini, Marco Marcelli, and Nadia Pinardi

Status: open (until 17 Mar 2025)

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
Seimur Shirinov, Ivan Federico, Simone Bonamano, Salvatore Causio, Nicolás Biocca, Viviana Piermattei, Daniele Piazzolla, Jacopo Alessandri, Lorenzo Mentaschi, Giovanni Coppini, Marco Marcelli, and Nadia Pinardi
Seimur Shirinov, Ivan Federico, Simone Bonamano, Salvatore Causio, Nicolás Biocca, Viviana Piermattei, Daniele Piazzolla, Jacopo Alessandri, Lorenzo Mentaschi, Giovanni Coppini, Marco Marcelli, and Nadia Pinardi

Viewed

Total article views: 47 (including HTML, PDF, and XML)
HTML PDF XML Total BibTeX EndNote
38 6 3 47 2 0
  • HTML: 38
  • PDF: 6
  • XML: 3
  • Total: 47
  • BibTeX: 2
  • EndNote: 0
Views and downloads (calculated since 03 Feb 2025)
Cumulative views and downloads (calculated since 03 Feb 2025)

Viewed (geographical distribution)

Total article views: 32 (including HTML, PDF, and XML) Thereof 32 with geography defined and 0 with unknown origin.
Country # Views %
  • 1
1
 
 
 
 
Latest update: 06 Feb 2025
Download
Short summary
This study explores the impact of submerged vegetation on wave dynamics in vulnerable coastal regions. By incorporating measurements into a numerical model, we estimate the critical role of seagrass as a natural defense system. This research advances understanding of wave-vegetation interactions, achieving a more accurate representation of marine environments while supporting restoration efforts and emphasizing the need to preserve these ecosystems for resilience.
Share