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Reinforcing Coastlines: Adaptive Reshaping of Coastal Terrain Informed by Natural Sedimentation Patterns for Mangrove Root Systems
Coastal Terrains have been recognized by scientists over the years as hazardous and dynamic zones. As we face challenges over global warming, with shifts in climate patterns, coastal soil erosion is a pressing concern for various ecological and marine systems. This problem has an economic, ecological, and social dimension. Coastal infrastructures around high value economic zones have been reduced to concrete embankments and are interpreted as structural means to force a boundary. The limitation of reactive, action-based shoreline management plans can be mitigated by implementing natural ecosystems and their structural qualities for developing future interventions. Various coastal morphologies, ranging from reef systems to mangroves, gravel beaches, sand deposition areas, and salt marshes, showcase diverse ecological adaptations to dynamic natural forces. The experiment addresses the evaluation of mangrove root systems and their ecological models, systems, and elements of nature to solve the dynamic problems at the coast.
This research framework focuses on gaining a deeper understanding of natural sedimentation as a regenerative tool for reinforcing coastal areas, drawing inspiration from the growth patterns of mangrove systems. The study highlights the importance of adaptive solutions for coastal landscapes, acknowledging the dynamic nature of these environments and leveraging insights from natural soil accumulation patterns to enhance the resilience of coastal landforms in the future. The methodology primarily involves two key exercises: Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Analysis and physical testing using simulation sand. Utilizing GIS data mapping of coastal terrain in combination with land loss data enables the development of prediction models, and the mapping of ecological biomes and ecosystems against these models while identifying the vulnerable coastlines. Additionally, experimental physical testing with simulation sand contributes to the creation of a database detailing the topological shaping of the terrain, to achieve self?regenerative coastal reinforcement.
The study is situated in Charlotte Bay, Florida by mapping one of the biggest mangrove biomes along the Gulf of Mexico at Port Charlotte which is considered the Parent site with a reserve of its propagules floating with the currents in the bay. The Target site is Charlotte Harbor, along the coast of which a cluster of profiles would be embedded. The experiment concluded that sand sedimentation strategies along the coastline through minimum human intervention, that is, embedding profiles of minimum diameter 5.13 mm, can be achieved to form catchment zones for mangrove propagules in circulation at a target close to a parent site. The study also cements the role of mangrove forests as a strategy for coastal reinforcement by predicting the effects of the experiment over the course of twenty plus years.
History
Date
2024-05-12Degree Type
- Master's Thesis
Department
- Architecture
Degree Name
- Master of Science in Sustainable Design (MSSD)