Mangroves and reefs dissipate wave energy through friction and structure before it ever reaches the coastline, functioning as a living seawall.
wave_energy_at_shore ~ incoming_energy * exp(-buffer_width * attenuation)
- Coastline grid size — shoreline segments tracked for wave-energy exposure.
- Buffer width — how far inland the mangrove/reef buffer extends, attenuating incoming waves.
- Storm intensity — energy of the incoming storm surge or wave event.
- Buffer growth rate — how fast restored mangrove or reef buffer matures and thickens.
A healthy mangrove belt can cut wave height by up to 66% over just 100 metres — often at a fraction of the cost of an equivalent concrete seawall.