Impacts of jetty construction on the wave heights off the Kiashahr lagoon

Abstract

Coastal managers and ecologists are confronted with tasks to estimate wave heights in the Kiashahr sea area, since hydrodynamic factors can profoundly impact this environment. In this study, wind data and an empirical wind wave predicting model were used to estimate deepwater wave characteristics in the Kiashahr sea area; while a numerical model was used to determine wave characteristics in shallow waters. Wave heights were also determined and compared at different stations before and after construction of 2 jetties at the lagoon mouth to evaluate their efficiency in wave height reduction. Results revealed that wave height is in the range of 0.8 to 1.2 m at Sefid Rud river mouth. Significant wave height reduction in the range of 0.15 to 1.2 m occurred at the entrance of the lagoon due to construction of the jetties. This attenuation of wave energy may result in some impacts on the ecosystem health of Kiashahr lagoon such as increased sedimentation, reduction in flushing rates, dumping of garbage and consequently, more pollution.