Numerical Investigation of Reducing Wave Propagation Hazard Utilizing an Appropriate Vegetation Area

Abstract

In this study, a numerical model was employed to determine the optimal location for vegetation as an environmentally friendly method of attenuating tsunami waves. The governing equations are shallow water equations solved using shock-capturing schemes with second-order accuracy model. This simulation was validated using experimental data and another numerical model for simulating the propagation of tsunami waves on a vegetated horizontal bed and vegetated sloping beach. The parameters of wave damping rate, maximum velocity, and height for the plant area at various locations and vegetation zone lengths were investigated using numerical models. By increasing the length of the plant zone, the height and velocity of the tsunami wave were reduced, and the wave damping was increased. The examination of various locations and lengths of the plant area demonstrated that the plant area’s distance from the shoreline is a significant factor in coastal protection. The results exhibit that the location of the forest area has a great impact on the control of destructive factors along the beach. As a result, this study provides some information for designing a tsunami-resistant forest area.