Small amplitude water wave propagation through mangrove forests having thin viscoelastic mud layer

Abstract

The effect of a thin viscoelastic mud layer on the wave propagation through mangrove forests has been analyzed within the framework of linear theory. The trunks of mangrove trees are assumed to be in the upper water layer and roots are assumed to be in the lower thin mud layer. The dispersion relation has been obtained and the attenuation rate has been computed. The effects of the physical parameters like viscosity and shear modulus of elasticity of the mud, density of the forest, depth of the mud has been analyzed in the context of attenuation and propagation of waves. The present model will be a realistic and significant approach to understand water wave propagation through mangrove forests.