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Video by Dominic Danzo, Christopher Kieffer

Protecting Coastlines by Quantifying Sediment Transport in Submerged Canopies

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Engineer Research and Development Center

Oct. 25, 2019 | 2:07

Wetlands are a valuable natural feature that protect coastlines, and are in danger of disappearing. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is beneficially using dredged sediment to nourish existing wetlands, but there is a limited understanding of the hydrodynamics in submerged canopies, such as underwater vegetation, commonly found nearby.

To address that knowledge gap, ERDC researchers conducted a unique two-phase experiment using more than 14,000 wooden dowels to create a 73-foot long submerged canopy in a wave flume. They measured the hydrodynamics at numerous locations and placed sediment adjacent to the canopy to quantify its transport rate and direction. Their research will ultimately lead to healthier wetlands and increased protection along our coasts.