A major new European research project began this month to look at the impact of vegetation on waves using satellite data and field measurements.
The ultimate aim of the study will be to develop a software tool for water managers and consultants that will allow them to determine the role of vegetation in damping waves in a particular area.
This may have implications for the design of dike upgrades. If vegetation plays a major role in damping the impact of waves on a particular dike section, it may be possible to make savings on upgrading the dike.
At the moment, the impact of vegetation is not included in calculations for dike assessments anywhere in the world.
Deltares will coordinate this project, which will take four years and involve collaboration with four research institutions: Cambridge University (UK), GeoEcoMar (Romania), Netherlands Institute for Marine Research, Texel (NL) and the University of Cadiz (Spain).
End users will be involved at an early stage to ensure that the tool is user-friendly and meets their requirements.
The aim is also to ensure that the prototype can be used in places other than the test locations.
[mappress]
Press Release, January 30, 2014