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21 pages, 12172 KiB  
Article
Risk Assessment of Storm Surge Disasters in a Semi-Enclosed Bay Under the Influence of Cold Waves: A Case Study of Laizhou Bay, China
by Hongyuan Shi, Shengnian Zhao, Ruiqi Zhu, Liqin Sun, Haixia Wang, Qing Wang and Chao Zhan
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(8), 1434; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13081434 - 27 Jul 2025
Viewed by 220
Abstract
Laizhou Bay, a semi-enclosed bay, is prone to storm surges from cold waves due to its geographic and environmental characteristics. This study uses satellite data, in situ measurements, and the MIKE numerical model to analyze storm surges along Laizhou Bay’s coast under no-dike [...] Read more.
Laizhou Bay, a semi-enclosed bay, is prone to storm surges from cold waves due to its geographic and environmental characteristics. This study uses satellite data, in situ measurements, and the MIKE numerical model to analyze storm surges along Laizhou Bay’s coast under no-dike conditions. It examines the surges caused by cold waves with different intensities and directions. This study provides the storm surge disaster risk levels along Laizhou Bay’s coast. The results show that the maximum sustained wind speed during cold waves is distributed between the NW and NE. The NE wind direction causes the most severe storm surge along Laizhou Bay. Under NE-directed cold waves with level 12 wind, the maximum risk areas for Level III and IV are approximately 1341 km2 and 1294 km2, respectively. Dongying, Shouguang, and Hanting exhibit large Level I and II risk zones. The maximum seawater intrusion distance along the Kenli coast is about 41 km. The coastal segment from Kenli to Changyi is most severely affected by storm surges. It is recommended to effectively maintain and heighten seawalls along this segment to mitigate storm surge disasters caused by strong NE winds. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Physical Oceanography)
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14 pages, 4599 KiB  
Article
Predictive Flood Uncertainty Associated with the Overtopping Rates of Vertical Seawall on Coral Reef Topography
by Hongqian Zhang, Bin Lu, Yumei Geng and Ye Liu
Water 2025, 17(15), 2186; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17152186 - 22 Jul 2025
Viewed by 210
Abstract
Accurate prediction of wave overtopping rates is essential for flood risk assessment along coral reef coastlines. This study quantifies the uncertainty sources affecting overtopping rates for vertical seawalls on reef flats, using ensemble simulations with a validated non-hydrostatic SWASH model. By generating extensive [...] Read more.
Accurate prediction of wave overtopping rates is essential for flood risk assessment along coral reef coastlines. This study quantifies the uncertainty sources affecting overtopping rates for vertical seawalls on reef flats, using ensemble simulations with a validated non-hydrostatic SWASH model. By generating extensive random wave sequences, we identify spectral resolution, wave spectral width, and wave groupiness as the dominant controls on the uncertainty. Statistical metrics, including the Coefficient of Variation (CV) and Range Uncertainty Level (RUL), demonstrate that overtopping rates exhibit substantial variability under randomized wave conditions, with CV exceeding 40% for low spectral resolutions (50–100 bins), while achieving statistical convergence (CV around 20%) requires at least 700 frequency bins, far surpassing conventional standards. The RUL, which describes the ratio of extreme to minimal overtopping rates, also decreases markedly as the number of frequency bins increases from 50 to 700. It is found that the overtopping rate follows a normal distribution with 700 frequency bins in wave generation. Simulations further demonstrate that overtopping rates increase by a factor of 2–4 as the JONSWAP spectrum peak enhancement factor (γ) increases from 1 to 7. The wave groupiness factor (GF) emerges as a predictor of overtopping variability, enabling a more efficient experimental design through reduction in groupiness-guided replication. These findings establish practical thresholds for experimental design and highlight the critical role of spectral parameters in hazard assessment. Full article
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20 pages, 7090 KiB  
Article
The Influence of Hard Protection Structures on Shoreline Evolution in Riohacha, Colombia
by Marta Fernández-Hernández, Luis Iglesias, Jairo Escobar, José Joaquín Ortega, Jhonny Isaac Pérez-Montiel, Carlos Paredes and Ricardo Castedo
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(14), 8119; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15148119 - 21 Jul 2025
Viewed by 571
Abstract
Over the past 50 years, coastal erosion has become an increasingly critical issue worldwide, and Colombia’s Caribbean coast is no exception. In urban areas, this challenge is further complicated by hard protection structures, which, while often implemented as immediate solutions, can disrupt sediment [...] Read more.
Over the past 50 years, coastal erosion has become an increasingly critical issue worldwide, and Colombia’s Caribbean coast is no exception. In urban areas, this challenge is further complicated by hard protection structures, which, while often implemented as immediate solutions, can disrupt sediment transport and trigger unintended long-term consequences. This study examines shoreline changes in Riohacha, the capital of La Guajira Department, over a 35-year period (1987–2022), focusing on the impacts of coastal protection structures—specifically, the construction of seven groins and a seawall between 2006 and 2009—on coastal dynamics. Using twelve images (photographs and satellite) and the Digital Shoreline Analysis System (DSAS), the evolution of both beaches and cliffs has been analyzed. The results reveal a dramatic shift in shoreline behavior: erosion rates of approximately 0.5 m/year prior to the interventions transitioned to accretion rates of up to 11 m/year within the groin field, where rapid infill occurred. However, this sediment retention has exacerbated erosion in downstream cliff areas, with retreat rates reaching 1.8 ± 0.2 m/year. To anticipate future coastal evolution, predictive models were applied through 2045, providing insights into potential risks for infrastructure and urban development. These findings highlight the need for a strategic, long-term approach to coastal management that considers both the benefits and unintended consequences of engineering interventions. Full article
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15 pages, 1382 KiB  
Article
Wave Run-Up Distance Prediction Combined Data-Driven Method and Physical Experiments
by Peng Qin, Hangwei Zhu, Fan Jin, Wangtao Lu, Zhenzhu Meng, Chunmei Ding, Xian Liu and Chunmei Cheng
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(7), 1298; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13071298 - 1 Jul 2025
Viewed by 266
Abstract
Predicting wave run-up on seawalls is essential for assessing coastal flood risk and guiding resilient design. In this study, we combine physical model experiments with a hybrid data driven method to forecast wave run-up distance. Laboratory tests generated a nonlinear data set spanning [...] Read more.
Predicting wave run-up on seawalls is essential for assessing coastal flood risk and guiding resilient design. In this study, we combine physical model experiments with a hybrid data driven method to forecast wave run-up distance. Laboratory tests generated a nonlinear data set spanning a wide range of wave amplitudes, wavelengths, Froude numbers. To capture the underlying physical regimes, the records were first classified using a Gaussian Mixture Model (GMM), which automatically grouped waves of similar hydrodynamic character. Within each cluster a Gradient Boosting Regressor (GBR) was then trained, allowing the model to learn tailored input–output relationships instead of forcing a single global fit. Results demonstrate that the GMM-GBR combined model achieves a coefficient of determination R2 greater than 0.91, outperforming a conventional, non-clustered GBR model. This approach offers a reliable tool for predicting seawall performance under varying wave conditions, contributing to better coastal management and resilience strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wave Hydrodynamics in Coastal Areas)
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19 pages, 6238 KiB  
Article
Overtopping over Vertical Walls with Storm Walls on Steep Foreshores
by Damjan Bujak, Nino Krvavica, Goran Lončar and Dalibor Carević
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(7), 1285; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13071285 - 30 Jun 2025
Viewed by 228
Abstract
As sea levels rise and extreme weather events become more frequent due to climate change, coastal urban areas are increasingly vulnerable to wave overtopping and flooding. Retrofitting existing vertical seawalls with retreated storm walls represents a key adaptive strategy, especially in the Mediterranean, [...] Read more.
As sea levels rise and extreme weather events become more frequent due to climate change, coastal urban areas are increasingly vulnerable to wave overtopping and flooding. Retrofitting existing vertical seawalls with retreated storm walls represents a key adaptive strategy, especially in the Mediterranean, where steep foreshores and limited public space constrain conventional coastal defenses. This study investigates the effectiveness of storm walls in reducing wave overtopping on vertical walls with steep foreshores (1:7 to 1:10) through high-fidelity numerical simulations using the SWASH model. A comprehensive parametric study, involving 450 test cases, was conducted using Latin Hypercube Sampling to explore the influence of geometric and hydrodynamic variables on overtopping rate. Model validation against Eurotop/CLASH physical data demonstrated strong agreement (r = 0.96), confirming the reliability of SWASH for such applications. Key findings indicate that longer promenades (Gc) and reduced impulsiveness of the wave conditions reduce overtopping. A new empirical reduction factor, calibrated for integration into the Eurotop overtopping equation for plain vertical walls, is proposed based on dimensionless promenade width and water depth. The modified empirical model shows strong predictive performance (r = 0.94) against SWASH-calculated overtopping rates. This work highlights the practical value of integrating storm walls into urban seawall design and offers engineers a validated tool for enhancing coastal resilience. Future research should extend the framework to other superstructure adaptations, such as parapets or stilling basins, to further improve flood protection in the face of climate change. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Climate Change Adaptation Strategies in Coastal and Ocean Engineering)
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22 pages, 9023 KiB  
Article
Lateral Deformation Mechanisms of Piles in Coastal Regions Under Seawall Surcharge Loading and Mitigation Using Deep Cement Mixing (DCM) Piles
by Fei Huang, Zhiwei Chen, Huiyuan Deng and Wenbo Zhu
Buildings 2025, 15(11), 1936; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15111936 - 3 Jun 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 389
Abstract
In coastal regions with thick, soft soil deposits, bridge pile foundations are susceptible to lateral displacements induced by the construction of adjacent seawalls. This study employs a three-dimensional nonlinear finite element framework to investigate the lateral deformation mechanisms of rock-socketed bridge piles under [...] Read more.
In coastal regions with thick, soft soil deposits, bridge pile foundations are susceptible to lateral displacements induced by the construction of adjacent seawalls. This study employs a three-dimensional nonlinear finite element framework to investigate the lateral deformation mechanisms of rock-socketed bridge piles under seawall surcharge loading in soft soils, considering the effects of both immediate construction and long-term consolidation. A parametric analysis is performed to evaluate the effectiveness of deep cement mixing (DCM) piles in mitigating pile displacements, focusing on key design parameters, including DCM pile length, area replacement ratio, and elastic modulus. The results reveal that horizontal pile displacements peak at the pile head post-construction (25 days: 25 mm) and progressively decrease during consolidation, shifting the critical displacement zone to mid-pile depths (20 years: 12 mm). Bending moment analysis identifies persistent positive moments at the rock-socketed interface. Increasing pile stiffness marginally reduces displacements (a < 1 mm reduction for a 22% diameter increase), while expanding the seawall–pile distance to 110 m decreases displacements by 72–84%. DCM pile implementation significantly mitigates short-term (48% reduction) and long-term (54% reduction) displacements, with optimal thresholds at a 30% area replacement ratio and a 40.5 MPa elastic modulus. This study provides critical insights into time-dependent soil–pile interaction mechanisms and practical guidelines for optimizing coastal infrastructure design to minimize surcharge-induced impacts on adjacent pile foundations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Building Structures)
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23 pages, 9358 KiB  
Article
Experimental Study on the Sediment-Trapping Performance of Different Coastal Protection Structures in a High-Tidal Range Area
by Hao-Nan Hung, Hsin-Hung Chen and Ray-Yeng Yang
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(6), 1022; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13061022 - 23 May 2025
Viewed by 361
Abstract
This study evaluates the sediment-trapping performance of three coastal protection structures—submerged breakwaters, derosion lattices, and a composite seawall–submerged breakwater system—under monsoon and typhoon wave conditions. Physical model experiments were conducted in a wave basin with a movable-bed setup and variable water levels to [...] Read more.
This study evaluates the sediment-trapping performance of three coastal protection structures—submerged breakwaters, derosion lattices, and a composite seawall–submerged breakwater system—under monsoon and typhoon wave conditions. Physical model experiments were conducted in a wave basin with a movable-bed setup and variable water levels to simulate high tidal range environments. The results show that all three structures significantly improved sediment retention in the landward region, with the composite system performing best, followed by the submerged breakwaters and derosion lattices. However, in the seaward region, the sediment retention was 55.36% lower with submerged breakwaters and 126.79% lower with the composite system, relative to the no-structure case under monsoon wave conditions. Notably, the derosion lattice was the only structure that consistently achieved greater sediment retention than the no-structure case on both the seaward and landward sides. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Morphological Changes in the Coastal Ocean)
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24 pages, 7394 KiB  
Article
Measurements of High-Froude Number Boat Wakes near a Seawall
by Steven D. Meyers, Stacey Day and Mark E. Luther
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(9), 4807; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15094807 - 26 Apr 2025
Viewed by 512
Abstract
Characterizing the coastal wave environment, typically composed of wind-driven waves and boat wakes, and its interaction with built infrastructure is essential for planning sustainable and resilient shoreline development and protection. Objectively identifying and measuring non-stationary wave features, particularly boat wakes, in longer data [...] Read more.
Characterizing the coastal wave environment, typically composed of wind-driven waves and boat wakes, and its interaction with built infrastructure is essential for planning sustainable and resilient shoreline development and protection. Objectively identifying and measuring non-stationary wave features, particularly boat wakes, in longer data records remains a challenge. A wave gauge array of four pressure sensors was deployed for several weeks in the northernmost section of urbanized Tampa Bay, FL, a sheltered, shallow (mean depth 1.2 m) region with frequent recreational small-boat activity. New methods for analyzing these measurements were explored. The array had a square geometry, allowing the calculation of directional spectra. Most prior studies of boat wakes could only examine amplitude spectra. A nearby seawall was found to be a significant source of wave reflection. Additionally, a novel empirical method for identifying wakes, distinguishing them from wind-driven waves, and providing an estimate of their duration and amplitude was developed. The method was found to reliably identify most primary wakes but not reflected wakes. Reflected boat wakes were identified manually, and only during times of relatively high water levels when the shoreline in front of the seawall was flooded. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Infrastructure Resilience Analysis)
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20 pages, 39631 KiB  
Article
Dehydration and Effectiveness Evaluation of Waterlogged Archaeological Wood: A Case Study of the Qiantang River Ancient Seawall
by Yongguo Chen, Zixuan Chen, Liang Ye, Zhiwei Pan, Xiaoting Fan, Yongzhuo Zhao, Zekai Qian, Zhen Wang, Ruiqi Zhang, Menghan Xuan and Yufan Yang
Forests 2025, 16(4), 566; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16040566 - 24 Mar 2025
Viewed by 387
Abstract
The waterlogged archaeological wood from the Qiantang River Ancient Seawall site faces significant preservation challenges due to its unique and complex preservation environment. Without targeted dehydration and consolidation treatments after excavation, these artifacts are at risk of severe deformation, cracking, or even complete [...] Read more.
The waterlogged archaeological wood from the Qiantang River Ancient Seawall site faces significant preservation challenges due to its unique and complex preservation environment. Without targeted dehydration and consolidation treatments after excavation, these artifacts are at risk of severe deformation, cracking, or even complete destruction. This study focuses on the waterlogged wood from Chaitang (bundled firewood structure) and Zhulong Shitang (bamboo–stone structure) within the ancient seawall, comparing two methods: ethanol dehydration and polyethylene glycol (PEG) dehydration. Both methods were combined with natural drying for comparative analysis. In addition to traditional metrics such as dimensional stability and weight percentage gain, the study employs a multidimensional evaluation framework, including colorimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD), to comprehensively assess the effectiveness of dehydration and consolidation. Combining natural drying with PEG, although it may reduce the chromaticity of WAW to some extent, effectively fills cellular cavities, enhances diffraction peak intensity, improves dimensional stability, and effectively prevents cracking and deformation. The results provide differentiated treatment strategies for WAW from different historical periods and varying degrees of degradation. This study offers valuable insights and a scientific basis for the further restoration and preservation of the WAW from the Qiantang River Ancient Seawall. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Wood Science and Forest Products)
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44 pages, 14026 KiB  
Review
Coastal Environments: LiDAR Mapping of Copper Tailings Impacts, Particle Retention of Copper, Leaching, and Toxicity
by W. Charles Kerfoot, Gary Swain, Robert Regis, Varsha K. Raman, Colin N. Brooks, Chris Cook and Molly Reif
Remote Sens. 2025, 17(5), 922; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs17050922 - 5 Mar 2025
Viewed by 1624
Abstract
Tailings generated by mining account for the largest world-wide waste from industrial activities. As an element, copper is relatively uncommon, with low concentrations in sediments and waters, yet is very elevated around mining operations. On the Keweenaw Peninsula of Michigan, USA, jutting out [...] Read more.
Tailings generated by mining account for the largest world-wide waste from industrial activities. As an element, copper is relatively uncommon, with low concentrations in sediments and waters, yet is very elevated around mining operations. On the Keweenaw Peninsula of Michigan, USA, jutting out into Lake Superior, 140 mines extracted native copper from the Portage Lake Volcanic Series, part of an intercontinental rift system. Between 1901 and 1932, two mills at Gay (Mohawk, Wolverine) sluiced 22.7 million metric tonnes (MMT) of copper-rich tailings (stamp sands) into Grand (Big) Traverse Bay. About 10 MMT formed a beach that has migrated 7 km from the original Gay pile to the Traverse River Seawall. Another 11 MMT are moving underwater along the coastal shelf, threatening Buffalo Reef, an important lake trout and whitefish breeding ground. Here we use remote sensing techniques to document geospatial environmental impacts and initial phases of remediation. Aerial photos, multiple ALS (crewed aeroplane) LiDAR/MSS surveys, and recent UAS (uncrewed aircraft system) overflights aid comprehensive mapping efforts. Because natural beach quartz and basalt stamp sands are silicates of similar size and density, percentage stamp sand determinations utilise microscopic procedures. Studies show that stamp sand beaches contrast greatly with natural sand beaches in physical, chemical, and biological characteristics. Dispersed stamp sand particles retain copper, and release toxic levels of dissolved concentrations. Moreover, copper leaching is elevated by exposure to high DOC and low pH waters, characteristic of riparian environments. Lab and field toxicity experiments, plus benthic sampling, all confirm serious impacts of tailings on aquatic organisms, supporting stamp sand removal. Not only should mining companies end coastal discharges, we advocate that they should adopt the UNEP “Global Tailings Management Standard for the Mining Industry”. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue GIS and Remote Sensing in Ocean and Coastal Ecology)
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18 pages, 1335 KiB  
Article
Prediction of Seawater Intrusion Run-Up Distance Based on K-Means Clustering and ANN Model
by Jiatao Li, Zhenzhu Meng, Junkang Zhang, Yukai Chen, Jiewen Yao, Xinyue Li, Peng Qin, Xian Liu and Chunmei Cheng
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(2), 377; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13020377 - 18 Feb 2025
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 591
Abstract
Coastal regions are increasingly vulnerable to sea-level rise and extreme storm events, making the accurate prediction of wave run-up on seawalls crucial for effective flood and erosion protection. This study presents a novel hybrid approach combining K-means clustering with artificial neural networks [...] Read more.
Coastal regions are increasingly vulnerable to sea-level rise and extreme storm events, making the accurate prediction of wave run-up on seawalls crucial for effective flood and erosion protection. This study presents a novel hybrid approach combining K-means clustering with artificial neural networks (ANNs) to predict wave run-up distance. The method begins with dimensionless analysis to scale all the variables, followed by data segmentation using K-means clustering to group wave characteristics such as the Froude number, scaled distance from the wave front to the shoreline, and wave nonlinearity. These clusters help to focus the ANN on more homogeneous wave conditions, significantly improving prediction accuracy. Two-dimensional flume experiments systematically varied wave height, period, and steepness, producing a robust dataset that accounts for a range of wave conditions. The model’s performance is demonstrated through a high R2 value of 0.97 and low mean squared error (MSE) of 0.0092, surpassing traditional ANN models in its ability to capture complex wave dynamics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Coastal Engineering)
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17 pages, 1766 KiB  
Article
Impacts of Extreme Climate Change Event on Small-Scale Fishers and Their Adaptation in Baganga, Davao Oriental
by Edison D. Macusi, Lizel L. Sabino, Hanelen T. Pislan and Erna S. Macusi
World 2025, 6(1), 18; https://doi.org/10.3390/world6010018 - 30 Jan 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3135
Abstract
Climate change impacts are unpredictable and can change rapidly or over time; anthropogenic stressors work synergistically to strengthen their impact on vulnerable ecosystems including in the fisheries sector. This study focused on understanding and documenting the historical occurrence of extreme climate change impacts [...] Read more.
Climate change impacts are unpredictable and can change rapidly or over time; anthropogenic stressors work synergistically to strengthen their impact on vulnerable ecosystems including in the fisheries sector. This study focused on understanding and documenting the historical occurrence of extreme climate change impacts as exemplified by super typhoon Pablo (Bopha), which wreaked havoc in Baganga, Davao Oriental, almost a decade ago. A mixed-methods approach was used, using semi-structured interviews (N = 120) and focus group discussions (FGD) with small-scale fishers in the four fishing villages to assess the impacts of climate change and their adaptation after the events occurred. Our findings indicate that the fishing villages were exposed to the same impacts of climate change or the super typhoon which destroyed their lives and livelihoods. Consequently, this affected their catch per trip and fishing operations. Moreover, due to the impact of the super typhoon, fishers in Baganga developed psychological distress and trauma (emotional 44% and physical 24%) due to the extreme event. To survive, their adaptation strategies relied on government and non-government assistance provisions and projects, e.g., planting mangrove trees, construction of a seawall with wave breakers, cash-for-work activities, and tourism, as an alternative livelihood. Moreover, our study revealed that the communities have limited knowledge about the impacts of climate change, the local government lacks clear management goals for fisheries conservation and there was widespread use of illegal fishing gear. There is a strong need to implement rules, policies, and adaptation measures to build more resilient fishing communities. Full article
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15 pages, 5717 KiB  
Article
A Short Review of Strategies for Augmenting Organism Recruitment on Coastal Defense Structures
by Almog Ben-Natan and Nadav Shashar
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(1), 95; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13010095 - 7 Jan 2025
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1384
Abstract
The global demand for coastal urbanization is rising with the increasing population. Alas, living close to the ocean threatens human endeavors with high currents, waves, and increasing storm frequency. Accordingly, the need for more coastal defense structures (CDSs) rises. Structures built from complex [...] Read more.
The global demand for coastal urbanization is rising with the increasing population. Alas, living close to the ocean threatens human endeavors with high currents, waves, and increasing storm frequency. Accordingly, the need for more coastal defense structures (CDSs) rises. Structures built from complex units meant to prevent and/or mitigate coastal erosion and floods, additionally providing wave protection or wave attenuation, are constructed on and near natural habitats where they alter local ecosystems. Traditional CDSs mostly fail to harbor diverse and abundant communities. However, this can be changed by eco-friendly methodologies and designs that are being tested and implemented to improve CDSs’ ecological value. Some of these can be implemented during the construction period, while others can fit on existing structures, such as wave breakers and seawalls. Effective methods include augmenting surface rugosity through strategic perforations, integrating artificial panels for increased complexity, implementing soft (naturally based) engineering solutions such as geotextiles, replacing industrial concrete mixtures for CDS construction with “green concrete” and ecologically friendly mixtures, and using alternative, eco-friendly units in CDS erections. In this mini review, we suggest that by integrating sustainable practices into coastal development, we can significantly mitigate the ecological damage caused by traditional CDSs and promote more harmonious relationships between human construction and the marine environment. This shift towards environmentally conscious coastal defenses is essential and a responsibility for ensuring the long-term sustainability of our coastal communities and the health of our oceans. We present current methodologies used on breakwaters worldwide. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Analysis and Design of Marine Structures)
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28 pages, 1662 KiB  
Review
Numerical Simulation of Earthquake Impacts on Marine Structures: A Comprehensive Review
by Adel Kabi, Jersson X. Leon-Medina and Francesc Pozo
Buildings 2024, 14(12), 4039; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14124039 - 19 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1532
Abstract
Marine and underwater structures, such as seawalls, piers, breakwaters, and pipelines, are particularly susceptible to seismic events. These events can directly damage the structures or destabilize their supporting soil through phenomena like liquefaction. This review examines advanced numerical modeling approaches, including CFD, FEM, [...] Read more.
Marine and underwater structures, such as seawalls, piers, breakwaters, and pipelines, are particularly susceptible to seismic events. These events can directly damage the structures or destabilize their supporting soil through phenomena like liquefaction. This review examines advanced numerical modeling approaches, including CFD, FEM, DEM, FVM, and BEM, to assess the impacts of earthquakes on these structures. These methods provide cost-effective and reliable simulations, demonstrating strong alignment with experimental and theoretical data. However, challenges persist in areas such as computational efficiency and algorithmic limitations. Key findings highlight the ability of these models to accurately simulate primary forces during seismic events and secondary effects, such as wave-induced loads. Nonetheless, discrepancies remain, particularly in capturing energy dissipation processes in existing models. Future advancements in computational capabilities and techniques, such as high-resolution DNS for wave–structure interactions and improved near-field seismoacoustic modeling show potential for enhancing simulation accuracy. Furthermore, integrating laboratory and field data into unified frameworks will significantly improve the precision and practicality of these models, offering robust tools for predicting earthquake and wave impacts on marine environments. Full article
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20 pages, 11251 KiB  
Article
Dramatic Enhancement of Macrozoobenthic Species β-Diversity in Response to Artificial Breakwater Construction Along a Tropical Coastline
by Huan Chiao Lee, Christopher J. Glasby, Anja Schulze, Han Raven, Siong Kiat Tan, Takaomi Arai, Amirah Md Jin, Nurun Nazihah Tal’ah, Ainina Zarifi and David J. Marshall
Diversity 2024, 16(12), 742; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16120742 - 30 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1249
Abstract
The beneficial or detrimental effects of human-built marine structures (piers, breakwaters, and seawalls) on macrozoobenthic assemblages and diversities are currently underexplored. The present study investigated the enhancement of β-diversity of oysterbed-associated species on breakwaters constructed along sandy beaches. We compared habitat complexities and [...] Read more.
The beneficial or detrimental effects of human-built marine structures (piers, breakwaters, and seawalls) on macrozoobenthic assemblages and diversities are currently underexplored. The present study investigated the enhancement of β-diversity of oysterbed-associated species on breakwaters constructed along sandy beaches. We compared habitat complexities and species assemblages among artificial breakwater shores (ABS), a natural rocky shore (NS), and an embayment shore (ES). Oysterbed habitat complexity was found to be greatest on the ABS due to the successional colonization of the reef-forming estuarine oyster, Saccostrea echinata, followed by the colonization of boring bivalves and burrowing annelids. High-resolution taxonomic data revealed that the ABS supports the greatest species richness, including 48.1% unique species and 33.3% species shared with the embayment shore. The other shores uniquely or in combination with ABS support up to 11.1% of the total species richness associated with the oysterbeds (n = 81). Taxonomic dominance in terms of species number was Mollusca > Annelida > Arthropoda. This study reveals that ABS enhances β-diversity by ~91% (Jaccard dissimilarity index), which is driven by the sequential cascading events of (1) sheltering of shores, (2) colonization of novel habitat-forming oysters, (3) novel macrozoobenthic species recruitment from adjacent shores and sheltered embayments, including habitat-forming bivalves and annelids, and (4) the recruitment of macrozoobenthic species to boreholes. ABS habitat complexity derives from a spatially distinct, three-tiered ecological engineering system, involving (1) breakwater construction (100 m), (2) reef-forming oysters (10 m), and (3) boring bivalves and burrowing annelids (<10 cm). Irrespective of the purpose of their construction, breakwaters along extended sandy shores can potentially increase the resilience (β-diversity) and regional interconnectivity of hard surface macrozoobenthic species. Full article
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