Cao, H.; Feng, W., and Chen, Y., 2016. Numerical modeling of wave transformation and runup reduction by the coastal vegetation of the South China Sea. Vila-Concejo, A.; Bruce, E.; Kennedy, D.M., and McCarroll, R.J. (eds.), Proceedings of the 14th International Coastal Symposium (Sydney, Australia). Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue, No. 75, pp. 830–835. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208.

The aim of this study is to examine wave transformation and runup using a numerical model of coastal conditions including vegetation. Based on the previous field study, the drag coefficient was estimated using an analytical model. After that, numerical modeling of wave dissipation in SWASH (Simulating WAves until SHore) was conducted and validated with the observed data. Furthermore, calibrated SWASH was used to inspect the wave runup under vegetated and non-vegetated cases. For the flexibility of numerical modeling, We also used the numerical model to assess various vegetation parameters and beach slopes to inform the characteristics of wave runup reduction. The results of the model indicate that SWASH with proper parameters accurately simulated wave dissipation. Wave runup and setup were significantly reduced by the coastal vegetation. The numerical results suggest that vegetation parameters and beach slope are important factors when analyzing the wave runup reduction rate.