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Abstract
Tropical cyclones generate extreme hazards along coastlines, often leading to losses of life and property. Although coral reefs exist in cyclone‐prone regions globally, few studies have measured the hydrodynamic conditions and morphological responses of reef‐fringed coastlines to tropical cyclones. Here, we examine the impact of Tropical Cyclone Olwyn on a section of Australia's largest fringing reef (Ningaloo Reef) using in situ wave and water level observations, topographic surveys, and numerical modeling. Despite forereef significant wave heights reaching 6 m and local winds of 140 km h−1, average beach volume change was only −3 m3 m−1. The results indicate that this erosion was due to locally generated wind waves within the lagoon rather than the offshore waves that were dissipated on the reef crest. A comparison of these volume changes to observations of tropical cyclone impacts along exposed sandy beaches quantitatively demonstrates the substantial coastal protection reefs can provide against extreme storms.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 31-38 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Limnology and Oceanography Letters |
Volume | 3 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Apr 2018 |
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Dive into the research topics of 'Response of a fringing reef coastline to the direct impact of a tropical cyclone'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.Projects
- 2 Finished
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Wave dynamics in topographically-complex coastal reef systems
Lowe, R. (Investigator 01), Roelvink, J. (Investigator 02) & van Dongeren, A. (Investigator 03)
ARC Australian Research Council
1/01/14 → 31/07/17
Project: Research
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Physical Processes in Complex Coastal reef Environments: the Dynamics of Wave- and Tide-dominated Systems
Lowe, R. (Investigator 01)
ARC Australian Research Council
1/01/11 → 30/04/16
Project: Research