Ecological modeling of emergent vegetation for sustaining wetlands in high wave energy coastal environments

CBET-0828549D。考克斯，俄勒冈州州立大学本研究的目的是进行一系列大规模的实验，由水利工程，植物生态学和沿海湿地恢复实践相结合的指导下，开发波浪沉积物植被相互作用的动力学的理解。 该项目的目标是（1）模拟高能量波浪环境中常见的两种植物类型的波浪特性（2）比较波浪作用下植被区和非植被区沉积物体积和床面形状的变化;（3）确定植物存活的波浪阈值;（4）了解植物在风暴后的反应，特别是它们的根系结构。 第一个目标是通过经验拖曳系数来参数化波浪衰减，该系数可以集成到目前用于湿地恢复实践的区域尺度波浪模型中。 第二个目标将直接影响土地利用规划的决策，因为比较将提供关于现有植被海岸线（或拟议恢复项目）价值的定量信息，以减少海岸线损失。 这项研究将记录芦苇和绳草生存的阈值波能量（高度和周期），看两个损失的茎由于破碎和损失的整个根系。 该信息可以用于例如确定给定极端事件的植物损失的可能性（例如，飓风）。 该项目将通过一个既定的教育和推广计划，包括夏季研究经验的本科生（REU）和教师（RET）的活动，每年的开放日，以提高公众的生态工程素养，每周K-12图尔斯旅游和示范整合研究和教育。

CBET-0828549D. Cox, Oregon State UniversityThe purpose of this study is to conduct a set of large-scale experiments, guided by a combination of hydraulic engineering, plant ecology, and coastal wetlands restoration practices, to develop an understanding of the dynamics of wave-sediment-vegetation interaction. The project goals are to (1) model the wave characteristics of two plant types common to high energy wave environments (Schoenoplectus pungens or 'bulrush' and Spartina alteriflora or 'cord grass'), (2) compare changes in sediment volume and bed form resulting from wave action in vegetated and non-vegetated areas, (3) determine the wave thresholds of plant survivability, and (4) understand the post-storm response of plants, particularly their root structure. The first goal will parameterize the wave attenuation through an empirical drag coefficient that can be integrated into regional-scale wave models currently used in wetland restoration practice. The second goal will directly impact decisions in land use planning since the comparisons will provide quantitative information on value of existing vegetated shorelines (or proposed restoration projects) to reduce shoreline loss. This study will document the thresholds for bulrush and cord grass survival in terms of wave energy (height and period), looking at both loss of stem due to breakage and loss of the entire root system. This information can be used, for example, to determine the likelihood of plant loss for a given extreme event (e.g., hurricane). The project will integrate research and education through an established Education and Outreach program, including summer Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) and Teacher (RET) activities, an annual open house to increase ecological engineering literacy among the general public, and weekly K-12 tours and demonstrations.