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

CBET-0828549D。俄勒冈州立大学考克斯这项研究的目的是在水利工程、植物生态学和海岸湿地恢复实践的指导下，进行一系列大型实验，以加深对波浪-沉积物-植被相互作用的动力学的理解。该项目的目标是：(1)模拟高能波浪环境中常见的两种植物类型的波浪特征，(2)比较植被和非植被地区波浪作用引起的沉积物体积和河床形态的变化，(3)确定植物生存的波浪阈值，以及(4)了解植物，特别是它们的根结构在风暴后的反应。第一个目标将通过经验阻力系数将波浪衰减参数化，该系数可以整合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覆盖的海岸线(或拟议的恢复项目)的价值的量化信息，以减少海岸线的损失。这项研究将根据波浪能量(高度和周期)记录芦荟和绳草存活的阈值，观察由于断裂造成的茎损失和整个根系的损失。例如，该信息可用于确定给定极端事件(例如飓风)的植物损失的可能性。该项目将通过既定的教育和外联计划整合研究和教育，包括本科生和教师的暑期研究体验(REU)和教师(RET)活动，每年一次的开放参观活动，以提高普通公众的生态工程素养，以及每周K-12旅行和演示。

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.