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Coral reef profiles for wave-runup prediction

July 22, 2020
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This data release includes representative cluster profiles (RCPs) from a large (>24,000) selection of coral reef topobathymetric cross-shore profiles (Scott and others, 2020). We used statistics, machine learning, and numerical modelling to develop the set of RCPs, which can be used to accurately represent the shoreline hydrodynamics of a large variety of coral reef-lined coasts around the globe. In two stages, the data were reduced by clustering cross-shore profiles based on morphology and hydrodynamic response to typical wind and swell wave conditions. By representing a large variety of coral reef morphologies with a reduced number of RCPs, a computationally feasible number of numerical model simulations can be done to obtain wave-runup estimates. The RCPs identified here can be combined with probabilistic tools that can provide an enhanced prediction given a multivariate wave and water level climate and reef ecology state. These data accompany the following publication: Scott, F., Antolinez, J.A., McCall, R.T., Storlazzi, C.D., Reniers, A., and Pearson, S., 2020, Hydro-morphological characterization of coral reefs for wave runup prediction: Frontiers in Marine Science, https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2020.000361.

Citation Information

Publication Year 2020
Title Coral reef profiles for wave-runup prediction
DOI 10.5066/P9C39WNE
Authors Fred Scott, Jose A. Antolinez, Robert T. McCall, Curt D. Storlazzi, Ad Reniers, Stuart Pearson
Product Type Data Release
Record Source USGS Digital Object Identifier Catalog
USGS Organization Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center

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Hydro-morphological characterization of coral reefs for wave runup prediction

Many coral reef-lined coasts are low-lying with elevations <4 m above mean sea level. Climate-change-driven sea-level rise, coral reef degradation, and changes in storm wave climate will lead to greater occurrence and impacts of wave-driven flooding. This poses a significant threat to their coastal communities. While greatly at risk, the complex hydrodynamics and bathymetry of reef-lined coasts ma
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Curt Storlazzi, PhD

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Phone
831-460-7521

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