Physical modelling study on wave damping induced by an idealized floating kelp farm

A physical modelling study was carried out to investigate random wave damping promoted by an idealized floating kelp farm. The experimental conditions spanned intermediate water depths and both linear and nonlinear water waves. Unlike previous studies of wave damping promoted by vegetation, the floating kelp farm was placed close to the water surface with a ratio between vegetation height and water depth close to 0.25. The wave transmission coefficient induced by the floating kelp farm ranged between 0.56 and 0.96. This coefficient decreased for longer floating kelp farms and it was a function of the ratio between kelp farm length and incident wavelength and of the relative wave depth. Spectral analysis showed that wave damping was not frequency-dependent for wave frequencies close to the peak frequency. The wave transmission coefficients of a floating kelp farm with about 100 culture lines and with an extension of approximately 200 m were similar to those of submerged detached breakwaters with a relative crest freeboard smaller than −0.4. Furthermore, the bulk drag coefficient of near-surface idealized floating kelp farms can be modelled as a function of the Keulegan-Carpenter number. This study highlights the potential viability of nature-based solutions such as floating kelp farms for coastal protection. • Wave damping of irregular waves promoted by an idealized floating kelp farm. • Wave transmission of kelp farm compared with submerged and floating breakwaters. • An empirical wave transmission coefficient formula for kelp farm is proposed. • The Mendez and Losada (2004) model was extended to near-surface vegetation. • A bulk drag coefficient empirical formula for floating kelp farms is proposed.