Experimental study on the propagation and evolution characteristics of solitary wave over a reef with coral model

The ongoing global decline in the coral reef area is a major concern, as coral reefs play a crucial role in mitigating the impact of extreme waves. Therefore, understanding how coral reefs influence extreme wave dynamics is of paramount importance. To investigate the transformation of solitary waves over coral reefs with varying degrees of coral cover, this study conducted a series of physical model experiments in a wave flume. In the experiments, three-dimensional (3D) printed coral models were used to simulate realistic coral reef topography, accurately replicating the substantial surface roughness characteristic of natural reefs. The coral models intensify wave deformation on the reef flat, shifting the wave breaking point seaward, increasing the degree of wave breaking, accelerating energy dissipation, and effectively dispersing wave energy. The results indicate that the presence of coral models significantly enhance energy dissipation, leading to a notable reduction in maximum wave height on the reef flat, with a maximum decrease in 25.2%. Moreover, water depth has a more pronounced influence on solitary wave transformation over the reef flat. When the incident wave height is relatively large and the water depth over the reef flat is shallow, solitary waves are more susceptible to breaking. The findings of this study help clarify the propagation and evolution mechanisms of extreme waves over coral reefs and provide scientific support for the development of integrated coastal management strategies. By protecting and restoring coral reef ecosystems, these strategies enhance coastal sustainability and resilience. Combining coral reef restoration with artificial engineering measures can more effectively address challenges posed by extreme waves and other climate change-related impacts.