STRUCTURAL AND HYDRODYNAMIC ANALYSIS OF THE BREAKAGE OF BRANCHING AND PLATE CORALS

Climate change is amplifying the frequency and intensity of severe weather events, with coastal regions such as the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) facing heightened vulnerability to cyclonic wave forces. Structural models have been developed for coral colonies to enhance comprehension and prediction of the effects of hydrodynamic disturbances on coral reefs. However, the methodology for quantifying complicated and variable coral morphologies remains inadequate, and the corresponding data remains considerably limited, thereby impeding structural analysis and hindering the broader-scale forecasting of coral breakage. This study focuses on two of the most prevalent coral morphologies within the GBR, namely branching and plate corals. Both laboratory and field measurements have been executed to assess coral morphologies and material characteristics. Based on the collected data, 3D structural models of branching and plate coral colonies have been developed, demonstrating the capability to generate multiple coral colonies with varying morphological patterns from different forereef zones. These models are combined with hydrodynamic modelling to predict the probability of failure under different wave climates. As part of the GBR Reef Restoration and Adaption Program, the results are used to create risk maps of coral failure and rubble generation at reef and GBR scales.