Flow and sediment dynamics around structures in mangrove ecosystems—a modeling perspective

Abstract : We conducted a literature review to determine the state of the art of hydro- and sediment dynamics modeling studies. We start with a brief overview about mangrove ecosystems while showing various aspects of hydro- and sediment dynamics without claiming exhaustiveness. Since mangrove structures are commonly mimicked using cylindrical stems, papers presenting flow and sedimentation patterns around cylinders are also included in this chapter. We report a significant gap of knowledge of hydrodynamics and sediment transport around mangrove structures at small spatial scales of root systems or trees, single roots or seedlings, and surface texture. To date, most studies are based on field measurements investigating sediment transport around mangrove structures, followed by investigations using flume experiments or numerical simulations. However, Computational Fluid Dynamics appears to be a method with great potential to quantify small-scale dynamics around mangrove structures and could lead to a better understanding of these ecosystems and their processes.