Zoe Zimmerman

2 weeks ago | usgs.gov | Zoe Zimmerman |Ryan Mulligan |Curt Storlazzi

Wave energy loss across the reef: Although waves were powerful near the reef crest, they dissipated quickly. By the time they reached the shallow reef flat, wave heights were less than 0.5 meters (1.6 feet), significantly reducing their impact on the shore. Coral Reefs as Coastal BuffersThe study adds to the growing body of evidence showing that fringing coral reefs act as critical buffers against storm waves, absorbing and dissipating energy before it reaches land.