Parameterization of wave attenuation across salt marsh vegetation buffer zones: a case study of Scirpus mariqueter

By integrating vegetative buffer zones such as salt marshes, eco-coasts can enhance natural defense capabilities against storm surges and waves and show the sustainable and adaptive characteristics of the ecological coastline. Focusing on Scirpus mariqueter buffer zones, this study quantitatively evaluated their wave-dissipation effectiveness in salt marsh vegetation buffer zones through analysis of wave observation data in situ. Results indicate a significant correlation existing between wave transmission coefficients of the same vegetation species in different coasts and their relative width. Moreover, the wave attenuation rate within vegetated zones exhibits an initial rapid decline followed by a slower rate. Thus, an empirical formula for wave transmission coefficient k_t=\mathrme^\left(-0.03\tfracwh_0+0.67\right) is developed using relative vegetation width, with its predictive accuracy validated by field data (R² = 0.86). The findings provide an effective method for rapid assessment of salt marsh vegetation buffer zones protection capacity and offer scientific support for sustainable coastal protection strategies.