KAUST researchers have highlighted the vital role of coral reefs off the east coast of Saudi Arabia in protecting coastal zones from storm surges and extreme wave heights. Using advanced high-resolution modeling, the researchers have demonstrated how these offshore reefs act as natural breakwaters, mitigating the impact of waves and reducing the risk of coastal damage. The findings are crucial for city planning, particularly for the King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC), and underscore the importance of conserving these reefs for both economic and disaster mitigation purposes.

The study, led by Sabique Langodan and Ibrahim Hoteit, initially aimed to predict maximum wave heights to inform the design of safe infrastructure elevations. However, the researchers expanded the study to explore how coral reefs affect wave climate in reef-sheltered regions. By simulating how waves transform as they pass over reefs and shallow seabeds, the team used long-term wave data, bathymetry, and advanced computational models to predict changes in wave heights.

The results revealed that coral reefs can reduce wave heights by up to 50% at the coastline, lowering the minimum safe elevation for structures in KAEC from 4.0 meters to 2.3 meters, potentially saving about 500 million USD in fill material. However, the study also pointed out that coral degradation or rising sea levels could compromise the protective role of reefs, exposing coastal zones to greater risks.

This research provides essential insights into the ecological and economic value of coral reefs, urging their conservation to maintain the natural defense they offer against coastal hazards.

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