Laboratory investigation of internal solitary waves breaking on reef-lagoon systems

作者：Yixin Wang, Yeping Yuan, Ying‐Tien Lin, Jinbao Song · 发表于：Physics of Fluids · 年份：2025 · DOI：10.1063/5.0272471 · 被引用次数：3 · 研究领域：Coral and Marine Ecosystems Studies、Oceanographic and Atmospheric Processes、Coastal and Marine Dynamics

Coral reefs face severe threats from bleaching and degradation driven by natural and anthropogenic factors, such as global warming and ocean acidification. Internal solitary waves (ISWs) breaking in reef-lagoon systems play a critical role in modulating coral reef ecosystems by inducing upwelling currents that deliver cold, nutrient-rich deep water to reefs, potentially mitigating thermal stress and coral bleaching. However, the hydrodynamic processes governing ISW-driven upwelling and their ecological implications remain underexplored. This study advances prior research by using synchronized particle image velocimetry and planar laser-induced fluorescence in laboratory experiments to measure high-resolution velocity and density fields over realistic reef-lagoon topographies. These measurements enable precise quantification of upwelling dynamics, including maximum run-up height, upwelling velocity, and cold-water intrusion extent and duration. We also analyze bottom Reynolds stress and turbulent burst events via quadrant analysis to elucidate mechanisms of turbulent transport, sediment resuspension, and material exchange under varying coral roughness conditions. Our findings reveal that higher ISW amplitudes enhance upwelling intensity, promoting cold-water propagation across the reef flat, while rough coral surfaces play a dual role: they impede upwelling spread but enhance near-bed turbulence and material exchange. By linking hydrodynamic metrics, such as run-up speed and u...