Abstract. This study evaluated the potential of coastal trees to reduce flooding areas caused by waves with abnormal heights, such as storm surges, using a numerical model applied to idealized beaches. The study considered 5 factors that affect sensitivity of coastal areas to flooding: slope of the beach, bottom friction coefficient, length of tree lines, width of tree lines, and shape of tree areas. The results indicate that slope of the beaches can reduce flooding areas, as steep slopes can transform wave energy into potential energy. With regard to the friction coefficient, beaches with higher bottom friction factors will have fewer flooding areas. Relative to beaches with no trees at all, increasing the length and width of tree lines can reduce flooding areas by as much as 30%. However, the shapes of tree areas have no significant effect on flooding areas.
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