This research seeks to determine how changes in reef structure influence surface wave transformation processes at a large-scale (100 m scale) coral reef restoration site in LA parguera- puerto rico

To achieve this- we will conduct field observations with an observational array of hydrodynamic sensors and simultaneously measure coral roughness and substrate elevation using a personal watercraft (PWC) equipped with a bathymetric system. To evaluate the effectiveness of coral reef restoration in coastal protection- we will monitor wave attenuation over time at a restoration site and a control site- where no restoration is planned. This comparison will enable US to accurately attribute enhancements in wave attenuation to the restoration efforts. Furthermore-the proposed work seeks to refine and improve existing bottom friction parameterizations and wave transformation models. These enhancements have the potential to advance coastal protection techniques and- ultimately- increase the resilience of coastal communities. Finally- a data repository will be developed to host and disseminate the collected oceanographic time series data- along with coral reef roughness distributions from our study sites. The proposed field observations are anticipated to provide a unique and invaluable high-quality validation dataset for numerical modelers targeting simulations of reef-lined coasts