Flow Structure in an Artificial Seagrass Meadow in Combined Wave-Current Conditions

Experiments were conducted in a laboratory flume using an artificial seagrass meadow, modeled after Zostera marina , to examine the impact of waves on vertical structure time-averaged current, Reynolds stress, and turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) under combined wave-current conditions. With addition smaller waves, defined by ratio wave velocity current U w /U c < 2.5, peaked above which was similar pure When > presence caused peak near top meadow. For 1 reduced magnitude stress. all conditions considered, wake production turbulence dominated shear However, less efficient than generating TKE meadow because movement blades forced oscillatory fluid motion relative between wave. A modified hybrid model for flexible canopy proposed account contributions currents. Wake when currents 1. The models observations this study contribute enhanced understanding influences flow realistic