Comparison of drag and velocity in model mangrove forests with random and in-line tree distributions

Abstract This study examined the role of tree arrangement (random versus aligned) on the drag forces and velocity inside a 1/12th-scale model mangrove forest over a range of tree density (trees m−2). Each model tree included an aerial root system geometrically similar to Rhizophora, with maximum root height HRmax and water depth H > HRmax. The non-dimensional root density was defined as ar HRmax, with root zone frontal area per volume, ar. For both random and aligned low-density forests, ar HRmax   0.1, the velocity was diminished in the root zone (z