Living on the edge: Quantifying physical dynamics controlling mangrove fringe dynamics

Mangrove forests are well known as coastal ecosystem defences. Mangrove trees have a significant role in these systems as they attenuate hydrodynamic forces and contribute to the reduction of coastal erosion, (Horstman et al., 2014). However, a mechanistic understanding of the feedbacks of hydro- and morphodynamic stresses on mangrove seedling survival is lacking for the period after establishment (Balke et al., 2011). These feedbacks are key for the development and resilience of mangroves, particularly in an urban area where stressors such as limited accommodation space and reduced sediment supply are prevalent. In this work we address the effects of waves and tidal currents, including fluctuations therein over a seasonal timescale, on the morphodynamics and their combined impact on mangrove seedling development.