Humble seagrass could play a crucial role in protecting our coasts

May 16, 2019

A general view shows breaking waves along the ocean beach front in Biarritz on the southern Atlantic Coast of France, April 6, 2017. REUTERS/ Regis Duvignau - RC110B5D7D10

Researchers have found significant environmental benefits offered by seagrass. Image: REUTERS/ Regis Duvignau

David L. Chandler

Writer, MIT News

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Researchers used a74-foot-long wave tank at MIT, loaded with simulated seagrass plants, to study how seagrass acts to attenuate waves under various conditions. In this video, the simulated plants are exposed to strong waves.

Image: MIT news

In further tests in the MIT tank, simulated seagrass plants are subjected to very low-velocity waves.

Image: MIT news

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