Bio-Shields: A Tool for Mitigating Tsunami and Storm Surge Damage

Tsunami events have been at the center of the world’s attention with recent events in Japan and the Pacific Rim. These Tsunami events regularly affect the coasts of Pacific islands, in many cases causing severe property damage, injury, and death. While an early warning system and an educated public is the centerpiece of an effective tsunami strategy, these systems can fail. If a tsunami is generated locally, there may not be sufficient time for an evacuation. Anecdotal accounts of survivors and research following the Indian Ocean tsunami of 2004 pointed to a protective role of coastal forests.  In January 2010, a team form The Tropical Landscape and Human Interaction Lab at the University of Hawaii recorded tsunami inundation distances, vegetation composition, and damage to structures in cleared and forested coastal areas of Upolu, Samoa that were affected by the September 29, 2009, tsunami. Data collected supports the hypothesis of a protective role of vegetation in reducing damage to structures. Additional benefits of such forests may also include protection from storm surge and reduced erosion.