Evaluation of a Method for Measuring Lateral Obscuration of Coastal Marsh Vegetation in Louisiana

摘要

This technical note presents the results of a pilot study evaluating the efficacy of using an image-derived, vegetative lateral obscuration ratio as an indicator of wave and flow hindrance in coastal Louisiana. The note discusses: (1) field methodology and equipment used to take the lateral photo, (2) comparisons between two different image analysis methods used to calculate the obscuration ratio, and (3) correlations among the obscuration ratios with vertical biomass distribution and density for two different coastal marsh plant species. Additionally, advantages, limitations, potential improvements to the methodology, and how results could be incorporated into wave attenuation modeling are also presented.