Meta analysis of Manning’s coefficient for saltmarsh and mangroves to support broad scale assessment

Arefin, Syed Shamsil, Nicholls, Robert, Nolte, Stefanie and Heslop, Jack (2026) Meta analysis of Manning’s coefficient for saltmarsh and mangroves to support broad scale assessment. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science. ISSN 0272-7714

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Abstract

The natural protection offered by saltmarsh and mangrove wetlands is increasingly recognised and there is widespread interest in understanding this phenomenon to assist nature-based coastal interventions. Roughness plays a fundamental role in shallow-water hydrodynamic process and hence is a critical parameter for simulating flow over coastal vegetation and the resulting dynamics of surge and wave attenuation. This study provides a comprehensive review of our understanding of the Manning's coefficient (T/L1/3) in saltmarsh and mangroves. The literature was screened using a rigorous selection procedure to identify studies relevant to saltmarsh and mangrove hydrodynamics and bed roughness. Considering all the numerical, laboratory and field studies that used Manning's coefficient in saltmarsh and mangrove ecosystems, 36 papers were identified and assessed. The results indicate an interquartile range of Manning's coefficient (s/m1/3) from 0.04 to 0.08 for saltmarshes and 0.10 to 0.14 for mangroves, providing indicative ‘global’ estimates for these two coastal wetland types. Geographic location, tidal range and temperature showed no statistical relationship, supporting the use of global indicative values. However, statistical testing reveals that the Manning's coefficient for saltmarshes and mangroves do show significant cross-shore variability with increasing values from the seaward to landward direction. This should be considered and further assessed, especially in more detailed studies. Hence, this analysis provides an indicative ‘global’ constant estimate of Manning's coefficient for saltmarshes and mangroves, as well as suggestions for more systematic future research on wetland roughness.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	manning's coefficient
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Science > School of Environmental Sciences University of East Anglia Research Groups/Centres > Theme - ClimateUEA Faculty of Social Sciences > School of Global Development (formerly School of International Development)
UEA Research Groups:	Faculty of Science > Research Groups > Geosciences Faculty of Science > Research Groups > Centre for Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences University of East Anglia Schools > Faculty of Science > Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research Faculty of Science > Research Centres > Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research Faculty of Science > Research Groups > Collaborative Centre for Sustainable Use of the Seas Faculty of Science > Research Groups > Environmental Biology Faculty of Science > Research Groups > Environmental Social Sciences
Depositing User:	LivePure Connector
Date Deposited:	13 Apr 2026 16:33
Last Modified:	13 Apr 2026 19:34
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/102768
DOI:	10.1016/j.ecss.2026.109791

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