2025 Volume 21 Pages 85-93
This study evaluated the potential for reducing storm surges in experiments designed to artificially increase the surface drag coefficient (Cd) at the entrance of Tokyo Bay. Using atmospheric and storm surge models, we varied Cd within the range 0.005-0.025 and the area of increased friction. The results showed that increased friction at the entrance to Tokyo Bay led to decreased wind speeds, significantly reducing storm surge height, particularly at Tokyo. Under the maximum friction increase, the storm surge height at Tokyo decreased by up to 24%. The storm surge reduction was most effective when Cd was increased to 0.010, with further increases in Cd or the area of friction yielding diminishing wind speed and storm surge. The findings suggest a novel approach, similar to traditional coastal windbreak forests, for mitigating meteorological and oceanographic disasters, with potential applications for protecting urban areas within bays from storm surges.
