Tidal asymmetry in mangrove creeks

We model the dynamics of a tidal creek — mangrove swamp system. In the creek, a tidal asymmetry prevails. The ebb flow dominance at spring tides helps flush out the coarse sediment from the creek. Results from the numerical model suggest that the ebb dominance is due to friction in the mangrove forest and in turn this is controlled by the density of the vegetation. The tidal asymmetry of the current is negligible for a very small or a very large vegetation density, and is maximum for an intermediate vegetation density typical of that in undisturbed healthy mangroves.