Submerged coastal structures modify incident wave fields and alter nearshore processes. Existing research indicates that our understanding of hydrodynamics and sediment transport resulting from wave-reef interactions is still incomplete. Here we present the findings of an extensive set of wave basin experiments reproducing the wave-driven hydrodynamics around reefs subject to a range of wave conditions and water levels. Through a generalized reef design and variations in key reef geometrical properties, we aimed to enhance the understanding of nearshore hydrodynamics applicable to various submerged coastal structures, including nature-based artificial reefs. Overall, this study improves the understanding of far-field scale hydrodynamic processes resulting from waves interacting with artificial reefs. The novel laboratory dataset developed by this research provides a foundation for developing improved predictive models and guidelines to design artificial reefs for coastal protection.
