Hydrodynamic and hydrological processes within a variety of coral reef lagoons: field observations during six cyclonic seasons in New Caledonia

Extreme weather events significantly alter lagoon dynamics, including surges and thermal drops. The study, part of the PRESENCE project, monitored five coral reef lagoons in New Caledonia over six cyclonic seasons (2014–2021), capturing data on ocean-lagoon exchanges, circulation, temperature, salinity, and currents during events ranging from tropical depressions to category 4 cyclones. Using autonomous instruments, drifter buoys, and CTD profiles, researchers identified key processes such as internal waves, wave-driven fluxes over reef barriers, and flash flood plume dispersion. The comprehensive dataset, now publicly available, provides critical data for high-resolution hydrodynamic models, aiding in the understanding of lagoon resilience under climate stress.

Bruyère, O., Soulard, B., Lemonnier, H., Laugier, T., Hubert, M., Petton, S., Desclaux, T., Van Wynsberge, S., Le Tesson, E., Lefèvre, J., Dumas, F., Kayara, J.-F., Bourassin, E., Lalau, N., Antypas, F., & Le Gendre, R. (2022). Hydrodynamic and hydrological processes within a variety of coral reef lagoons: field observations during six cyclonic seasons in New Caledonia. Earth System Science Data, 14(12), 5439–5462. https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-14-5439-2022