In the Maldives, a collaboration between the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Self-Assembly Lab and the Maldivian organization Invena is exploring a natural method to combat rising sea levels.
They use underwater structures to direct ocean currents and collect sand in specific areas, helping to protect islands and possibly create new islands. These groups have been experimenting in the Maldives since 2019, CNN reported. Erosion is affecting nearly all of the country’s islands.
Rising sea levels and powerful storms are threatening coastal areas around the world. Many island states and coastal cities are building barriers and adding sand to their beaches to protect themselves.
A number of experiments are being conducted near the Maldives capital, Male, to try different ways of stabilizing sand on reef flats. According to CNN, these experiments include submerging a net of rope tied in knots to collect sand and using a special fabric to create a barrier on the sea floor that turns into hard concrete when wet.
Another experiment involved placing a floating garden on top of a sand dune. The researchers investigated whether the plant roots could help hold the sand in place and collect more sand. Although these ideas may sound similar to old concepts like using mangroves for coastal protection, the experiments are backed by advanced data and technology.
The MIT team began their work by experimenting with wave tanks to understand how to place and shape their structures. According to the publication, they used data from a variety of sources, including sensors in the Maldives, public tide and weather information, computer simulations, and a machine learning model that analyzes satellite images to predict sand movement.
Maldives is the lowest country in the world
The Maldives is the lowest country in the world. It is on average just 3.3 feet above sea level. In response to rising sea levels, officials, resort managers and developers are using dredging and building barriers such as sea walls and breakwaters.
Although these methods are intended to protect islands, they are often expensive, difficult to maintain and can harm natural habitats.
