Waves

Wave conditions in the Mekong Delta are primarily governed by the monsoonal wind regime and the characteristics of a shallow coastal shelf. Under typical conditions, significant wave heights generally range from approximately 0.5 to 1.5 m; however, they can exceed 2–3 m during extreme events such as tropical storms or depressions. Waves play a dominant role in coastal erosion processes, particularly in areas where sediment supply is limited.

In shallow nearshore environments, wave action strongly resuspends bottom sediments, increasing suspended sediment concentrations and facilitating the offshore transport of fine materials. When fluvial sediment inputs decline, waves become the primary driver controlling shoreline dynamics, often shifting the balance from accretion to erosion. This transition has been widely observed along multiple coastal segments of the Mekong Delta, where pronounced erosional trends have developed over recent decades.

In addition, long-period waves (infragravity waves) are capable of propagating deep into mangrove forests, thereby reducing their effectiveness as natural coastal buffers. Under conditions of relative sea-level rise, increased water depth allows wave energy to penetrate further inland, enhancing erosion even in areas that were previously considered stable.