Coral reef hydrodynamics is the academic field investigating the motion of water and the forces exerted by water within and around coral reef ecosystems. It encompasses the study of waves, currents, tides, and turbulence, and their influence on physical and ecological processes such as larval dispersal, nutrient exchange, sediment transport, and the physical structure of the reef. Understanding these hydrodynamic drivers is essential for assessing reef health, resilience, and connectivity.