6 Questions
Storm surge can be defined as an abnormal rise of sea level near the coast caused by a severe tropical cyclone (wind and atmospheric pressure); as a result of which sea water inundates low lying areas of coastal regions drowning human beings and life stock, causes eroding beaches and embankments, destroys vegetation and leads to reduction of soil fertility. Storm surge is different from tsunami and tidal waves. Tsunami is caused by geologic processes like earthquake while tidal wave is caused by the gravitational pull of the moon. How does storm surge happen. Sea level is raised and driven towards the coast. Where the depth is shallow and the slope of the sea bed is gradual, the natural flow of the water is delayed by the effect of friction on the sea bed. As more water moves from the sea to the coast excess water piles up on the shore line. This piling up of water makes a large volume of water which might eventually flow into the hinterland some distance from the coast. Depending upon the shape of the coastline and the slope of the sea bed, storm surge can sweep across large portions of coastal areas. When high tide happens at the same time as a storm surge, the combination of the two is called storm tide. Storm surge should not be confused with storm tide. During a storm tide, the water level may be 20 feet or more above normal. This causes huge floods.
What causes storm surge?
Abnormal rise of sea level caused by severe tropical cyclone
How is storm surge different from tsunami and tidal waves?
Tsunami is caused by geologic processes like earthquake while storm surge is caused by severe tropical cyclone
What happens when high tide coincides with a storm surge?
Storm tide, with water level 20 feet above normal, causing huge floods
What effect does the shape of the coastline have on storm surge?
It can cause storm surge to sweep across large portions of coastal areas
What is the role of the sea bed in the occurrence of storm surge?
The slope of the sea bed delays the natural flow of water, causing excess water to pile up on the shore line
Study Notes
Storm Surge Definition and Effects
- Storm surge is an abnormal rise of sea level near the coast caused by a severe tropical cyclone (wind and atmospheric pressure)
- It results in sea water inundating low-lying areas of coastal regions, causing death, destruction, and environmental damage
- Effects of storm surge include:
- Drowning human beings and livestock
- Eroding beaches and embankments
- Destroying vegetation
- Reducing soil fertility
Difference from Tsunami and Tidal Waves
- Storm surge is distinct from tsunami and tidal waves
- Tsunami is caused by geologic processes like earthquakes
- Tidal wave is caused by the gravitational pull of the moon
How Storm Surge Happens
- Sea level is raised and driven towards the coast
- In shallow waters with a gradual sea bed slope, the natural flow of water is delayed by friction on the sea bed
- This results in excess water piling up on the shoreline, creating a large volume of water that may flow into the hinterland
- The shape of the coastline and sea bed slope determine the extent of storm surge impact
Storm Tide and Its Effects
- When high tide coincides with a storm surge, it's called a storm tide
- Storm surge should not be confused with storm tide
- During a storm tide, water levels may be 20 feet or more above normal, causing massive floods
Test your knowledge about storm surges with this informative quiz. Learn about the causes, effects, and characteristics of storm surges, and how they impact coastal areas during severe tropical cyclones.
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