Storm Surges

Question 1

2013 Storm Surge:

Answer 1

In December 2013, there was a large depression that moved South East from the North Sea.

Question 2

Characteristics:

Answer 2

Wind speeds over 140mph were recorded in parts of Scotland.
Gale-force northerly winds led to a storm surge reaching 5.8m in Lincolnshire.
There was significant flooding in North Eastern England and Eastern Scotland.
Scotland’s rail network had to be closed and 100,000 homes lost their electricity.
15 fatalities across the UK, Holland, Germany, and Belgium.

Question 3

Factors Increasing Vulnerability:

Answer 3

The North Sea becomes shallower in Southern England, which leads to higher wave heights in the south.
The North Sea is open to the Atlantic and the coastlines are funnel-shaped, therefore low-lying coastal settlements (such as Norfolk) are at greater risk of flooding.

Question 4

Cyclone Sidr:

Answer 4

In November 2007, a storm surge hit the Bay of Bengal due to a tropical cyclone formed in the Indian Ocean. This had huge social, economic, and environmental costs.

Question 5

Key Facts:

Answer 5

Storm surges were 6 meters high, due to the extreme gales reaching 223km/h.
3500 fatalities caused due to drowning.
Houses, bridges, roads, and infrastructure were destroyed. Electricity and communications networks were damaged, leaving homes unconnected.
Drinking water was contaminated with saltwater and debris and sanitation infrastructure was destroyed. This increased the risk of diseases spreading in the aftermath of the cyclone.

Question 6

Factors affecting Bangladesh’s Vulnerability:

Answer 6

Most of the country is low-lying, most places are only 1-3 meters above sea level. In addition, there are many bays and rivers running far inland. These can allow storm surges to travel further inland, hence increasing the area affected.
The coastline consists of mainly unconsolidated sediment which is easily eroded, therefore there are a few cliffs and natural coastal defenses against cyclones.
Deforestation of mangroves means there is little to dissipate wave energy when it initially hits land.
The Bay of Bengal is triangular / Funnelled which concentrates waves and increases their destructive power for the countries surrounding.
Bangladesh is one of the world’s most densely populated countries (population = 169m in 2015).