WA L2: Destructive Ocean Waves Flashcards
What is a storm surge?
Abrupt bulge of water driven ashore by a hurricane (or similar event elsewhere: tropical cyclone, typhoon).
What two processes generate a storm surge?
a) hurricane winds pushing water into a large/tall mound called the wind-driven surge
b) raising of ocean water (due to air pressure), suctioned upward underneath the eye of storm because of low air pressure at the ocean surface. this second process produces a smaller effect
What is a wind-driven surge?
tall large water mound created by hurricane winds
What is pressure surge?
The effect of air pressure that raises ocean water (suctions it) underneath the eye of the storm
Is the surge technically a wave or a crest?
It is only a crest.
Behaviour of surge?
Behaves like shallow-water wave in that the bulge becomes higher as the water depth gets shallower. Bulge rushes inland as a sudden, very higher, wind-blown tide.
What about storm surges differ from common oceanic waves?
Storm surges do not break into surf.
When are storm surges most disastrous? Why?
During high tide. Because the height and mass of water of the tide adds onto that of the surge
How long do storm surges usually last?
1-3 days
How much will the coastal water level be raised?
Raised by 0.5 to 7 meters.
What determines the severity of the storm surge?
Strength of the storm generating the surge
Where in the Northern Hemisphere do you experience the severest force of the surge?
The coastal area to the right of the storm
surge driven by the wind is moving in the same direction (towards the shore) as the surge driven by the ___ ______ of the storm.
low pressure
On the left side of the storm, which type of surge moves towards the shore? Why?
Pressure-driven surge. On the left side of the storm, the winds are directed away from land (offshore); it is opposite to the direction of the storm.
Why is the force of the storm surge on land at a minimum?
There is only pressure driven surge moving towards the shore.
What kind of death is most common from surges?
Drowning. Usually from being swept off by the moving water. Impact of moving water also causes much of the damage to the structures.
Would you expect most hurricane-related deaths in North America be due to storm surge? Why/ why not?
No. Most of us live inland. Hurricanes destroy more infrastructure, I think…
In storm surge disasters, what does the significant decrease in the number of deaths and the exponential increase of cost of damage and destruction mean?
This data reflects our increased ability to forecast and predict the paths of incoming hurricanes and to use this knowledge to protect people who live along the coast. Unfortunately, governments have been unable to prevent society from developing large communities along the coast, especially in those low-lying areas that are highly vulnerable to the effects of storm surges.
What is the “storm surge capital of the world”? How many moderate to severe storm surges recorded from 1582 to 1991? How tall were some of them?
Bay of Bengal area. 142 events recorded. Some taller than 8m. The surges killed 100’s of thousands of people
How to protect oneself from hurricanes?
Make sure you have emergency kit and plan and by evacuating when told.
Where do hurricanes strike Canada?
the Atlantic Coast.
Action plan to protect you and family from storm surges?
Step 1: Listen for warnings
Step 2: Be prepared
Step 3: Take appropriate action
Step 4: Know what your community is doing
What to do should a storm surge occur?
stay inside where you are protected from the water; it’s best to be on the downwind side of the house, away from windows
if you are not all in the same location, keep in touch frequently with family members
monitor the storm’s progress and listen for warnings or instructions from local officials
flood waters can be dangerous to drive through; before driving anywhere, listen carefully to rescue officials who will be coordinating evacuation plans
be aware of risks such as hypothermia from cold water or drowning from running water
What is a tsunami? What does the word come from?
A wave or series of waves generated by the rapid displacement of large amounts of ocean water. Comes from Japanese term “harbour wave.”