What are storm surges ?

Question 1

What are the reasons for storm surges ?

Answer 1

• Low air pressure in the north sea
• Air is rising
• Sea level rises, as less surface pressure on the sea
• Lower the pressure the higher it rises
• Wind causes larger winds.

Question 2

Why is London vulnerable ?

Answer 2

• Narrowing of the land which raises the water even higher
• Funnelling up the Thames Estuary
• If this would combine with rain over London it would be worse
• Avoid high tide or spring tide

Question 3

Case study for London

Answer 3

• 185 miles of the sea wall and 8 barriers
• To last until 2030
• Projected to be used every 2 to 3 years
• It was closed 4 times in the 1980s
• 35 times in the 1990
• 100 times since 2000
• January 2014, the barrier was raised on 13 consecutive tides