A storm surge is an abnormal, transient rise in coastal water level driven primarily by storm-induced atmospheric pressure deficits and wind stress on the ocean surface, superimposed on the astronomical tide. It is characterized by the setup of water against the coastline and over continental shelves, with magnitude controlled by storm intensity, size, translation speed, track, coastal geometry, bathymetry, and background sea level. In research, storm surge is quantified using hydrodynamic models solving shallow-water or primitive equations, coupled with wave and tide models, to estimate surge height, inundation extent, and associated hydrodynamic forces for risk assessment and coastal engineering design.
When climate disasters strike, survivors sometimes have to make difficult decisions about whether to rebuild or move to higher ground. But who is stuck in place, and who can afford to move to safety? And what do they bring ...
Environment
Aug 14, 2025
0
70
Penn State Assistant Professor of Anthropology Jacob Holland-Lulewicz is among a group of archaeologists who have spent years conducting research on the barrier islands off the coast of Georgia. The islands have changed shape ...
Earth Sciences
Jul 25, 2025
0
181
New Zealand 2050: On the morning of February 27, the sea surged through the dunes south of the small town of Te Taone, riding on the back of Cyclone Harita's swollen rivers and 200mm of overnight rainfall.
Environment
Jul 15, 2025
0
13
A new study from UNC-Chapel Hill reveals that repetitive flooding in North Carolina is far more common and more widespread than previously recognized, with over 20,000 buildings flooding multiple times between 1996 and 2020.
Earth Sciences
Jul 14, 2025
0
26
Tropical cyclones (TCs) rank among the most destructive weather phenomena, often bringing intense winds, heavy rainfall, and massive storm surges.
Earth Sciences
Jul 9, 2025
1
46
At a coastal port in Chittagong, Bangladesh, something remarkable is underway. With support from a US$850 million (£620 million) investment from the World Bank, engineers are building flood-resistant infrastructure that can ...
Environment
Jul 2, 2025
0
11
The Tampa Bay region is still recovering from the 2024 hurricane season when it was battered by Hurricanes Milton and Helene. The state of Florida had it even worse in 2004 when it was pummeled by four, back-to-back storms—Charley, ...
Environment
Jun 9, 2025
0
16
When powerful storms hit your city, which neighborhoods are most likely to flood? In many cities, they're typically low-income areas. They may have poor drainage, or they lack protections such as seawalls.
Environment
Jun 2, 2025
0
16
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is predicting an above-average Atlantic hurricane season from June 1 through Nov. 30.
Earth Sciences
May 30, 2025
0
62
The 2025 hurricane season officially begins on June 1, and it's forecast to be more active than ever, with potentially devastating storms whose heavy rainfall and powerful storm surges cause dangerous coastal flooding.
Environment
May 30, 2025
0
30
