Characteristics Of The Hurricane Storm Surge

Because of this lack of basic data, theoretical research has been largely restricted to calculations based on unverified postulates concerning the phenomena involved and on attempts to evaluate them by the available empirical data. Although studies of this kind have led to a better understanding of the phenomena, they have not led to the development of any outstandingly successful prediction systems.

Climate Adaptation Engineering defines the measures taken to reduce vulnerability and increase the resiliency of built infrastructure. This includes enhancement of design standards, structural strengthening, utilisation of new materials, and changes to inspection and maintenance regimes, etc. The book examines the known effects and relationships of climate change variables on infrastructure and risk-management policies. Rich with case studies, this resource will enable engineers to develop a long-term, self-sustained assessment capacity and more effective risk-management strategies. The book's authors also take a long-term view, dealing with several aspects of climate change. The text has been written in a style accessible to technical and non-technical readers with a focus on practical decision outcomes. Provides climate scenarios and their likelihoods, hazard modelling (wind, flood, heatwaves, etc.), infrastructure vulnerability, resilience or exposure (likelihood and extent of damage) Introduces the key concepts needed to assess the risks, costs and benefits of future proofing infrastructures in a changing climate Includes case studies authored by experts from around the world

The report contains an adaptation of a unique storm-surge forecasting technique developed by Dr. C.P. Jelesnianski. This technique results in a computed storm surge profile at the inner boundary of an artificial standard basin seaward of the coast. The profile is derived from nomograms based upon a standard storm passing over a standard basin. Thumb rules and guidelines are presented in the publication for subjectively modifying the computer storm surge height as it moves shoreward of the artificial basin boundary, to fit the natural conditions of a particular coastline. Major advantages of this system are its applicability to almost any locale, its adaptability to data normally available to the field forecaster and the speed with which the forecast may be modified to remain current with natural fluctuations of the storm.

A climatology of hurricane factors important to storm surges is presented for the U.S. gulf and east coasts. A smoothed frequency of tropical storms and hurricanes entering and exiting the coast and storms passing within 150 n.mi. of the coast during the period 1871-1973 is given. The central pressure for hurricanes and tropical storms and the radius of maximum winds and speed of forward motion for hurricanes were obtained from data analysis. Directions of landfalling hurricanes and tropical storms at the time they crossed the coast at selected points were also analyzed. The probability distribution of each factor was plotted and analyzed for each 50-n.mi. interval along the coast. Selected probability levels of each distribution were then summarized, and smoothed variations along the coast were obtained by analysis. The speed of motion for two classes of hurricanes (those that enetered the coast and those that passed within 150 n.mi. of the coast) were studied separately and a smooth speed analysis determined for each. The question of joint probability among the various factors and with latitude is discussed qualitatively.