Question

Which factor is NOT mentioned as influencing the severity of a storm surge?

• A. The shallowness of the water body.
• B. The orientation of the water body relative to the storm's path.
• C. The timing of the tides.
• D. The average annual rainfall in the region.

Answer 1

Answer:

D. The average annual rainfall in the region.

A storm surge is primarily driven by a storm's winds pushing water ashore and the low atmospheric pressure allowing the ocean to bulge upwards. While heavy rainfall can occur during the same storm and contribute to overall flooding, it's the wind and pressure that directly create the surge of ocean water.

Factors that do significantly influence storm surge severity include:

• Storm Intensity (wind speed and central pressure): Stronger winds and lower pressure create a higher surge.

• Storm Size: Larger storms affect a wider area and can generate a greater surge.

• Forward Speed of the Storm: Faster-moving storms can sometimes produce a more destructive surge in certain coastal geometries.

• Angle of Approach to the Coast: The angle at which the storm hits the coastline can funnel water into bays and inlets, amplifying the surge.

• Coastal Topography and Bathymetry: Shallow, gently sloping offshore seabeds and funnel-shaped coastlines can significantly amplify the surge height.

• Astronomical Tide: If a storm surge coincides with high tide, the total water level will be higher.