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Storm Surge

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Last updated date: 20th Apr 2024
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Definition of Surge Weather

Surge is the type of atmospheric process that operates inland water or oceans. In this weather, the gravitational tides and the atmospheric pressure work together to create dramatic effects in the inland water or on the coastal. These effects will also lead to flooding in many areas. The difference in the velocity of the winds changes the circulation of the oceans for creating the dramatic effect. When we define surge, you should know that it will leave its impact over a vast area. 


To answer what is the meaning of Surge the meteorological department has attempted to define it clearly. According to them, Surge is associated with tropical storms and tropical cyclones. These two are the types of storm surges. These storms are generated over the local inland seas and lakes. There are several high-pressure areas that you can find on the Earth, such as the northern and southern Atlantic oceans. In this high-pressure area, you will commonly find the changes in atmospheric pressure when a surge is forming. If you think, what is the meaning of surge, or how it happens? Then there is a simple answer to this question. It concerns the atmospheric pressure that develops on oceans and the waters inland. 


Surge Formation

When the atmospheric pressure changes in the area of high pressure, it will lead to the fall in water level in that area; however, when the atmospheric pressure changes in the sea of low pressure, the water level will rise. There are several areas in which this weather occurs from time to time, and they noted the common measurement of rising or fall of water level. You will commonly see the 2millibars rise or fall in water level in 24 hours. 


If we see the surge definition, then you will understand that this is the type of atmospheric process which can be caused by different situations. Another cause that can create surges is the sudden increase in the speed of wind streams. This type of surges will happen in tropical areas, and you can also follow this surge in the weather map with the expansion when the speed of the wind changes in the trade wind belt. It is commonly increased by 40 km/hr from the surface area to over some height from the surface. When these changes happen in the monsoon currents, then the changes in the speed of wind are called the monsoon surge or burst. 


The surges can also happen on a smaller scale, but the impacts of the surges on a smaller scale will be harsh than normal. The increase in the level of water will be unpredictable when it comes to the smaller scale. It will cause flooding in the coastal areas, and it will also destroy the lives of many people. If the tropical storms and tropical cyclone is formed, then it will make landfall across the coast. The storm surges will also bring heavy rain along with them. The height of the storm is also measured based on its wind speed, intensity, and path. It also depends upon the characters of the coastal region, such as shape, shore, and slope. 


There are two main types of surge weather you will find from several studies. Following is detailed information on the types of the surge and how they formed. 

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Storm Surge 

We can define surge as a process that mainly occurs in the Ocean and inland water due to the variation in pressure, gravitational tides, and other changes in oceanic circulation. Storm surge is one of the types of surge weather which is commonly found in the inland seas or tropical region. Storm surge meaning is very simple, which is the sudden increase in the water level in the low-pressure areas. Storm surge is similar to coastal floods and the different tsunami-like phenomenon. For the measuring of storm surge intensity, you just have to measure the level of rising water concerning the normal tidal level of the water. You should also know that in the concept of storm surge, you will not find any waves or drama in the oceanic circulation. 


When the coastal region is hit with tropical cycling or a storm surge, it will damage all the infrastructure on the coastal region, and it will leave a huge impact on the coast. When the weather becomes more intense and the level of water increases, then the impact of the surge is more on the infrastructure and the property on the coastal area. It will also create a high impact on the coat population. 


Surge definition is similar to the storm surge or tidal surge. The impacts of the storm surge are extreme. It will also lead to extreme floods and tsunami. This will damage all the infrastructure and the property which is in the path of the surge. 


You will find several effects which will contribute to forming the surge, or it will affect the intensity of the surge in many ways. Direct wind effect, atmospheric pressure effect, heart rotation effect, the effect of waves, rainfall effect, the depth of the sea or topography, and storm size all will affect the surge, and it will also help in increasing the intensity of the storm surge. Every factor has its mechanism to work with the surge. 


All the above information will give a detailed answer to the question: what is surge? You will also see the different impacts and the factors which affect the formation of a surge in different low-pressure areas.  

FAQs on Storm Surge

1. What are the Main Meteorological Factors Which Contribute to the Forming of Storm Surge?  

Ans: You should know the formation of any type of surge is dependent upon the different factors. The main meteorological factor is the speed of the wind, which pushes the water towards the coastal line. This factor will affect the storm surge mainly, and it will also decide the impact of a surgeon on the coastal area. Another factor that can affect the storm surge is the shallowness or depth of the water body along the path of the surge. The timing of the tides and atmospheric pressure will also contribute to the firming of storm surge. 

2. What are the Different Methods of Measuring Surge? 

Ans: Tidal surge meaning is same as the destination of the storm surge. There are different methods by which you can measure the intensity of the surge. The main and common method is to measure the increased level of the water as compared to the normal tidal level. Another method includes the atmospheric pressure sensor, which can plot when the storm is coming into the area. This will give you the proper height of the cyclone or surge. It will also measure the level of water over the sensor.