How do hurricanes produce storm sures? Why is a storm surge more severe along a coast with a side, shallow continental shelf than along a coast with a narrow continental shelf?
Hurricanes produce storm surges primarily through the combination of two factors: wind and low atmospheric pressure. When a hurricane approaches a coastline, the strong winds push the water towards the shore, causing it to pile up and raise sea levels. At the same time, the low atmospheric pressure at the center of the hurricane can further raise the sea level due to the reduced pressure exerted on the surface of the water.
Now, regarding the severity of a storm surge along a coast with a wide, shallow continental shelf compared to a coast with a narrow continental shelf, there are a few factors at play:
1. Distance the water has to travel: A wide, shallow continental shelf implies that the water has to travel a greater distance from the shelf to reach the coast. This allows more time for the water to accumulate and build up momentum, resulting in a more severe storm surge.
2. Topography: A wide, shallow continental shelf generally has a gradual slope, which makes it easier for the water to propagate inland with less resistance. In contrast, a narrow continental shelf typically has steeper slopes, which can impede the surge's inland progress and reduce its severity.
3. Channeling effect: A narrow continental shelf can act as a natural barrier, restricting the horizontal extent of the surge and confining it to a narrower area. This can lead to a more concentrated and intense surge along a narrower coastal corridor.
It's important to note that while the width of the continental shelf influences the severity of a storm surge, other factors such as the hurricane's size, intensity, and angle of approach to the coastline also play significant roles.