As a student, Shirley Murillo was inspired to learn about hurricanes when she witnessed the damage produced by these monster storms. Now, she and other scientists at NOAA’s Hurricane Research Division use computer models, satellite data, and information collected from a variety of other sources to help people on land prepare for approaching storms.
During a hurricane, one of the greatest threats to life and property is a storm surge. As hurricanes move toward land, they push a mass of water in front of them. When this wall of water reaches land, it can have very destructive and often deadly consequences.
To contain storm surges, embankments called levees are built along shorelines. Most levees are made from earthen materials that are piled high along the water’s edge. Sometimes a concrete or metal barrier called a floodwall offers added protection. As long as these upright structures remain intact, they can contain rising water levels. However, if they are breeched or destroyed, there is nothing left to hold back a major flood!
In addition to engineered walls and levees, there are natural systems in place that help reduce storm damage. Along a coastline, for example, healthy ecosystems help stabilize the land. Coastal wetlands can help absorb water from storm surges and flooding. Healthy vegetation retains the soil, reducing weathering and erosion. Natural barriers can absorb the initial brunt of the storm, lessening the force that reaches populated areas.
Builders can construct houses to resist hurricane winds and storm surges. Raising a dwelling or placing it on stilts reduces the possibility of damage caused by rising waters. In this lab, you will build a model of a city and try to protect it from any incoming storm surge. Can you minimize the loss of life and property resulting from a monster storm?