the storm surge associated with a hurricane: which a,b or c or d is correct?

Question

a-can combine with high tide for maximum effect or b-builds up in the high pressure area on the outside of the hurricane or c-affects communities far inland or d-is less destructive when it is forced into a narrow channel like a bay?

Answer 1

a. is correct. A storm surge is a localized increase in sea level near the center of a hurricane where the atmospheric pressure is the lowest. High tide gives it greater height and destructive power, just as channeling it into a narrow bay will.

Answer 2

Of the choices given - 'a' would seem to be the most correct.

'b': Storm surge is a combination of different variables surrounding a hurricane, not only a pressure gradient.

'c': The affect on inland communities is greater(ie. affects more area) with a higher storm surge.

'd': Depends: Large opening at inlet to smaller, narrow channel? or: Small narrow inlet to a much larger bay or lake?

Answer 3

There's an interesting series of posts about storm surge and Hurricane Rita at http://tinyurl.com/rpzae.

I think that these are not great questions, but given the choice, I'd have to pick A.

Answer 4

a. i am pretty sure that a storm surge is a bunch of powerful waves