Find a term from the labs, understand the process behind it, and see how it appears in the landscape. Each entry connects an explanation with a real observation and a model you can explore.
Term
Storm surge
A rise in sea level above the expected tide, driven mainly by storm winds and atmospheric pressure. Coastal shape and water depth influence its size. Surge combines with tides and waves to determine coastal water levels and flooding.
What to look for
Bolivar Peninsula, Texas, September 2008. NOAA documented coastal damage from Hurricane Ike's storm surge.
