HURRICANE STORM SURGE PREDICTION IN SHALLOW WATER

This paper describes the model tests to prove the storm surge prediction techniques in shallow water. Shallow water is defined as water depth with a critical velocity of a long wave that is equal to or less than the forward velocity of the hurricane center. The model tests indicate the extent of coupling of energy from the movement of the hurricane center of the storm surge. This technique is demonstrated in the hind casting of the storm surge of Hurricane Cammile at Bay St. Louis, Mississippi in 1969, and storm surges of past hurricanes which approached shore over large areas of shallow water. The model consisted of a shallow ocean 1" to 3" in depth with a critical velocity of 1 to 4 feet per second. Over the shallow ocean, model hurricane was moved at speeds related to the critical velocity. The magnitude of the storm surge was measured and scaled to actual bottom contours. This study has produced an important factor in the prediction of storm surge size and potential destructiveness. The depth and bottom contours do affect the energy transfer from the storm to the surge. The 'Travelling Wave Tube Effect' is present in the relation between water depth, storm speed, and bottom contours. These conditions must be considered to obtain in accurate prediction of the storm surge in shallow water.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Cost of entire Proceedings is $25.00.
• Corporate Authors:

  Marine Technology Society

  5565 Sterrett Place, Suite 108
  Columbia, MD  United States  21044
• Authors:
  • HOLMES, J F
  • Holmes, J R
• Publication Date: 1974-9

Media Info

• Pagination: p. 961-968
• Serial:
  • NORWEGIAN SHIPPING NEWS

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Coast and river protective works; Flood protection; Hurricanes; Port operations; Ports; Storm surges
• Subject Areas: Hydraulics and Hydrology; Marine Transportation; Terminals and Facilities;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00071904
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Marine Technology Society
• Report/Paper Numbers: Proceeding
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Nov 12 1974 12:00AM