Pathfinder
Editor, Senior Moderator
Hurricane Season is Here.
Categories: Featured, Natural Hazards, Water
Posted on May 31, 2013 at 12:36 pm
Last update 1:57 pm By: Dr. Hannah Hamilton, hhamilton@usgs.gov
<!--sf_post_meta /--><!-- class:sf_single_header /-->
During hurricanes the USGS deploys storm-surge monitoring instruments along the coasts, sounds, and bays in impacted areas to gauge how high hurricanes push water in rivers, bays and other areas. The sensors are crucial for forecasting future storms and assessing hurricane damage. They are strapped to structures expected to survive the storm, such as bridge piers, light poles, and fire hydrants. In this picture USGS employee Curtis Weaver installs a storm surge sensor on the Pamlico Sound in Avon, NC.
While many residents of the northeast United States are still working to recover from Hurricane Sandy, the second costliest storm in U.S. history, the 2013 Atlantic Hurricane Season begins June 1.
People who live in states along the Gulf or Atlantic coasts can prepare for the upcoming season by visiting Ready.gov for the latest on what to do before, during or after a storm.
Scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey are looking at their checklists as well, as they prepare to deploy teams, tools and technology, along with other federal partners, to provide decision makers and emergency managers the information they need to save lives and property.
Before, during and after hurricanes or tropical storms affecting the United States, the USGS applies earth and ecosystem science to measure the height and intensity of the storm surge; monitor water levels and flows of inland rivers and streams; assess impacts to water quality and coastal ecosystems; and where substantial impacts are anticipated, forecast coastal change that may be caused by the storm.
This water level and surge data collected provides critical information used to forecast floods; determine what areas may need to be evacuated, when, and by what route; and how flooding may be impacting water quality, among other things.
The first named storm of the 2013 season will be ?Andrea,? with 20 more names pre-selected by the National Weather Service for use as necessary. In 2012, 19 of the 21 names were used.
Storm Surge Monitoring
During the 2012 Hurricane season, hundreds of instruments were deployed along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts in advance of Hurricanes Isaac and Sandy and permanent real-time tidal and river monitoring stations were made ready. Pre-storm deployments included storm surge sensors, rapid deployment streamgages, wave sensors, and barometric pressure sensors.
All of these sensors combined allowed USGS to observe and document hurricane-induced storm-surge as it made landfall and interacted with coastal features. Storm surge sensors were by far the most numerous sensor deployed. They are typically housed in a pipe about 1 1/2 inches in diameter and a foot long. The storm surge sensors are strapped to piers, docks or other structures in the water expected to withstand the storm to collect data on storm surge, and in some cases, transmit water levels in real time. They are typically installed on the coast or just inland of the coast about 50 miles west and 100 miles east of the projected landfall area.
Learn more about USGS storm surge sensors. All data collected by these sensors and the existing USGS streamgage network are available on the
USGS Storm-Tide Mapper.
A 3-D terrestrial lidar scan of the Interstate-510 bridge in New Orleans taken Friday (Aug. 31, 2012). The U.S. Geological Survey used this new technology in select areas of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama to map flooding in urban areas impacted by Hurricane Isaac.
Inland Water Data
USGS field crews will record high-water marks, collect discharge measurements and obtain water quality data in coastal and inland areas after a hurricane or tropical storm. This information is important because it is used by the National Weather Service to issue flood warnings. The data is also used by emergency responders and planners to mitigate current and future flood hazards.
Coastal Change Impacts
Hurricanes unleash dangerous waves and powerful currents capable of moving large amounts of sand, destroying buildings and infrastructure, and reshaping our nation?s coastline. USGS research focuses on understanding the magnitude and variability of the impacts of hurricanes and extreme storms on the sandy beaches of the United States. The overall objective is to improve the capability to predict coastal change that results from severe storms. Such a capability will support management of coastal infrastructure, resources, and safety.
Landslides and Hurricanes
Hurricanes are well known to cause landslides, especially in mountainous areas. Although not always associated with hurricanes, landslides can occur as a result of heavy rainfall and flooding caused by intense storms. The slope of the land, the type of geology, ground saturation, rainfall intensity, and duration all play major roles in triggering landslides. The USGS is working with other federal, state and local agencies on efforts to be able to forecast conditions that make landslides more likely.
...
http://www.usgs.gov/blogs/features/usgs_top_story/hurricane-season-is-here/?from=textlink
Categories: Featured, Natural Hazards, Water
Posted on May 31, 2013 at 12:36 pm
Last update 1:57 pm By: Dr. Hannah Hamilton, hhamilton@usgs.gov
<!--sf_post_meta /--><!-- class:sf_single_header /-->
During hurricanes the USGS deploys storm-surge monitoring instruments along the coasts, sounds, and bays in impacted areas to gauge how high hurricanes push water in rivers, bays and other areas. The sensors are crucial for forecasting future storms and assessing hurricane damage. They are strapped to structures expected to survive the storm, such as bridge piers, light poles, and fire hydrants. In this picture USGS employee Curtis Weaver installs a storm surge sensor on the Pamlico Sound in Avon, NC.
While many residents of the northeast United States are still working to recover from Hurricane Sandy, the second costliest storm in U.S. history, the 2013 Atlantic Hurricane Season begins June 1.
People who live in states along the Gulf or Atlantic coasts can prepare for the upcoming season by visiting Ready.gov for the latest on what to do before, during or after a storm.
Scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey are looking at their checklists as well, as they prepare to deploy teams, tools and technology, along with other federal partners, to provide decision makers and emergency managers the information they need to save lives and property.
Before, during and after hurricanes or tropical storms affecting the United States, the USGS applies earth and ecosystem science to measure the height and intensity of the storm surge; monitor water levels and flows of inland rivers and streams; assess impacts to water quality and coastal ecosystems; and where substantial impacts are anticipated, forecast coastal change that may be caused by the storm.
This water level and surge data collected provides critical information used to forecast floods; determine what areas may need to be evacuated, when, and by what route; and how flooding may be impacting water quality, among other things.
The first named storm of the 2013 season will be ?Andrea,? with 20 more names pre-selected by the National Weather Service for use as necessary. In 2012, 19 of the 21 names were used.
Storm Surge Monitoring
During the 2012 Hurricane season, hundreds of instruments were deployed along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts in advance of Hurricanes Isaac and Sandy and permanent real-time tidal and river monitoring stations were made ready. Pre-storm deployments included storm surge sensors, rapid deployment streamgages, wave sensors, and barometric pressure sensors.
All of these sensors combined allowed USGS to observe and document hurricane-induced storm-surge as it made landfall and interacted with coastal features. Storm surge sensors were by far the most numerous sensor deployed. They are typically housed in a pipe about 1 1/2 inches in diameter and a foot long. The storm surge sensors are strapped to piers, docks or other structures in the water expected to withstand the storm to collect data on storm surge, and in some cases, transmit water levels in real time. They are typically installed on the coast or just inland of the coast about 50 miles west and 100 miles east of the projected landfall area.
Learn more about USGS storm surge sensors. All data collected by these sensors and the existing USGS streamgage network are available on the
USGS Storm-Tide Mapper.
A 3-D terrestrial lidar scan of the Interstate-510 bridge in New Orleans taken Friday (Aug. 31, 2012). The U.S. Geological Survey used this new technology in select areas of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama to map flooding in urban areas impacted by Hurricane Isaac.
Inland Water Data
USGS field crews will record high-water marks, collect discharge measurements and obtain water quality data in coastal and inland areas after a hurricane or tropical storm. This information is important because it is used by the National Weather Service to issue flood warnings. The data is also used by emergency responders and planners to mitigate current and future flood hazards.
Coastal Change Impacts
Hurricanes unleash dangerous waves and powerful currents capable of moving large amounts of sand, destroying buildings and infrastructure, and reshaping our nation?s coastline. USGS research focuses on understanding the magnitude and variability of the impacts of hurricanes and extreme storms on the sandy beaches of the United States. The overall objective is to improve the capability to predict coastal change that results from severe storms. Such a capability will support management of coastal infrastructure, resources, and safety.
Landslides and Hurricanes
Hurricanes are well known to cause landslides, especially in mountainous areas. Although not always associated with hurricanes, landslides can occur as a result of heavy rainfall and flooding caused by intense storms. The slope of the land, the type of geology, ground saturation, rainfall intensity, and duration all play major roles in triggering landslides. The USGS is working with other federal, state and local agencies on efforts to be able to forecast conditions that make landslides more likely.
...
http://www.usgs.gov/blogs/features/usgs_top_story/hurricane-season-is-here/?from=textlink