Visualizing Hurricanes A multimedia lesson about hurricanes, storm surge, and scientific visualizations from models

Models Physical Models Conceptual Models Mathematical Models

Physical models Various degrees of abstraction, realism

Physical models Various levels of complexity

Conceptual models way to express relationships among concepts – Typically using diagrams

Mathematical models Using mathematical equation(s) to express relationship Are many ways to fit math equations to shape of line - linear, quadratic, exponential, etc.

Model output Array of numbers - meaning difficult to figure out what they mean Graphs - visual depiction of data Geospatial data - maps If include element of time - animations are all visualizations

Scientific Visualization

Scientific Visualization The representation of data in a graphical and interactive way as a method of gaining understanding and insight into the data

Hurricane Katrina Visualization video?vid=katrina&title=Hurricane%20Katrina%20Model%20Forecasthttp:// video?vid=katrina&title=Hurricane%20Katrina%20Model%20Forecast

A lesson plan focused on visualizations… Project for a NSF grant - NG Coastal Hazard Collaboratory

REAL Visualization Tool Rapid Estimates of Approaching Landfall

Hurricanes

Saffir-Simpson Scale Category Sustained Winds Types of Damage Due to Hurricane Winds mph Very dangerous winds will produce some damage: Well-constructed frame homes could have damage to roof, shingles, vinyl siding and gutters. Large branches of trees will snap and shallowly rooted trees may be toppled. Extensive damage to power lines and poles likely will result in power outages that could last a few to several days mph Extremely dangerous winds will cause extensive damage: Well-constructed frame homes could sustain major roof and siding damage. Many shallowly rooted trees will be snapped or uprooted and block numerous roads. Near-total power loss is expected with outages that could last from several days to weeks mph (major) Devastating damage will occur: Well-built framed homes may incur major damage or removal of roof decking and gable ends. Many trees will be snapped or uprooted, blocking numerous roads. Electricity and water will be unavailable for several days to weeks after the storm passes mph (major) Catastrophic damage will occur: Well-built framed homes can sustain severe damage with loss of most of the roof structure and/or some exterior walls. Most trees will be snapped or uprooted and power poles downed. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months mph or higher (major) Catastrophic damage will occur: A high percentage of framed homes will be destroyed, with total roof failure and wall collapse. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last for weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months. Animation of wind damage scale

Storm Surge: The real killer during Hurricanes Storm Surge Animation

Coastline Slope and Storm Surge Animations of Variable Coastline slopes and Storm surge Shallow and Wide Coast Deep and Narrow Coast

Storm Surge + Wave Setup WAVE SETUP: An increase in water elevation in addition to storm surge caused by the storm’s waves Image: C. Riley Sea Level Wave Setup Storm Surge Elevation above Sea Level Image: C. Riley

Wave Setup vs Wave Height

Storm Surge + Wave Setup + Tide While tide is not included in storm surge heights, astronomical tides can drastically effect how areas of coastlines are effected during a hurricane. STORM TIDE is the combined height of the storm surge and tide height. Image: C. Riley Sea Level Wave Setup Storm Surge Elevation above Sea Level Image: C. Riley Normal High Tide

Storm Surge vs. Inundation STORM SURGE: the increase in normal water elevation caused by the storm' s winds and pressure INUNDATION: the depth of water over what normally would be dry land, including tides, surge and wave setup Image: C. Riley Sea Level Wave Setup Storm Surge Elevation above Sea Level Image: C. Riley Normal High Tide Inundation

Inundation Math Total Possible Inundation = (Tide Level + Storm Surge + Wave Setup) – Elevation Sea Level Storm Surge Elevation Image: C. Riley Tide Level Wave Setup Inundation

Inundation Math: High Tide Total Possible Inundation for the House = (+2ft + 14ft + 6ft) – 12ft Total Possible Inundation = (Tide Level + Storm Surge + Wave Setup) – Elevation Sea Level Storm Surge = 14 ft Elevation = 12 ft Image: C. Riley High Tide = +2 ft Wave Setup = 6ft Inundation 10ft

Inundation Math: Low Tide Total Possible Inundation for the House = (-2ft + 14ft + 6ft) – 12ft Total Possible Inundation = (Tide Level + Storm Surge + Wave Setup) – Elevation Sea Level Storm Surge = 14 ft Low Tide = -2 ft Wave Setup = 6ft Inundation Image: C. Riley Elevation = 12 ft 6 ft

Inundation Math Total Possible Inundation for the House = (-2ft + 14ft + 2ft) – 12ft Total Possible Inundation = (Tide Level + Storm Surge + Wave Setup) – Elevation Sea Level Storm Surge = 14 ft Low Tide = -2 ft Wave Setup = 2ft Image: C. Riley Elevation = 12 ft 2 ft

REAL Visualization Tool Rapid Estimates of Approaching Landfall

Google Earth is our FRIEND! Zoom Bar (or you can double click a location) Click for street view Click to shift your view of the map (or click and drag) Compass Storm Surge Depth Key Layers: (Different things the map can show you) To turn on/off a layer, click on the box to the left of its name.

Visualizing Hurricanes: The Lesson Plan stormsurge.disl.org stormsurge.disl.org