Ping Wang, Elizabeth Royer
(Ed.)
Arctic storm surge events have a distinct character, and their impact on the coast is unique compared to a non-Arctic event. On the one hand, Arctic peak wind speeds rarely reach hurricane strength (74 mph, 64 knots or greater). And pressure drops associated with Arctic storms are small compared to ones in the tropics. More importantly, the impact of an atmospheric storm on the ocean and on the coast is entirely dependent on the season. If a large storm strikes during the winter or when the ocean is ice-covered, the storm will generate negligible waves and surge, and it will not generate erosion or coastal flooding. On the other hand, if a large storm strikes when the ocean is partially ice-covered (e.g., 50% covered), surge may be enhanced relative to an ice-free ocean, potentially leading to greater coastal flooding.
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