Storm Surges

The majority of the world's population live in low-lying coastal areas, many of which are exposed to tsunami's generated by earthquakes, storm surges and rising sea levels as a result of global warming. Many coastal areas are also experiencing coastal erosion.Storm surges - changes in sea level resulting from variations in atmospheric pressure and associated windsTropical Storm Sandy: Storm surge of 14ft high (4.2m) recorded in New York City Many cities along the eastern seaboard affected by the storm surge Impacts: 80mph winds 375,000 New Yorkers evacuated 600,000 households without power $10bn-$20bn estimated costs

Impacts of a major London flood: Financial sector - economic impact, properties damaged Channel tunnel at risk Salt marshes could be damaged 1.25mn people at risk by 2100 it will be 8-12 times more likely that floods will occur Solutions:Thames barrier - gates under the water - in storm surges gates (20m high) are raisedBenefits: 160,000 new homes Jobs created New university Costs:Urban expansion will lead to more impermeable surfaces meaning increased run off and greater risk of flooding