Cyclonic Storm Surges as a Hazard to North Queensland and the Gulf of Carpentaria

Abstract

A storm surge is the rapid rise in water, over a few hours, caused by the falling barometric pressure, together with the strong onshore winds associated with tropical cyclones. Wind speeds and the forward movement of the cyclone are critical factors determining the maximum surge height. If the cyclone's landfall occurs where there is a partiaily enclosed bay, shallow water offshore, or an estuary, these will tend to amplify the 'inverted barometer wave'. However, if strong offshore winds occur, as in the forward right quadrant of a cyclone, it is possible that water may be moved away from the land, causing a negative surge.