InTeGrate Modules and Courses >Coastal Processes, Hazards and Society > Student Materials > "Warm Core" Storms: Hurricanes, Typhoons, & Cyclones > Learning from Tropical Storm Case Studies > Typhoon Neoguri and Cyclone Monica
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These materials are part of a collection of classroom-tested modules and courses developed by InTeGrate. The materials engage students in understanding the earth system as it intertwines with key societal issues. The collection is freely available and ready to be adapted by undergraduate educators across a range of courses including: general education or majors courses in Earth-focused disciplines such as geoscience or environmental science, social science, engineering, and other sciences, as well as courses for interdisciplinary programs.
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Initial Publication Date: December 7, 2016

Typhoon Neoguri and Cyclone Monica

In the case of Neoguri, the islands of Japan including Okinawa had deep coastal approaches, and although storm surge occurred, coastal flooding was limited and most impacts were produced by wind damage and heavy rainfall that promoted landslides on steep terrains in the volcanic-cored islands. In addition, although wave heights were significant, offshore reefs and inshore constructed shoreline projects helped to reduce the overall impact of the storm. In the case of Sunset Beach (shown once again in Figure 5.16), damage was also not as severe because the community was located on the leeward (west-facing) side of the island and was protected from the strongest wind field and wave action that would have hit the southern and eastern ends of the island of Okinawa.

Similarly, in the case of Cyclone Monica (Northern Territory of Australia), deep water approaches along the eastern coast of Australia near the Great Barrier Reef likely helped keep the storm surge factor from being significantly more impactful. Nevertheless, as the leading edge of the clockwise rotating cyclone crossed the much shallower Bay of Carpentaria, hurricane force winds likely helped to generate stronger surges around the enclosed basin especially in the vicinity of Groote Eylandt where a number of previous cyclones were incredibly damaging and destructive. During your exploration, you may have noticed that the area lacks barrier islands, and, in most cases, has relatively few reefs and relatively few mangrove forests along the coastline. In this setting, without the protection of offshore barriers, wind damage is incredibly destructive, and, during Monica, mainland areas and many pristine woodland habitats were devastated.


These materials are part of a collection of classroom-tested modules and courses developed by InTeGrate. The materials engage students in understanding the earth system as it intertwines with key societal issues. The collection is freely available and ready to be adapted by undergraduate educators across a range of courses including: general education or majors courses in Earth-focused disciplines such as geoscience or environmental science, social science, engineering, and other sciences, as well as courses for interdisciplinary programs.
Explore the Collection »