Summarizing Warm Core Storms

As outlined in the discussion of the former case studies, it should be clear that understanding the impact of storm systems as they come ashore is not straightforward. Although storm systems may have similar size, strength and movement speeds, differences in their trajectories relative to the shoreline, together with geomorphic features present along the shoreline (i.e., reefs, mangroves, barrier islands, constructed shorelines, etc.), water depth, and timing of tides all have profound impacts on the intensity of damage individual storms produce. As can be seen in these case studies, passive continental margins like the Atlantic seaboard, although they have limited risk from tectonic movement, are subject to extreme impacts from tropical storms. It is, therefore, incredibly important for communities located in such settings to not only understand the risks, but also to work to limit and minimize storm impacts on the human landscape as much as is possible while limiting the cost of doing so. Future modules will explore these factors in more detail.