The 'storm surge' phenomenon along coasts is caused by:
Choose the correct answer
Regular tidal oscillation only
Cyclonic wind setup + low pressure (inverse barometer) + wave setup raising sea level above predicted tide
Submarine earthquake (tsunami — different phenomenon)
River floods flowing into the sea
Correct Answer
B. Cyclonic wind setup + low pressure (inverse barometer) + wave setup raising sea level above predicted tide
Why is this the answer?
Storm surge: rise in sea level above predicted tide during tropical cyclone/storm. Caused by: (1) Wind setup (onshore wind pushes water toward coast); (2) Low atmospheric pressure (inverse barometer: 1 hPa drop ≈ 1 cm sea rise); (3) Wave setup (wave momentum transferred to increase mean water level). Surge height: 1–7 m for major cyclones. Andhra/Odisha coast historically vulnerable (shallow bathymetry amplifies surge).
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