Historical typhoons, storm surges and other extreme sea level events in the South China Sea and western Pacific

Project Overview

In the 2^nd year of this study, we aim to reconstruct the impacts of the 1897 (Ty1897) typhoon in Tacloban, Philippines using a combination of geological/geomorphological evidence, historical records and computer modelling. Our initial work implies that although both Haiyan and Ty1897 were of similar size the main cause of the difference inundation characteristics was the translation speed of the storm. In 2016 we will investigate the following questions: 1. How much does translation speed effect storm surge intensity and run up at the coast? And 2. Are the different inundation characteristics recorded as sedimentary features in the resulting overwash deposits?

Our initial work implies that although both Haiyan and Ty1897 were of similar size the main cause of the difference inundation characteristics was the translation speed of the storm. In 2016 we will investigate the following questions: How much does translation speed effect storm surge intensity and run up at the coast? Are the different inundation characteristics recorded as sedimentary features in the resulting overwash deposits?

Project Years

2015, 2016