Hobbies And Interests
Flooding
Severe flooding is one of the many hazardous weather conditions that occur with hurricanes. Excessive rainfall occurs for several days when the ground is already saturated causing water to pile up above the surface. Humans have also changed the natural surface of the Earth by adding concrete, which prevents water from infiltrating into the ground and resulting in increasing urban flooding. Flooding also acts as a transport mechanism to carry pollution, such as raw sewage and oil, long distances inland, contaminating freshwater resources. Standing waters also present human health problems by creating a favorable environment for disease-carrying mosquitoes.
Erosion
Erosion is the process where surface materials are removed by natural methods, such as wind and water. Erosion is normally a long-term process fueled by slow-acting chemical and mechanical forces. However, hurricanes produce excessive rainfall and high winds over large areas in a short amount of time, which often results in accelerated erosion. Coastal structures, such as fishing piers, are often damaged from a combination of erosion, wind and waves that cause severe structural damage.
Marine Life
Oceans are highly stratified in layers of differing temperatures and salinity. A hurricane can disrupt these layers, causing damaging currents and turbulence that can extend to depths of over 300 feet. Debris can muddy the water causing less sunlight to penetrate, killing algae that supports coral and resulting in reduced amounts of dissolved oxygen and fish die-offs from a overall reduction in photosynthetic organisms. Heavy rain in coastal areas can also reduce the salinity of the water, causing cellular malfunction in marine animals. Hurricanes may sometimes create positive natural effects, such as the introduction of large debris that settles to the ocean floor and provides new shelter for fish and coral, as well as refreshing nutrients through a process called upwelling.
Economy
Hurricanes have been known to cause severe disruption of transportation and commerce. The widespread damage can cause billions of dollars from a single storm. Economic impacts can be felt well after severe weather as communities begin to rebuild. Families are displaced and a tremendous amount of money is required to return infrastructure to pre-storm condition. If a hurricane is of extreme magnitude, it can result in uninhabitable areas. Insurance rates frequently increase after natural disasters resulting in higher consumer premiums.