An unusual rise in sea level as a result of the low atmospheric pressure and strong winds associated with a tropical cyclone. Onrushing sea water proceeds landfall and causes most of the damage to life and property.

• A. Meteorological Equator
• B. Storm Surge
• C. Precipitation
• D. Storm

Answer: (B)

A storm surge is the abnormal rise in sea level caused by the low atmospheric pressure and the strong onshore winds of a tropical cyclone. As the cyclone approaches land, the low pressure allows the sea surface to bulge upward, and the powerful winds push this bulged water toward the coast. When this surge moves onshore, it can flood coastal areas and cause most of the damage to life and property, often more than the winds or rainfall alone. Precipitation refers to rain or snow, which causes flooding inland but not the sea-level rise along the coast. The term storm describes the system as a whole rather than the specific sea-level increase, and the meteorological equator is not relevant here.