Characteristics of Storm Surge Based on the Forward Speed of the Storm

Storm surge is determined by the attributes of the storm and several other factors. The forward speed of a storm is known to increase the wave height, but its effect on storm surges has not yet been studied in detail. This study focused on the forward speed of storms approaching the Korean Peninsula, which has been getting slower due to climate change. The forward speed continued to change along the track of the storm until extinction. Despite the difficulties caused by the changes in the moving direction and forward speed of storms, this study investigates the effects of their forward speed on the storm surge using the ADCIRC numerical model. Variations in storm surge due to the forward speed of real and virtual storms were studied by simplifying the other factors. Many test simulations were conducted under various conditions, such as steady and accelerated forward speeds and routes along an artificial straight track of the storm. The results were analyzed to determine the characteristics of the storm surge in terms of forward speed. Some of these were compared with actual cases. Based on the model results, it was found that the forward speed of the storm was inversely proportional to the duration of the storm, and their ratios produced different forms of storm surges. When the forward speed decreases, a storm surge is induced for a longer time. The results also showed that the maximum storm surge increased as the forward speed increased.