AMS Congressional Briefing

From Katrina Forward:  How Mathematics Helps Predict Storm Surges

Clint Dawson, professor of aerospace engineering and engineering mechanics and a member of the Center for Subsurface Modeling in the Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences at the University of Texas, and Joannes Westerink, associate professor of civil engineering and geological sciences at the University of Notre Dame, gave an AMS sponsored presentation to Members of Congress and staff that focused on how mathematics helps predict storm surges non November 3, 2005.  The presentation focused on data from Hurricane Katrina and other costly U.S. storms.

Mathematical modeling and computer simulation are essential tools for both forecasting and hindcasting storm surges due to hurricanes and tsunamis. Dawson and Westerink described research that has taken place over the past decade which allow for predictions of the extent and magnitude of flooding as a storm makes landfall.  They also discussed what potential research is still necessary to make these predictions more accurate and timely.