Simulating hurricane storm surge requires a highly accurate representation of the physical system with high resolution where geometry, topography or even frictional characteristics change rapidly in space. In addition, all processes must be considered including winds, atmospheric pressure, wind waves, riverine flows and tides. The actual physics of the storm surge development and propagation can then be well represented in the modeling system. The ADCIRC based SL 15b model is being applied by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to analyze past failures, to design new protection systems for Southern Louisiana and Mississippi and to evaluate flooding risk for the region in cooperation with the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
