Final answer:
A storm surge is an abnormal rise in seawater level during a hurricane, caused by strong winds and a drop in atmospheric pressure. It leads to coastal flooding and can be worsened by the effects of climate change.
Step-by-step explanation:
A storm surge is an abnormal rise in seawater level during a hurricane, primarily caused by the strong winds blowing onshore. This phenomenon can lead to significant coastal flooding, especially when a hurricane makes landfall. During a hurricane, the drop in atmospheric pressure and the combined effect of high winds push water towards the shore, causing the sea level to rise above the normal high tide. This rise in sea level can cause extreme damage to coastal communities, erode beaches, and lead to overwash, where waves rush over coastal barriers depositing sand and debris on the leeside.
Scientific studies, including storm reports, have detailed the correlation between atmospheric pressure and weather conditions such as wind strength. The larger the drop in pressure during a storm, the stronger the winds can become, contributing to the severity of the storm surge. Moreover, hurricanes develop over warm waters and their strength can be exacerbated by climate change, leading to more severe storm surges and coastal damage.