What role does wind play in creating a storm surge?

Wind plays a crucial role in creating a storm surge by pushing water toward the shore. When strong winds, typically associated with storms such as hurricanes, blow over the ocean, they generate a force that drives the water into coastal areas. This accumulation of water leads to an increase in sea level along the shoreline, contributing to the phenomenon known as storm surge.

The intensity and direction of the wind significantly influence the height of the surge and where it impacts the coast. As the wind carries water from the ocean, the water level can rise dramatically, especially in shallow coastal regions where the effects can be amplified. Understanding this mechanism highlights the importance of wind in storm dynamics and coastal flooding risks.