Which of the following is a major factor contributing to storm surge severity?

Storm surge severity is significantly influenced by a combination of factors, notably wind speed and direction, ocean currents, and atmospheric pressure. Each of these elements plays a crucial role in determining how high the water level rises during a storm.

Wind speed and direction are primary contributors because strong winds, particularly those associated with tropical storms and hurricanes, push water towards the shore. The direction of these winds can also affect how concentrated the surge is in specific areas, leading to higher water levels in certain locations.

Ocean currents can amplify or mitigate the effects of a storm surge. For instance, if a storm surge coincides with an outgoing current, the combined effects can lead to exceptionally high water levels. Conversely, an incoming current can help to reduce the overall surge effect. Understanding ocean currents is essential to predicting the surge's impact accurately.

Atmospheric pressure also plays a pivotal role in storm surge formation. As a storm approaches, the atmospheric pressure over the ocean decreases. This reduction in pressure allows water levels to rise, contributing to the overall storm surge. Lower pressure systems can lead to a significant increase in water level, resulting in a more severe surge.

Thus, the interplay of these three factors—wind speed and direction, ocean currents, and atmospheric pressure—collectively contributes to