Re: [Paddlewise] Effect of Barometric Pressure on Tide Height: Debunking the Myth

From: Dave Gorjup <dgorjup_at_cox.net>
Date: Fri, 27 Dec 2002 10:55:04 -0500
This is my last post on this subject.

Some have said that talking about the low pressure effects on sea state are 
a myth and/or have minimal effect. An example of an approximately 13" rise 
in sea level for a one inch drop in mercury was given.

While barometric pressure is not the most significant component of storm 
surge, it is certainly worthy of consideration. If one takes into 
consideration the size of a storm low pressure system, which can be many 
hundreds, if not thousands of square miles, the amount of additional water 
weight and/or pressure added by that one foot addition of water, can add to 
the effect extensively.

Take it from me, as some one who lives about 4 feet above mean low water on 
the Chesapeake Bay, every inch makes a difference. When the ditch in the 
back yard is full of tide water, I know that we are in spring or fall neap 
tide and a nor'easter is brewing. ;-)
Dave G.
Poquoson, Va.

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Received on Fri Dec 27 2002 - 07:55:36 PST

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