ATM 103 Case Study #2 (1)

.pdf

School

Stony Brook University *

*We aren’t endorsed by this school

Course

103

Subject

Geography

Date

Jan 9, 2024

Type

pdf

Pages

3

Uploaded by PrivateAntelopePerson2535

Report
Avishek Mojumdar ATM 103.10 Case Study #2 The Galveston Hurricane of 1900, known as "Hurricane Galveston," is a historical occurrence that will go down in the history of natural disasters due to its terrible impacts and lasting effects. It is well known as one of the deadliest hurricanes in American history. Its lasting impact on the city and region influenced disaster response, preparedness, and societal development. Atmospheric factors typical of hurricane development had an impact on how the hurricane formed and developed. Along with other environmental factors, the Gulf of Mexico's warm sea surface temperatures helped to produce a favorable environment for hurricane development and intensification. This prepared the ground for a strong hurricane that would soon strike Galveston. Hurricane Galveston was categorized as a Category 4 hurricane, meaning its powerful winds exceeded 130 mph (Scokeley 2020). This hurricane also produced a massive storm surge, which made it particularly dangerous. Galveston's defense seawalls and levees were unable to contain the storm surge's imposing wall of water (U.S. Department of the Interior). The low-lying island city was flooded as a result of the storm surge and the accompanying torrential rainfall. The hurricane's strong winds, massive storm surge, and torrential rainfall contributed to the extensive damage and destruction. Hurricanes occur frequently in the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic basin, but the Galveston hurricane was notable in terms of its power and effects. This disaster had both short-term and long-term impacts. The unprecedented death toll this hurricane caused distinguishes it from other hurricanes in hurricane history. Various estimates of the number of fatalities caused by this incident range from 6,000 to 12,000, depicting the hurricane's striking intensity (U.S. Department of the Interior.). Damages of more than $34 million dollars
were sustained across the country, with over $30 million of it in Galveston alone (NOAA’s Atlantic Oceanographic & Meteorological Laboratory). Apart from Galveston, cities affected in Texas included Alta Loma, Alvin, Angleton, Brazoria, Brookshire, Chenango, El Campo, Pearland, and Richmond (Victoria Advocate). Considerable financial losses in Texas, excluding Galveston, included an estimate of damages of $75,000 to telephone and telegraph infrastructure, $60,000 to railroads, and $3 million to cotton crops (The Houston Post archive ) . Alvin had rainfall of a record-breaking 8.05 inches, resulting in nine fatalities and roughly $50,000 in damage (Texas Hurricane History). In Brazoria County, there were 47 fatalities and damage of over $200,000. Houston suffered from significant structural damages totaling $250,000 and 2 fatalities (Texas Hurricane History). Many of the city's highways were unusable due to downed electricity cables and tree branches that littered the streets. Long-term impacts included extensive reconstruction and engineering initiatives. To protect the city from future storm surges, many projects were started such as building a sizable seawall (approximately 17 feet high and over 3 miles long) and elevating the city's physical infrastructure (Galveston & Texas History Center). In order to provide safety from potential hurricane dangers, these engineering projects greatly radicalized the landscape of Galveston. Apart from the physical changes, the incident had significant cultural and societal impacts on the area. It initiated the development of better storm warning systems in addition to raising awareness of the importance of preparing for emergencies. Galveston lost its title as the most populated city in Texas, drastically weakening its significance as an important port and regional hub. Galveston underwent significant cultural and economic change as a result of the hurricane, changing from a bustling commercial hub to a community dedicated to preparedness and resilience (A&E Television Networks.).
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
  • Access to all documents
  • Unlimited textbook solutions
  • 24/7 expert homework help