Nature conform vs. Human confo

In October, 1995, Hurricane Opal’s storm surge and waves brought to an unprepared Florida more structure demolition than in all other coastal storms combined over the preceding years in the state (10 Steps, 1999). With the passing of the storm, full-fledged

Seawalls are also a great way to protect against surge. However, seawall failure is not at all uncommon. Advanced architecture of seawalls should be developed. Seawalls need to be constructed higher and sturdier so that they can withstand wave overflow and fight against undermining. If a wall is not built sturdy or high enough, surge can easily overflow and eventually cause the structure to collapse. Sturdier seawalls should be strong enough to bear the blast of surge.

“Quick Response Report #84: Impact of Hurricane Opal on the Florida/Alabama Coast.” 1996. 11 June

Ostrowski, Jeff. “Home insurers seek rate hikes.” The Palm Beach Post. 2002. 16 May.

With the evidence presented, a decision has to be made about logic? Is it reasonable to continue to populate and develop the coastline, relying on engineering alterations for protection? As advancements in structural engineering are being made every day, the promise of withstanding coastal damage to natural landscapes and buildings is higher. Mitigating the capabilities of seawalls then altering seawall architecture can prevent waves and storm surge from overtopping. Stronger walls should be able to better protect against storm surge. Above grade building reduces the chances of flooding and other such structural damage. A house set on pilings may suffer little or no observable structural damage. Setting buildings back 50 to 100 feet from the surf zone does not guarantee safety, but if dunes are still in place, buildings face a higher chance of avoiding damage. Dunes are an integral part of coastal protection. In places where dunes are removed or destroyed, damage is often greater because the surge and wave absorption is greatly decreased.

In occurrences such as Opal, the necessity of proper preparation on the coast is extreme. In the same season of Hurricane, Tropical Storm Allison and Hurricane Erin struck the Northern Gulf Coast. A recovering panhandle took an even harder hit when Opal arrived. Not only was Opal unpredictable of her exact path of direction, but she varied in strength, reaching a category four then weakening to barely a category three just hours before landfall (Hurricane Opal, 1995). The entire Northern Gulf Coast was preparing for the worst. However, the Florida Panhandle was only able to protect itself to a small degree due to the recovery it was undergoing from Hurricane Erin’s arrival just two months earlier. Had more extensive preparations been made prior to the season, destruction of structures could have been prevented and the cost of land recovery and building reconstruction could have been reduced.

HurricaneWarning.net. Home page. 2002. 8 Dec.

Some topics in this essay:
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