Physical effects of hurricane bere upon Funafuti atoll,Tuvalu |
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| Authors: | Keith Fitchett |
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| Institution: | Department of Biogeography and Geomorphology , Research School of Pacific Studies, Australian National University , PO Box 4, Canberra , ACT 2601 , Australia |
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| Abstract: | Detailed aerial photograph analysis of the effects of hurricane Bebe (21 October 1972) on Funafuti atoll using ‘before and after’ photos plus ground truthing give a detailed picture of wind and water motions during passage of the cyclone. Interpretation of damage to coconut palms, motu (cay) and reef‐flat structures together with other directional indicators show that hurricane Bebe passed to the east of the atoll. Average wind and water‐flow directions were substantially different; wind directions changed during the cyclone's movement while wave and surge generated water flows remained more constant. A model showing wind and water motion associated with the storm is presented. |
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