Abstract A theory is presented that coarse-grained sand beach ridge plains in northeastern Australia have developed their final form (i.e. the height of the ridges above sea level) as a result of marine inundations generated by intense tropical cyclones. Although winds generated during such tempests are of more than sufficient velocity to transport coarse-grained sands the beach is typically inundated by the storm surge and waves during these events and hence there is no viable source for aeolian sand transport. Numerical storm surge and shallow water wave models are run for two sites (Cairns and Cowley Beach) and the results indicate that only wave run-ups generated by category 3 or more intense tropical cyclones can deposit the final units of sediment onto the sand beach ridges at these locations. It is suggested that as a sand beach ridge increases in height, via successive deposition of units of sand, progressively higher marine inundations are required to reach the ridge crest. The final height of the sand beach ridge is dependent upon the interplay of sediment supply rates to the coastal system and the intensity and frequency of tropical cyclones. If tropical cyclones are responsible for the final form of the sand beach ridges then these sequences can be used to assess the long-term climatology of intense tropical cyclones over this broad geographical region.

Abstract A combination of computational power, dynamic graphics and geographical information system (GIS) packages creates a powerful platform for advanced visualization tools to explore complex geographical phenomena in an interactive computer environment – known as geovisualization. Geovisualization is a relatively new computer-based approach that refers to a set of methods and techniques to support geospatial data analysis through the use of four-dimensional (4D), multi-variable and interactive visualization. In this paper, we illustrate and discuss the value of several spatialization techniques that are used to perform analysis of spatial structures of climatic and meteorological elements, especially through the geovisualization of characteristics and behaviour of tropical cyclones in the South Pacific Ocean. Preliminary findings are encouraging, allowing patterns and dependencies between chosen cyclone features to be identified, in turn indicating the enormous potential of geovisualization for analysing multi-variate spatial attributes within large tropical cyclone datasets.

Abstract Each year from June through November, tropical cyclones are a common potential problem for those living in coastal communities along the southwest Louisiana and southeast Texas coasts. Developing from small tropical disturbances, tropical cyclone strength is determined by many factors: ocean temperature, upper and lower wind circulation, latitudinal position, etc. Ecological, geological, and economic effects of strong-to-devastating tropical cyclones on coastal areas are typically extreme. Since the 1860s, seven strong or greater tropical cyclones have struck the Louisiana-Texas coast. Their impact has made an indelible impression on the coastline as well as on the communities in the area

Abstract Marine inundation hazards in French Polynesia are various and unevenly distributed in the territory; they are strongly related to the physiography (topography, bathymetry, coral reef development) of these oceanic islands. Cyclones and tsunamis appear as predominant processes in the definition of coastal flooding risks for Polynesian people. This study examines the geomorphic impacts of Tropical Cyclone Oli, which struck the western part of French Polynesia in February 2010. Submarine reef erosion is quantified through coral colony degree of destruction and massive coral colony displacement. Sediment transport and beach retreat are quantified, and flow velocities at the coastline are estimated through boulder analysis. Erosion and resilience of a sandy bank (cay) at the reef margin is also considered on Tubuai Island through satellite image analysis and GPS field survey. Outer-reef slope angle appears as a major control factor for coral destruction, with vertical submarine cliffs relatively shielded compared to gentle slopes. Submarine boulder measurements provide valuable estimates of flow velocity profile with depth. Beachrock slab measurements also provide estimates of flow velocities at the reef–beach junction. Combining these different geomorphic markers might be a way to apprehend the flow velocity variation when the cyclone waves cross the coral reef.