GEOHAZARD REPORT PORTFOLIO

Geohazard Report Portfolio

Geohazard Report Portfolio

Florida

Global Location

Florida is a state situated in the extreme South Eastern part of United States. Bordered by Georgia and Alabama in the North, Florida is a long, low peninsula having Atlantic Ocean in the East and the Gulf of Mexico in the West. (Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 2001)

Geography

The Florida peninsula is famous for its pleasant climate; surrounding subtropical and tropical waters make the climate temperate which is cooled by the trade winds thus marking the abundant sunshine and scenery in the region.

Florida is prone to hurricanes and the widespread expansion during the late 20th century has headed to a raise in the smash up induced by such storms. In 1992, Hurricane Andrew wrecked much of Southern Florida, causing over 200,000 people displaced and suffered property insurers over $15 billion. Hurricane Opal stormed along the Panhandle coast in 1995. A widespread devastation was occurred in 2004 due to the struck of four hurricanes to the coast of Florida. In 2005, extensive damage was caused by Hurricane Wilma in Southern Florida. A $685 million program was approved by the state in 1994 for the restoration of deteriorating Everglades's ecosystem. The program was extensively expanded by the federal government in 1996.

Major Geohazards Likely to Occur in Florida

Florida has to face drastic environmental threats and geohazards due to the climatic change. The rise of sea level, intense precipitation and extreme hurricanes amplifies the risk of natural disasters and there is a threat of jeopardizing of economy of state and the safety of its citizens. More people and property is under threat due to the increasing population and increased construction and development projects along the coasts of Florida. If the environmental risks are not taken seriously and realistic mitigation plans are not made to extenuate the risks then they could direct to a devastating damage.

The climate of Florida is complex. ENSO (El Nino-Southern Oscillation), the Atlantic MultiDecadal Oscillation and other forces have their influence on the climate of Florida. These environmental forces act together in accordance to each other but some time, these forces act in opposite manner and hence creating a complex climate. (J. Obeysekera et al., 2011) This inconsistency in climate creates it tricky and intricate to segregate statistically the continuing effects of climate change in the weather record and will maintain to do so for decades to come. The outcome, however, is not to lessen or to put off the rising dangers but only to make them more complex to comprehend, thus perplexing attempts to build support for a sufficient response. The failure to act will lead to a devastating consequence.

Climate Change and Increased Hurricane Intensity

Among the other states of America, Florida is facing terrible risks of destructive impacts of climate. (George Backus et al., 2010) Scientific investigation and inquiries are carried on for analysis of the growing impact of climatic change on frequent hurricane occurrences and intensities. Warm, moist air over warm ocean waters generates power for ...