UCF Researcher Identifies Predictable Daily Tidal Patterns in Coastal Flooding
A recent study led by UCF researcher Ivan Haigh, published in Nature Communications, reveals that recurrent coastal floods occur at highly predictable times of day, aligning with tidal patterns. This research challenges the traditional view of coastal flooding as an unpredictable, weather-driven event. Haigh and his international team analyzed tide gauge data and flood event records from the U.S. and the U.K., finding clear daily patterns in flood occurrences. For instance, Boston experiences floods predominantly around noon and midnight, while Southern California sees more floods in the morning. The timing in Florida varies along the coastline due to differing tidal systems. This predictability is largely influenced by tides, which often determine if storm surges are sufficient to push water levels above flood thresholds, even in storm-driven events.
