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News Release 06-138

National Science Board Proposes Major Initiative in Hurricane Science and Engineering

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Aerial photo of damaged homes in the aftermath of a hurricane

In August 2004, Hurricane Charley tore apart whole communities of homes and businesses in Punta Gorda, Fla. The National Science Board is proposing new research in hurricane behavior, structural engineering and the built environment, and in power, communications and access systems as part of a National Hurricane Research Initiative.

Credit: FEMA Photo/Andrea Booher

 

Rising water caused the 17th St. levee to slide along different layers of soil under the wall.

In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, one reason for the 17th Street levee failure was a "lateral sliding" of the levee on the interface between the silty clay and the underlying clay-saturated sand under great water pressure. The National Science Board says among high priority items in a new National Hurricane Research Initiative would be to contribute new knowledge toward improved resilience of the coastal infrastructure and the built environment.

Credit: Zina Deretsky, National Science Foundation

 

Map of Florida with arrows showing paths of hurricanes Ivan, Frances, Charley & Jeanne

In 2004, Florida became the first state in 118 years to be hit by four major hurricanes.

Credit: Trent Schindler, National Science Foundation