Effects Of Storms Research Articles

The future of the Portuguese (SW Europe) most vulnerable coastal areas under climate change – Part II: Future extreme coastal flooding from downscaled bias corrected wave climate projections

Episodic extreme coastal flooding is considered one of the most serious threats to the global coastlines, endangering infrastructure, ecosystems, and communities. The synchronized effects of extreme wave events, storm surges and astronomical tides are particularly worrying in the context of sea level rise (SLR), and a comprehensive understanding of their future dynamics remains challenging. In this study, an innovative approach for a vulnerability assessment of sandy low-lying coastal areas, based on dynamic ensemble projections is proposed. In the current Part II study, the combined effects of future projected SLR, tides, storm surges and wave action are investigated at five key-locations along the Portuguese coastline, considering projected digital terrain models, built upon the shoreline projections obtained in Part I. Future extreme total water levels are obtained through a probabilistic approach, and extreme wave events are defined considering high wave energy thresholds in a changing climate. Overall, extreme coastal flooding is projected across several urbanized sections along the Portuguese coastline, especially in areas without artificial protection infrastructures. Dune erosion is expected along the sandy stretches, reducing the natural protection against extreme coastal events up to 13.3%, and promoting widespread overtopping, leaving populations more exposed. Future projections reveal the episodic flooding of up to 1.47 km2 of land along the 14 km of analyzed coastline, threatening households and commercial hubs, besides services and communication routes. As physical and human losses may increase substantially in the future, our results call for the implementation of adequate coastal management and adaptation plans, strategically defined to withstand changes until 2100 and beyond.

The Effects of Dust Storms on People Living in Beijing: A Qualitative Study.

Dust storms, which are common aversive occurrences in northern China, result from high winds, dry soil or dust, and soil surface disturbance. Exposure to dust storms, regardless of duration, can induce varying mental and physical distress levels. Recognizing the urgency of comprehending the impact of dust storms on residents and the scarcity of information on their effects on the indigenous civilians there, this study aims to address this gap by qualitatively sampling 29 participants from Beijing, a typical city in northern China. The current study seeks to gain insights into residents' dust storm experiences and explore their perspectives on effective coping mechanisms. The findings align with existing knowledge regarding the mental and physical repercussions of dust storms while identifying some emerging patterns of coping mechanisms already employed by residents in Beijing. Concerns regarding mental well-being, either directly influenced by the environmental conditions or indirectly stemming from disruptions to life routines on a broader scale, persistently dominate people's perceptions of dust storms. New themes emerged following the step-by-step exploration of feelings and coping mechanisms. This study aims to enlighten the public about the ramifications of the dust storms in Beijing and advocate for essential policy support.

Airborne particle radioactivity during desert dust days in Cyprus

Mediterranean countries are often affected by desert dust storms, which have significant effects on the environment and public health. We compared airborne particle radioactivity levels during desert dust and non-dust days in Cyprus.Gross α- and β-radioactivity from Total Suspended Particle (TSP) samples, collected at two urban routine monitoring stations in Limassol and Nicosia, were available for the period 2017–2020 and 2008–2020, respectively. Radionuclides 137Cs and 40K, from TSP samples, were also available from a semi-industrial monitoring station in Nicosia during 2008–2020. Information on desert dust presence, dust origin, particulate matter (PM) levels, and solar activity (KP index and solar sunspot numbers - SSN) were also obtained. We used linear regression models adjusting for seasonality and long-term trends, and solar activity to assess the effect of dust storms on TSP gross α- and β-, and 137Cs and 40K radioactivity levels.Gross α- and β-radioactivity, and 137Cs and 40K radioactivity levels were significantly higher on days with desert dust compared to days characterized with no influence of desert dust. Levels of gross α- and β-radioactivity during dust days were higher when dust originated from the Middle East deserts than from the Sahara Desert. The same trend was observed for the ratios 137Cs to 40K and 137Cs to PM10. Conversely, ratios of TSP gross α- and β-radioactivity to PM10 were significantly lower during desert dust days in comparison to days without dust influence.This study suggests that desert dust increase both TSP gross α- and β-radioactivity, as well as 137Cs and 40K radioactivity levels. Further studies should clarify the contribution of anthropogenic and other natural sources to the emission or transportation of particles radioactivity, to better mitigate future exposures.

Assessing ecological effects of storm surges on Arctic bird populations in the outer Mackenzie Delta, Northwest Territories

Assessing ecological effects of storm surges on Arctic bird populations in the outer Mackenzie Delta, Northwest Territories

The lived experiences and perceptions of middle-aged adults in Dominica who have survived severe storms-a qualitative exploration.

The Eastern Caribbean island of Dominica has experienced diverse negative effects from the North Atlantic hurricane season, including deadly storms like Hurricane Maria in 2017. Vulnerability is increased by geographic location, small island developing state (SIDS) status, and ecosystem characteristics. A variety of negative health effects including stress and anxiety are caused by powerful storms. The perspectives of middle-aged (the "sandwich generation") survivors in this post-storm milieu are understudied. This phenomenological qualitative study describes the perceptions of middle-aged (35-55 years) Dominicans, purposively recruited with gatekeeper assistance from communities stratified according to four natural hazard vulnerability categories designated by the Climate Resilience Execution Agency for Dominica (CREAD), regarding their lived experiences in the context of severe storms. Data was collected between June and August 2022, using primarily Zoom-based semi-structured, individual interviews (12 of 13), guided by the principles of saturation and maximum variation. Verbatim interview transcripts were thematically analyzed with constant comparison using an ATLAS.ti-supported hybrid deductive-inductive coding frame. Reflexivity and contact summary sheets were used to minimize bias. Ten women and three men from diverse CREAD vulnerability and sociodemographic backgrounds were recruited. Data condensation yielded three organizing themes: (i) "The diverse health effects of severe storms", (ii) "Response to and recovery from severe storms", and (iii) "Preparedness and precaution for severe storms". These themes encapsulated the health impacts of severe storms on Dominicans and elucidated the role of facilitating and barricading resilience factors. Severe storms produced direct and indirect mental, social, and physical health impacts on middle-aged Dominicans, including anxiety and burnout. Participants used faith-based, tangible community-based support, and emotional mechanisms to cope with and demonstrate resilience. Better risk communication and early warning systems would improve population readiness. Persistent dispirited attitudes toward storm preparedness among some participants suggest the need for targeted methods to enhance community involvement in disaster planning, including traditional approaches like "coup-de-main" (self-help).

Contribution to the determination of the effect of magnetic storms on the electric power transmission system

Abstract When a magnetic storm hits a power transmission system, quasi-stationary geomagnetically induced currents (GIC) are generated in the high-voltage part of the system. These currents cause semi-saturation of the magnetic circuits of power transformers, which induces current overload in their high-voltage windings and subsequently thermal overload, which can lead to system failures. This rather complex phenomenon was described in [11] by a system of nonlinear differential equations and subsequently solved. This very challenging method is replaced in the present work by a simple approach. It allows not only predicting the imminent danger of system collapse, but gives transformer designers valuable information on how they can counteract this danger.

Analysis of global ionospheric scintillation and GPS positioning interference triggered by full-halo CME-driven geomagnetic storm: A case study

Currently, the 25th solar activity peak has commenced, driving frequent geomagnetic storms and causing irregular disturbances in the global ionosphere, leading to the scintillation of Global Positioning System (GPS) signals, consequently decreasing the accuracy of GPS positioning. Analyzing the patterns of global ionospheric scintillation and changes in GPS positioning accuracy caused by geomagnetic storms is crucial to mitigate the adverse effects of GPS positioning. Current research has primarily concentrated on analyzing the effects of geomagnetic storms on ionospheric scintillation disturbances and GPS positioning interference. However, there is a notable gap in studying the holistic impact of coronal mass ejections (CMEs)-driven geomagnetic storms on GPS performance as an integrated event complex. This study investigates the conditions under which a CME drives a severe geomagnetic storm to elucidate the space weather phenomena associated with CME-driven geomagnetic storms. The ionospheric scintillation induced by the geomagnetic storm is analyzed, while we also examine the accuracy variability in kinematic precision point positioning (PPP) and its possible leading reasons. The research findings suggest that factors such as a high-speed full-halo CME, a southward interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) Bz, and high-speed solar wind contribute to the onset of this geomagnetic storm. Ionospheric scintillation and the decrease in positioning accuracy in low-latitude regions are less pronounced compared to mid- and high-latitude areas. Geomagnetic-storm-induced scintillation increases cycle slips, leading to a decrease in PPP accuracy. Even in the cases where geomagnetic storms do not induce ionospheric scintillation, positioning accuracy can still be affected by cycle slips, deterioration of the precision of the GPS measurements, data outages, and the decrease in the number of available satellites.

Westward PPEF Plays Important Role in the Suppression of Post‐Midnight Plasma Irregularities: A Case Study of the November 2021 Geomagnetic Storm

AbstractWe use multiple instruments data to investigate the behavior of the equatorial and low‐latitude ionosphere during the geomagnetically active and quiet period of November 1–6, 2021. In this context, total electron content (TEC) data obtained from the Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers in the equatorial and low‐latitude regions of Asia, Africa, and America are used to assess variations in plasma density during the storm. The storm‐time ionization levels were found to vary significantly in the crests of the Equatorial Ionization Anomaly (EIA) region over the 3 longitudes. The Rate of Change TEC Index (ROTI) derived from GPS receiver measurements, is used to study the equatorial/low‐latitude ionospheric plasma irregularities at various longitudes under geomagnetically quiet and disturbed conditions. Observations showed longitudinal variations in the ionospheric irregularities under both quiet and disturbed conditions. Some days exhibit a decrease in the strength of the midnight plasma irregularities toward the East, that is, the irregularities are more pronounced in West America, less common in East America, and almost non‐existent in Africa and Asia. Our investigations show this storm prevented the occurrence of plasma irregularities at the equatorial/low‐latitude region in the American sector during the night following the main phase. In general, no significant storm effects were observed at the target locations in Africa and Asia. The existence of westward Prompt Penetration Electric Field (PPEF) and the Equatorial Electrojet (EEJ) during the main phase, from midnight to noon, is clearly related with the constriction of plasma diffusion and the consequent suppression of plasma irregularities. Thus, the longitudinal dependence for the generation of midnight plasma irregularities during this storm is mainly influenced by local time occurrence of maximum ring current, and the ionospheric electric fields.

Application of the high-resolution wave model for forecasting 1D sediment transport and beach inundation as a component of a short-term storm warning system

The main purpose of the research was to develop appropriate tools for forecasting the effects of storms. The use of the high-resolution SWAN wave model powered by AROME wind fields to couple it with the SWANOneSed sediment transport model and a model using the Ruggiero formula, predicting the extent of the flooded shore, allowed the development of reliable tools for forecasting the effects of storms. Validation using qualitative analysis showed that the results obtained from the coupled SWANOneSed model are characterized by high consistency in intensification and direction of changes. The model using the Ruggiero formula obtained a high value of the correlation coefficient, i.e. 0.970 and 0.992 for the Satbałtyk-Xbeach model data, based on the Hunt&Mase formula, and the high-resolution Pleiades Neo satellite data, respectively. By combining models from the SWAN family, i.e. the SWAN and SWANOneSed wave model and a model using the Ruggiero formula, it was possible to obtain reliable and compatible tools enabling an uninterrupted and synchronized operational process of generating forecasts of storm effects.

Ecological and comparative analysis of the influence of the weather factor under the combined effect of heliomagnetic storms (HMS) on the vegetative balance of boys of different ages

Despite the extensive scientific data available on the impact of meteorological and heliogeophysical factors on the health and physiological parameters of the organism, the ecological role and biological nature of the mechanisms of their interaction remain unclear. The need to choose an integrated approach to the study of the Space–Earth–Human system is obvious and justified because it is based on the idea of using modern technologies and channels for obtaining and disseminating information about the impact of space weather, variability of the atmosphere, electromagnetic and gravitational fields, anthropogenic pollution and other environmental parameters that requires effective and rapid solution. It has been established that the body’s response to various stressful influences is largely determined by the ratio of the tone of the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous system. It is the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and, above all, its sympathetic division that plays a special role in the formation of adaptive reactions of the body, the development of meteorological reactions, i.e. the autonomic nervous system is the primary site of meteorological influences that cause shifts in its balance. Determination of vegetative status and direction of vegetative activity in boys’ organism was carried out by means of functional and vegetative diagnostics by V. Makats’ method. We examined 151 boys, including 49 boys aged 7–11 years and 102 — aged 12–15 years, FVD was carried out in the morning at 10.00–11.00. Since the state of the autonomic nervous system is decisive in the development of meteotropic reactions, the data of the study of vegetative tone in sunny and cloudy weather under the combined influence of heliomagnetic storms (HMS) were analysed, favourable and unfavourable weather conditions for the body were determined and the state of adaptive health of the examined children was determined. It was found that under the influence of heliometeorological factors on the organism of practically healthy young boys, agerelated peculiarities of meteorological variability are observed. The most sensitive to changes in weather and climatic conditions under the combined influence of HMS was the group of primary school age boys (PSA) aged 7–11 years, who showed maximum deviations in the activity of functional systems from the age norm, and the least sensitive was the group of boys aged 12–15 years. When analysing the influence of changes in weather conditions on the body of boys by the vegetative coefficient (kV), it was found that at the norm of kAv 0.95–1.05, it increased maximally when exposed to sunny weather and amounted to 1.12 in the revealed state of vegetative balance. In a healthy organism, changes in physiological processes and functional activity of systems under the influence of such a factor as changes in boys’ PSA, which indicates a pronounced sympathicotonia, and in boys’ ASA 0.93, respectively, which indicates a slight parasympathicotonia. The effects of cloudy weather on the body in both groups, even with the combined effect of HMB, are easily compensated for, and a special role in this belongs to the autonomic nervous system, whose activity ensures an adequate response of the body to the effects of environmental factors. Knowledge about meteosensitivity and meteorological reactions is necessary for the development of both preventive and therapeutic measures aimed at increasing nonspecific resistance and adaptation mechanisms of the body, normalising the function of organs and systems as a basis for normal reactions to adverse environmental changes. Environmental factors, including meteorological factors, are directly related to human life and health. Each of the meteorological elements has its own biological significance. This raises the question of the impact of solar activity, weather, atmospheric conditions, and, above all, anthropogenic pollution and other environmental parameters on human health, which naturally requires a quantitative approach to risk assessment and the development of necessary management decisions.

Imprints of washover sediments by tropical storm Pabuk 2019 along the coast of the Gulf of Thailand; insight into coastal geomorphological response to storm surge

Tropical storm Pabuk (4th January 2019) struck southern Thailand, causing damage to the low-lying coastal area. The combination of waves, storm surge, and high tide resulted overwash and inundation of regions on the West coast of the Gulf of Thailand (GOT) side. After the event, we conducted a field survey from January 7–10 and 15–20, 2019 to investigate the effect of storm surges and the degree of damage from the site under the eye of storm affected area up to the north 500 km from the landfall sites. This paper investigates how variations in coastal geomorphological features respond to the storm surge generated by tropical storm Pabuk at a regional scale. Coastal damage was observed along the beach from the presence of the scour, beach scarp, knocked down trees, and destroyed buildings and infrastructure. The most damaged area was at Nakhon Si Thammarat (NST), where the tropical storm made landfall with maximum wind speeds of almost 100 km/h and a storm surge height of 5 m. At NST site, the washover deposits extended as far as 80 m from the coastline with a maximum inundation of 330 m. From this study, two types of washover deposits including perched fan and washover terrace were identified. The thickest washover sediment, 60 cm thick, was discovered in a relatively low-lying area adjacent to a small estuary. Mud rip-up clasts, planar stratification, cross stratification, foreset bedding, scouring at base, and sharp and erosional contact are characteristics of sedimentary structures found in storm sediments. Bedform surfaces, such as current ripples with indicated storm surge direction, were well-preserved at several sites. We suggest that the local geomorphological controlling factors, especially coastal elevation have played important roles in the difference of coastal geomorphological responses as well as the type of washover deposits.

The effect of continuous geomagnetic storms on enhancements of ultrarelativistic electrons in the Earth’s outer radiation belt

The effect of continuous geomagnetic storms on enhancements of ultrarelativistic electrons in the Earth’s outer radiation belt

Dust storms from the Taklamakan Desert significantly darken snow surface on surrounding mountains

Abstract. The Taklamakan Desert (TD) is a major source of mineral dust emissions into the atmosphere. These dust particles have the ability to darken the surface of snow on the surrounding high mountains after deposition, significantly impacting the regional radiation balance. However, previous field measurements have been unable to capture the effects of severe dust storms accurately, and their representation on regional scales has been inadequate. In this study, we propose a modified remote-sensing approach that combines data from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) satellite and simulations from the Snow, Ice, and Aerosol Radiative (SNICAR) model. This approach allows us to detect and analyze the substantial snow darkening resulting from dust storm deposition. We focus on three typical dust events originating from the Taklamakan Desert and observe significant snow darkening over an area of ∼ 2160, ∼ 610, and ∼ 640 km2 in the Tien Shan, Kunlun, and Qilian mountains, respectively. Our findings reveal that the impact of dust storms extends beyond the local high mountains, reaching mountains located approximately 1000 km away from the source. Furthermore, we observe that dust storms not only darken the snowpack during the spring but also in the summer and autumn seasons, leading to increased absorption of solar radiation. Specifically, the snow albedo reduction (radiative forcing) triggered by severe dust deposition is up to 0.028–0.079 (11–31.5 W m−2), 0.088–0.136 (31–49 W m−2), and 0.092–0.153 (22–38 W m−2) across the Tien Shan, Kunlun, and Qilian mountains, respectively. This further contributes to the aging of the snow, as evidenced by the growth of snow grain size. Comparatively, the impact of persistent but relatively slow dust deposition over several months during non-event periods is significantly lower than that of individual dust events. This highlights the necessity of giving more attention to the influence of extreme events on the regional radiation balance. This study provides a deeper understanding of how a single dust event can affect the extensive snowpack and demonstrates the potential of employing satellite remote sensing to monitor large-scale snow darkening.

Dust Storm Effects on Air Quality and Particulate Matter Pollution in Babylon Governorate, Iraq

Dust, a major pollutant in urban air, is a recent weather phenomenon in specific areas. Dust particles with diameters ranging from 100 to 1000 microns can injure crops and clog streams, polluting them with heavy metals and other pollutants. The province of Babylon, located in central Iraq, was the focus of this study. Three stations (A1, A2, A3) were selected within a governorate to measure the concentration of pollutants during dust storms. 26 samples were collected for three months during the summer of 2022. Our finding revealed that the average of CO2, SO2, and NO2, compared with National Ambiment Air Quality and World Health Organization, show that these averages were lower than the limits at the study area. The mean Partuclate Matter, PM 2.5 concentration in the study region was 85.14µg/m3, which was contrasted with National Ambiment Air Quality and the findings showed that the PM concentrations were above the limit. The existence of several petrol stations, in addition to stations for producing power, in addition to the plastics industrial facilities along with other industries and car maintenance shops, is the cause for this increase, particularly in station A3. The Air Quality Index for the study region in three stations occurred within the Yellow color range, indicating that there are few or none impact on the general population's health.

Effects of major storms over a spit-tidal flat interaction system (Punta Rasa-Samborombón, Argentina)

Sandy coastal areas are very dynamic systems in which morphological changes occur over different time scales from hours to decades. However, it has been widely reported that major storms are the main responsible of the most significant changes in short to medium time scales. Major storms have been defined using a variety of environmental variables, but they are normally associated with high values of wave height, duration, return period and direction.Here, we aim to characterize types of major storms and to categorize associated morphological impacts over a complex coastal system. The study site, known as Punta Rasa, is located in the Samborombón bay in the outer part of the Río de La Plata estuary (Argentina) and corresponds to a zone of interaction between a large sandy spit and a backwash tidal flat system. Methods combine statistics of wave climate time-series, analysis of wave energy using nearshore numerical modelling (SWAN) and comparison of pre- and post-storm morphological changes by means of shoreline change detection and satellite images derived indexes (CoastSat Toolkit and NDWI index respectively).Results allowed to characterize four types of major storms impacting the study area: High-Energy Storms (HES), defined by an average storm wave below the 1 % exceedance (>2.6 m), Long-Lived Storms (LLS) represented by an exceedance of the 1 % of Du (>60 h), Storm Groups (SG) in which storm return period is <6 days and Northeastern moderate storms (NMS) defined by their eastern, onshore oriented direction. Under HES and NMS storms erosional areas are dominant over depositional, causing shoreline retreat, a growth of the end-spit and the increase on sand deposition on the back-barrier areas. Under LLS and SG storms, the morphological impact varies alongshore, with multiple erosional hotspots found along the shoreline accompanied by a general flattens of the end-spit system.

An Investigation on the Distribution of Martian Ionospheric Particles, Based on the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN)

In this paper, we use the key parameters data set of the Neutral Gas and Ion Mass Spectrometer from the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN) mission. The particle density profiles of electrons, CO2+/N2+, CO+, O2+, O+, NO+, O2 and O from 90 to 500 km have been deduced by adopting the Chapman modeling methodology. The correlation of the peak density/altitude with the solar zenith angle, the changes in the profile of the Martian ionosphere during solar flares, and the effects of Martian dust storms are analyzed. The results exhibit a positive/negative correlation between the peak density/altitude of the M2 layer and the solar zenith angle. Within the MAVEN observational record available, only three C-Class flares occurred on 26 August 2016, 29 November 2020, and 26 August 2021. The analysis reveals during these solar flare events, the electron density of the M2 layer above 200 km increases obviously. The peak density of M1 increases by 33.4%, 13.2% and 7.4%, while the peak height decreases by 0.1%, 10.2% and 4.4%, respectively. The Martian dust storm causes the peak height of the M2 layer to increase by 19.5 km, and the peak density to decrease by 4.2 × 109 m−3. Our study shows that the Martian ionosphere is similar to the Earth’s, which is of great significance for understanding the planetary ionosphere.

Observation and study of consecutive dust storms in the Taklimakan desert from March 16 to 27, 2022, using reanalysis models and lidar

A series of severe dust storms hit the Taklimakan desert between March 16 and 27, 2022, significantly deteriorating air quality throughout China. This study presents a comprehensive analysis of the vertical structure of aerosols during these dust storms, as well as their causes and impacts on China's regional and city-scale air quality, utilizing data from reanalysis models, coherent Doppler wind lidar, and air quality monitoring stations. During dust storms, intense wind layers increase dust emissions, resulting in reduced lidar detection ranges and signal strengths. In addition, lower temperatures prevail due to sunlight absorption and scattering. Moreover, high-speed winds at high altitudes increase dust particles that serve as cloud condensation nuclei, leading to increased humidity, decreased temperature, and precipitation. The Taklimakan desert's trough serves as a wind convergence zone, which promotes favorable conditions for the initiation of dust storms. Due to the steep pressure gradients, strong winds enter the Taklimakan desert through the gap between its mountains in the east, coming from northern Xinjiang and Inner Mongolia via the Hexi corridor, which facilitates the lifting and transport of dust aerosols. Dust is transported long distances from the Taklimakan desert to the eastern coasts, impacting numerous cities along the way. The emissions from these dust storms swept across most Chinese provinces. Even though each dust storm was over in the Taklimakan desert, its effects on China's air quality continued for several days. The coarse PM concentrations (PM10–2.5) in Hotan, Kashgar, Aksu, Korla, Hami, Xining, Yinchuan, Taiyuan, and Beijing spiked to levels around 14, 36, 11, 6, 7, 12, 11, 12, and 6 times higher than their 2022 averages, respectively. This study provides valuable insights into the causes and effects of the Taklimakan desert dust storms, helping authorities develop effective mitigation plans.

Storm surge induced by 2019 Tropical Storm Pabuk and impact on the shoreline in Kuala Nerus Terengganu, east coast of Peninsular Malaysia

This study investigates the one-year shoreline impacts of 2019 Tropical Storm Pabuk and the morphological changes of beaches in the study area of Kuala Nerus in Malaysia mediated by the hydrodynamic conditions. The study used a numerical model that utilised the two-way coupling of the wave and hydrodynamic model of MIKE 21 to simulate the event. The impact of the event was determined by employing the Digital Shoreline Analysis System, along with regular in-situ measurements of beach profiles carried out monthly. The results show a significant retreat rate of −58 m/year at Tok Jembal, highlighting the significant erosive impact, particularly on the northwest side of the airport. Despite a storm surge height below the extreme thresholds (>1 m), the beach morphology and the presence of coastal protection structures exerted a significant modulating influence. Batu Rakit, which is characterised by a wide beach, exhibited increased wave run-up and erosion resulting from the combined effect of a tidal surge of 0.64 m and significant wave heights of more than 1.12 m. UMT and Teluk Ketapang, on the other hand, which are shielded by coastal structures and influenced by longshore currents, experienced beach accretion. The intensification of the recirculation current with the surge is postulated to have contributed to the pronounced erosion at Pengakalan Maras. Although the overall magnitude of the storm surge was not exceptional, this study emphasises the importance of studying the effects of storm surges on monsoonal coasts. The intricate interplay between waves and currents, elucidated by coupled hydrodynamic and wave modelling, is crucial for understanding the consequences of storms and for proactive coastal management strategies. This study emphasises the crucial role of detailed hydrodynamic modelling in developing effective erosion control measures, which is an ongoing challenge for coastal communities.

The effect of dust storms on air quality and public health in the city of Hillah

Dust storms, which have become frequent events, pose great risks to health and the environment. There are three factors responsible for generating them: strong winds, lack of rain, and lack of vegetation cover. AirQ+ software developed by the World Health Organization, was used to assess the health risks resulting from short-term exposure to PM2.5 measured using Continuous Particulate Monitor BAM-1020 for a period of two years from Jan 2021 to Jan 2023. The frequency and intensity of dust storms were recorded during the summer and spring of 2022, with high concentrations. The concentrations of the pollutant PM2.5 range during storm days (213.89 - 674.48 μg/m3), where short-term exposure causes an increase in the risk of respiratory illnesses and cardiovascular diseases. The most severe dust storms (674.48 μg/m3) caused a rise in the risk relative to 3.395 for respiratory diseases and 1.801 for cardiovascular disease. The great danger of dust storms is evident by comparing them with corresponding days for the year 2021, where the relative risk did not exceed 1.03for respiratory diseases and 1.01) for cardiovascular diseases. In general, air quality was classified using the concentrations obtained, where the concentrations of PM2.5 increased strongly, especially during the dry months, and the sand and dust storms that happened in 2022 caused the air quality to become dangerous by 2%, very unhealthy by 6%, and unhealthy by 8%. As for the other pollutants (SO2, NO2, and CO), they did not rise much beyond the allowable limit, and it has no direct relationship with dust storms, i.e. they did not increase with their increase. Several health and safety precautions and environmental control techniques can be used to lessen the effects of sand and dust storms. Although it is unreasonable to take action to stop or prevent widespread sand and dust storms from occurring, management measures can be taken to lessen their effects.

The impact of COVID-19 on cardiovasuar system

Background. Recent scientific reports have shown that there is a correlation between Covid 19 infection and cardiovascular function. This virus can exacerbate existing cardiovascular diseases and also cause the onset of new cardiovascular diseases. The purpose of this review is to present the effects of SARS-COV-2 virus infection on the cardiovascular system. Review methods. The literature review was conducted using the PubMed search engine. Brief description of the state of knowledge. Individuals with cardiovascular disease who have contracted the virus are at higher risk for serious clinical complications such as myocarditis, heart failure and pulmonary embolism, leading to higher mortality rates in this group of patients. The pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the effects of COVID-19 on the cardiovascular system are still poorly understood. However, the results of this review suggest that it may cause direct myocardial damage, as well as contribute to the development of cytokine storm effect and right ventricular burden due to pulmonary embolism. Conclusions. COVID 19 pandemic and cardiovascular disease are currently a great challenge for modern medicine. The fact that the two disease entities interact makes it crucial to further explore the relationship between these diseases. This review underscores the need for continued research into the effects of COVID-19 on the cardiovascular system, as well as the importance of early detection and treatment of cardiovascular complications in infected patients.