Numerical modeling of storm surge induced by May 2009 east coast low in Gold Coast, Australia

Abstract

The East Coast Low (ECL) which occurred on May 19-25, 2009 was considered as an extreme event at Gold Coast, Australia. This paper discusses the process we followed to numerically simulate this event and its resulting wave heights and storm surge levels on the Gold Coast. The ECL was simulated using two local atmospheric models; RAMS (Regional Atmospheric Modeling System) and WRF (Weather and Research Forecasting) models. The resulting wind and pressure fields were input to a set of regional and local hydrodynamic (Mike21 HD) and spectral wave (Mike21 SW) models. The results of the model were compared with available buoy and tidal gauge records in the area to investigate the accuracy of the model results. Coastal regional inundation maps were produced based on predictions of flood level using ocean surge levels as tail water conditions. This study helps coastal zone management in terms of coastal vulnerability to flooding. The effects of Sea Level Rise (SLR) can also be considered in this study.