Studies of major hurricanes, other extreme storms, tsunamis, major floods, and pollution discharges (storm water runoff, oil and chemical spills) require both the ability to respond rapidly and a long-term commitment to the development of baseline data sets (information to which future data can be compared). We must understand the processes occurring during such events before we can assess the long term impacts which result. The products of these research efforts must be available and useful to concerned Federal and State agencies and to the public. Therefore, both data transfer and public education are vital components of the program.

More than 75% of the population of the United States lives within 50 miles of the Nation's oceans, Great Lakes, and major estuaries. Densely populated coastal areas are highly vulnerable to impacts of great storms.

---

Return to Title Page Return to Hurricane Page