Tag Archives: PBS Nova

Cities, Documentaries, History, Travel, Videos, Views

Views: How Venice Was Built On A Swamp (NOVA)

Leave a comment

Building a city on a lagoon has its challenges. Here’s how the citizens of Venice accomplished this task centuries ago.

Rising sea levels and sinking land threaten to destroy Venice. Leading scientists and engineers are racing against the clock and battling the forces of nature to try to save this historic city for future generations. Discover the innovative projects and feats of engineering currently underway, including a hi-tech flood barrier, eco-projects to conserve the lagoon, and new efforts to investigate erosion beneath the city. This is Venice as never seen before, at a critical moment in its rich history.

Analysis, Climate, Reviews, Science, Videos, Weather

Hurricanes: Why Storm Surge Can Be So Deadly

Video Leave a comment

Storm surge is the deadliest part of a hurricane. Discover what causes this effect, and which regions are most at risk.

Storm surge is produced by water being pushed toward the shore by the force of the winds moving cyclonically around the storm. The impact on surge of the low pressure associated with intense storms is minimal in comparison to the water being forced toward the shore by the wind.
Wind and Pressure Components of Hurricane Storm Surge

The maximum potential storm surge for a particular location depends on a number of different factors. Storm surge is a very complex phenomenon because it is sensitive to the slightest changes in storm intensity, forward speed, size (radius of maximum winds-RMW), angle of approach to the coast, central pressure (minimal contribution in comparison to the wind), and the shape and characteristics of coastal features such as bays and estuaries.

Climate Change, Environment, Reviews, Travel, Videos

Climate: How California’s Drought Fuels Disasters

Video Leave a comment

Each year, California and the Southwest break new records for droughts and high temperatures, leading to heat waves, wildfires, and even flooding. Learn how these catastrophes operate together—and how engineers are working on new technologies to help us survive.