MODULE 3, LESSON 7: HYDROMETEOROLOGICAL, MARINE AND COASTAL PROCESSES AND

HAZARDS

Introduction

Earth Science is an integrated study of the Earth’s history, structure, its materials and processes. All of
the lessons we have discussed previously are important because most human activities are related with
our interaction with Earth. One of the most critical topics in the study of our planet is the different
processes which shapes it from the beginning until the present time.

Just as the Philippines is prone to geological processes such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and
landslides, it is also prone to experiencing hydrometeorological, marine and coastal processes including
tropical cyclones, monsoons, floods or ipo-ipo, coastal erosion, submersion and saltwater intrusion. The
Philippines is located along the typhoon belt in the Pacific. It experiences an average of 20 typhoons
every year. Our country is also lined by more than 36, 000 km of coastline and ten of the largest cities in
the country are located along these coastlines. These coastal cities and municipalities are inhabited by
about 60 percent of the total population. If caught unprepared, these natural events may bring hazards
and cause destruction of properties and most significantly, loss of lives. Today’s lesson focuses on
hydrometeorological, marine and coastal processes and hazards. Are we prepared if they happen? Are
we living in areas prone to hazards brought about by these natural events? How can we cope with these
hazards? What triggers these hydrometeorological, marine and coastal processes? These are just a few
questions which will be answered as we go through our discussion today.

At the end of this session, you should be able to:

a. describe the various hazards that may happen in the event of tropical cyclones, monsoons, floods
or ipo-ipo;
b. using hazard maps, identify areas in the Philippines prone to hazards brought about by tropical
cyclones, monsoons, floods or ipo-ipo;
c. cite practical ways to cope up with the effects of tropical cyclones, monsoons, floods or ipo-ipo;
d. describe how coastal processes result in coastal erosion, submersion, and saltwater intrusion;
and
e. cite ways to prevent or mitigate the impact of land development, waste disposal, and construction
of structures on control coastal processes.

Discussion

Hydrometeorological Hazard

 Hydrometeorological hazards are processes of atmospheric, hydrological or oceanographic nature that

may cause the loss of life or injury, property damage, social and economic disruption or environmental
degradation.

 Examples are tropical cyclones, monsoon rains (habagat and amihan), tornado, ipo-ipo and floods.

Tropical Cyclone / Typhoons

 A tropical cyclone or typhoon is a rapidly rotating low-pressure system that forms over tropical oceans.
It is called typhoon in the Philippines. The typhoons entering the Philippine Area of Responsibility
(PAR) are given a local name by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services
Administration (PAGASA). This agency monitors and disseminates information about weather
disturbances.
Tropical Cyclone Hazards

 Tropical cyclones or typhoons bring about hazards that may cause adverse effects on organisms and
their environment.

a. A flood is an overflow of water over a normally dry land. Due to heavy rainfall brought by a
typhoon, the water levels in dams and rivers increase. The water then overflows to nearby land
areas. A flood can damage houses, buildings, and bridges. Flash flood, which is a sudden, rapid
flooding, may cause drowning and fatal injuries.

b. A strong sustained wind is often brought by a typhoon. It can damage or destroy vehicles,
buildings, bridges, fields, and plantations.

c. A landslide is the movement of a mass of rocks, soil, and debris down a slope. It can be triggered
by heavy rainfall.

d. A storm surge is an abnormal rise of sea water due to a typhoon. It is created when water is being
pushed toward the shore by the force of the winds moving in a circular manner. It ravages
beaches and coastal areas.

Example

Super Typhoon Yolanda (International name Haiyan) was

one of the most powerful typhoons ever recorded. It caused
massive destruction in the Philippines on November 9,
2013. Strong winds, heavy rainfall, and storm surges
caused widespread damage to properties and loss of lives.
About 6,000 people died and 28,000 were injured because
of the typhoon.

Monsoon

A monsoon is a seasonal prevailing wind in the South and Southeast Asia. It brings a different kind of
weather depending on where it comes from. When it blows from the southwest between May and
September, it brings rainy weather. When it blows from the northeast between October and April, it brings
dry weather. In the Philippines, the southwest monsoon brings about heavy rainfall.

Monsoon Hazards

A monsoon may bring about the same hazards caused by a typhoon. It may cause heavy rainfall, strong
wind, landslide, and flood.

a. Heavy rainfall and strong wind can damage residential and industrial buildings. It can also destroy
agricultural crops.

b. A landslide may happen when the soil becomes saturated with water due to heavy rainfall. The
soil and rocks from the slope can move down and destroy many properties along the way.

c. A flood may occur due to heavy rainfall that saturates the soil and causes an overflow of water to
dry land areas.
Example

On August 1 to 8, 2012, the southwest monsoon (Habagat)

caused typhoon-like damage in Metro Manila and nearby
provinces. Heavy rainfall caused the Marikina River to
overflow, triggered a landslide, and caused the collapse of
roads and bridges. The floods and rain left 95 people dead
and damaged 8,000 houses.

Ipo-ipo

 An ipo-ipo (tornado) is a violently spinning wind on land that appears like a funnel-shaped cloud. It can
destroy large buildings, uproot trees, and hurl vehicles.

Ipo-Ipo Hazard

 The strong whirling wind can lift and hurl objects it encounters no matter how heavy the object is. It
causes destruction of houses, buildings, dams, and bridges. The lifted objects may also cause injuries
and death upon impact.

Example

Four water sprouts (ipo-ipo) were spotted hovering over the

waters of Laguna de Bay last May 30, 2020. According to
the National Geographic Society, a waterspout is a column
of rotating, cloud-filled wind. A waterspout descends from a
cumulus cloud to an ocean or a lake. water spouts form over
bodies of water when there are severe thunderstorms and
usually comes with strong winds. Thankfully, no one was
injured during the said phenomenon.

Hydrometeorological Hazard Map

 A hydrometeorological hazard map is a map indicating the areas that are vulnerable to hazards
caused by tropical cyclones, floods, and ipo-ipo. Recall that in studying a hazard map, you have to
note the title, source, legend, and symbols. They guide you in understanding the information
presented by the map.

Risk to Typhoons Map

 A tropical cyclone (also called bagyo in the Philippines) is the generic term for any intense circulating
weather system over tropical oceans. When it originates from the Pacific Ocean, it is called a typhoon.
It may bring about hazards such as heavy rainfall, strong wind, flood, and landslide.

 The Philippines is located on the western rim of the Pacific Ocean, an active area for typhoon
formation because of the vast expanse of deep, warm ocean water. Because of its location, the
country experiences an average of 20 typhoons per year, about nine of them make landfall. Aside from
its location, it is also comprised of more than 7000 islands, so there are plenty of coasts and
shorelines that could be directly hit by strong winds and heavy rainfall.

 Because the Philippines is hit by many typhoons in a year, it is important to study which areas in the
country are at high risk. Below is the map of the country along with the colors indicating the level of
risk to typhoons.
 The dark blue areas on the map are those that have high risks of being hit by typhoons. For example,
the smaller islands in the northern part, including Batanes, have very high risk to typhoons. In fact,
these islands are hit by typhoons almost all year round. Also, Albay in the Bicol region has very high
risk to typhoons. It is often the first area that is hit by typhoons that move along a westward path.

 On the other hand, those that are colored green have medium risks, and those that are yellow and tan
have low risks to typhoons. For instance, Mindoro (located in Southern Luzon) has medium risk, Bohol
(in the Visayas) has low risk, and Bukidnon (and most of Mindanao region) has very low risk to
typhoons.

Flood Susceptibility Map

 Flood is the overflow of a large amount of water beyond its normal confines. It is a
hydrometeorological hazard that can be caused by heavy rainfall brought by a typhoon or the
Southwest monsoon. It causes damage to infrastructure and poses threats to the health of residents
living in the area.

 Unlike the typhoon risk map which presents the level of risk of different provinces to typhoons based
on their location to the typhoon route, flood maps are more area-specific. A flood map represents past
scenarios of flood events in the specific area due to the overflow of a nearby water resource.
Ipo-Ipo

 Ipo-ipo is the local name for a tornado, a violently rotating column of air in contact with the ground. It is
usually formed during thunderstorms. At present, there is no ipo-ipo hazard map produced specifically
for the Philippines.

Practical Ways to Cope Up with the Effects of Ipo-ipo, Tropical Cyclone, Monsoon and Flood

Tropical Cyclone and Monsoon

 Tropical cyclones and the southwest monsoon may bring heavy rainfall and strong winds. They may
cause massive flooding and landslides. Tropical cyclones can also cause storm surges along coastal
areas.

Before the Tropical Cyclone or Monsoon

 Prepare an emergency supply kit. It must include non-perishable food, water, first aid kit, clothes, a
battery-operated radio, flashlights and extra batteries, and a whistle.

 Make sure you have an adequate supply of non-perishable food and clean water at home.

 If you live in a place that is in the path of the cyclone or monsoon, close all doors and windows.

 Check your drainage system at home. An efficient drainage system will lessen the chance of flooding
and leaks.

 Check to see if there is a need to fix roofs, ceilings, doors, and windows.

 Frequently listen to the weather reports.

 Charge up emergency lights, electronic communication devices such as cellphones, and power
banks. There is a high probability of power outage due to strong winds and heavy rainfall.

 Identify a safe area for evacuation.

During the Tropical Cyclone or Monsoon

 Closely monitor weather reports for updated information on the tropical cyclone (storm signal
numbers or storm surge advisory) or monsoon.

 If you are in an area being directly hit by the hazard, stay indoors as much as possible.

 Evacuate when necessary and bring your emergency supply kit.

 In case of a threat of a storm surge, evacuate to a place higher than 500 meters from the coast.

After the Tropical Cyclone or Monsoon

 If your house was heavily damaged, ask for the advice of authorities regarding its safety and stability.
Do not go inside the house if you are uncertain of its condition.

 Check gas, water, and electrical lines for any damage.

 Beware of animals such as snakes that may have entered your house.

 Wear protective gears when cleaning up debris.

 Some roads may be closed due to flood. If you come upon a barricade or a flooded road, turn around
and use another route.
Flood

 Flooding is the overflowing of water on normally dry land. It has been one of the costliest disasters in
terms of damage to property and loss of life. The most common cause of death associated with flood
is drowning.

Before the Flood

 Create a family disaster plan. Designate a contact person who can be reached and discuss where
you will meet if family members are separated.

 Closely monitor weather reports for information on the possibility of flooding.

 Identify a safe place for evacuation and alternative routes that are not prone to flooding.

 If a flash flood warning is issued in your area, evacuate to a safe place immediately.

 If flood alert is issued in your area, move valuables and furniture to higher levels and disconnect
electrical appliance.

 Prepare and emergency kit and supplies like food and water.

During the Flood

 If you see any signs of flood, turn off the main source of electricity and go to a higher place such as
the second floor or attic.

 Do not wade along flooded areas to keep yourself from having water-borne diseases.

 In case you need to pass through the flood, wear protective gears such as boots and raincoats.

 Follow any evacuation orders.

 Watch out for live wires or any electrical outlet submerged in water.

 If you are inside a vehicle and water rises around it, leave it immediately. Climb to higher ground as
quickly as possible.

 If you see someone falls or is trapped in flood water, do not go after the victim. Throw the victim a
floatation device such as tire, large ball, or ice chest. Then ask help from a trained rescuer.

After the Flood

 Have an electrician inspect your house wirings and electrical outlets before using them.

 Clean up your house. Dispose of things that may be used by mosquitoes to breed like water vase
and anything that can hold stagnant water.

 Boil water before drinking because it may have been contaminated.

 Do not go or return to flooded areas until the authorities say that it is safe to do
Ipo-ipo

 Ipo-ipo creates havoc – tearing off roofs, uprooting trees, damaging power lines and sending flying
debris everywhere.

Before an Ipo-ipo

 Know the safe places where you can hide when there is an ipo-ipo. The safest place is underground.
If your house does not have a basement, a small room in the middle of the house away from the
windows is best.

 Pay attention to weather reports about the possible occurrence of an ipo-ipo. Familiarize yourself
with the warning sign. An ipo-ipo is often accompanied by strong typhoons. Watch out for clouds that
begin to rotate in a circular pattern.

 Create a family disaster plan. Designate a contact person who can be reached and discuss where
you will meet if family members are separated.

 Prepare and emergency kit and make sure that there is an ample supply of food and water.

During an Ipo-ipo

 If you are inside a house, move to a safe place. Get under a steady piece of furniture, such as a
heavy table. Hold onto it and protect your head.

 If you are inside a vehicle, get out and seek a safe shelter.

 If you are outdoors and there is no shelter to hide, lie down in a low area with your hands over your
head and neck. Always watch out for flying debris.

 If you are inside a high-rise building, move to a room on the lowest floor.

After an Ipo-ipo

 Check yourself for injuries.

 Check for injured or trapped persons. Help if you can, but do not move them unless they are in
immediate danger of further injury.

 Wear protective gears when walking and working through the debris.

Coastal Processes

 Coastal processes are naturally-occurring processes that bring alterations to the coastal zones. They
are interactions of marine, physical, meteorological, geological, and biological events.

Tides

 Tides are temporary fluctuations in sea levels due to gravitational forces between the sun, the moon,
and the earth. They carry less energy to the coasts but occur more often than waves. High tides occur
when water levels are at their highest while low tides occur when water levels are at their lowest.

 Low-lying locations get submerged in seawater during high tide leading to submersion. Repeated
exposure of the coasts to submersion can loosen materials and cause erosion in the long run.
Sea Level Rise

 Faster sea level rise has been observed in the recent years. This is due to the warming of the sea and
melting of glaciers. The rise in sea level has become more permanent. This warming of the sea and
melting of glaciers are due to enhanced greenhouse effect brought about by carbon emissions from
various human activities. Islands and even some countries are in danger of being submerged
underwater if the sea levels continue to increase. Sea level changes threaten low-lying areas to
experience submersion permanently.

Storm Surge

 Storm surge occurs when the wind from tropical cyclones cause sea water levels to be unusually
higher than high tide levels. It can go as high as 20 feet or more above the normal sea level. It is more
likely to occur on coasts with gentle slopes than those with steep slopes.

 Some locations experience submersion during storm surge, which is not experienced during high
tides. Erosion is also more likely to happen because of the additional actions of waves during storm
surge. Inland groundwater sources experience saltwater intrusion. This happens when the seawater
reaches the coastal areas and gets into groundwater and other freshwater resources.

Crustal Movement

 Continents and landmasses have been formed and continuously shaped by the movement of tectonic
plates. These plates move because of the accumulated stress within the Earth's crust releasing
energy and forming different landmasses. Coastal areas can be changed by the movement of these
plates.

 Crustal movements can cause erosion, submersion, and saltwater intrusion along coasts. Its major
effect is erosion followed by submersion as a subsequent effect. It can also cause low-lying areas and
islands adjacent to oceans or seas to sink. Saltwater may also enter freshwater basins if crustal
movements would cause cracks in the coastlines.

Coastal Erosion

 Coastal erosion is the wearing away of the land by the sea and is done by destructive waves.

 Five common processes that cause coastal erosion:

a. Corrasion is when waves pick up beach materials and hurl them at the base of a cliff.

b. Abrasion happens when breaking waves containing sediment fragments erode the shoreline,
particularly headland. It is also referred to as the sand paper effect.

c. Hydraulic action. The effect of waves as they hit cliff faces, the air is compressed into cracks and
is released as waves rushes back seaward. The compressing and releasing of air as waves
presses cliff faces and rushes back to sea will cause cliff material to break away.

d. Attrition is the process when waves bump rocks and pebbles against each other leading to the
eventual breaking of the materials.

e. Corrosion/solution involves dissolution by weak acids such as when the carbon dioxide in the
atmosphere is dissolved into water turning it into a weak carbonic acid. Several rocks (e.g.
limestone) are vulnerable to this acidic water and will dissolve into it. The rate of dissolution is
affected by the concentration of carbonates & other minerals in the water. As it increases,
dissolution becomes slower.
Sediment Movement Along Coasts

 As wave crashes on the shore, the water pushes sediment up the beach and then pulls it back down
the beach as the water slides back down. If the waves do not come in parallel to the beach, longshore
transport (littoral drift) of sand occurs.

 When waves approach the beach at an angle, the part of the wave that reaches shallow water earliest
slows down the most, allowing the part of the wave that is farther offshore to catch up. In this way the
wave is refracted (bent) so that it crashes on the shore more nearly parallel to the shore.

 You will never see a wave wash up on a beach at a very high angle from the line of the beach except
perhaps at an inlet or where the shore makes a sudden right angle bend.

Coastal Deposition

 When waves lose their capacity to carry or transport sediments because of a reduction in energy, they
can and will "drop" or deposit its sediment load. Waves that do not have the capacity to transport
sediments and which results to sediment deposition and accumulation are called constructive waves.
Constructive waves have low energy and have a stronger swash (a wave that approaches the coast)
than backwash (a wave that recedes from the coast). They are responsible for material depositions.

 Destructive waves have a higher height and energy. They are significant forces of change in the
coasts. In destructive waves, the backwash is much stronger than the swash. Because of this, the
coast has a higher tendency of erosion. Strong destructive waves can carry a great load of sediments
that could significantly alter the coastal landscape.

 Deposition happens when the swash (or the waves that rushes inland) is stronger than the backwash
(waves rushing back to sea). Deposition can occur as waves enter areas of shallow water, sheltered
areas like coves or bay, little or no wind, and there is a sufficient supply of sediments.

Activities That Cause Changes in Coastal Features

 Human activities such as land development, waste disposal, and construction cause different changes
in coastal features. It is vital that impacts of these activities be prevented or mitigated to help the
coasts in withstanding coastal processes.

Coastal Land Development

 Coastal land development is due to the demand in space, structures, and facilities that are used for
various human needs. It aggravates the effects of coastal processes. It increases the incidents of sand
mining and sediment run-off that contribute to coastal erosion. In addition, the increase in
establishments leads to higher demand for freshwater which then contribute to saltwater intrusion.

 Several ways must be employed to control the impact of land development on coasts. In the
Philippines, PD 1586 has established the implementation of Philippine Environmental Impact
Assessment (EIA). EIA allows the determination of the possible environmental consequences of
implementing a project, and it also plans possible preventive and enhancing methods for mitigation of
the determined risks. EIA points out the dangers before, during, and after development. Meanwhile,
environmental risk assessments (ERAs) are done in an ongoing project and help identify and evaluate
the effects on the ecosystem of any hazards caused by land development. Developments must also
have blueprints that ensure that coasts are preserved, infrastructures are used efficiently, and the
development itself has a beneficial use for the community. Lastly, controlling activities of development
must be employed to ensure the protection of coasts from strain.
Waste Disposal

 The increase in development and population may lead to increased amounts of waste disposed of in a
coastal area. The wastes are sometimes disposed of in landfills built near the coasts. The construction
of these landfills not only causes land and water pollution to the coastal area but also amplifies the
effects of coastal erosion and results in saltwater intrusion.

 Effective solid waste management planning and implementation must be carried out by the residents
and users of coastal areas. Managing solid wastes at the community level prevents coastal
deterioration. Industrial wastes must also be properly managed and not released in coastal areas.

Construction

 Constructions on coasts are consequences of the increasing land development in the area. If done
haphazardly, these constructed infrastructures can cause more harm to the coast.

 It is crucial that these structures are built at a safe distance from the coasts. This ensures both the
structures’ and coasts’ safety. Structures must also have strong foundations to withstand the coastal
harshness so that they will not deteriorate. It is also suggested that the buildings be elevated so as not
to impact directly the coastal soil and for their protection against coastal processes. If possible,
reinforcing building envelopes should be considered to protect the infrastructure and land from coastal
threats. Building envelopes are structures that separate interior from exterior, like walls, doors, roofs.

Learning Tasks

A. Slogan Making

The Philippines has been recently hit by Super Typhoons Rolly and Ulysses. Many Filipinos have
experienced the adverse effects brought about by these typhoons. In this activity, you will be creating
a SLOGAN with the theme: “How to Prevent the Devastating Effects of Typhoons in my
Community”.

Criteria: Originality (40%), Creativity (30%), Relevance to the theme (20%), Timeliness (10%)

B. Multiple Choice Quiz

Answer the following 5-item quiz. Your score after taking the quiz will be recorded. Good luck!

1. On the average, how many typhoons does the Philippines experience every year?
A. 20 B. 30 C. 40 D. 50

2. Which of the following is NOT considered as a negative effect of typhoon?

A. strong wind C. death and injuries
B. storm surge D. increased water supply

3. Refer to the picture of risk to typhoons map in the discussion. Which of the provinces has medium
risk to typhoons?
A. Bohol B. Batanes C. Mindoro D. Bukidnon

4. Which of the following places is the best place to hide when there is tornado?
A. under a tree
B. open ground
C. basement of a house
D. highest floor of a building
 5. Which of the following BEST mitigates the effects of coastal land development?
A. Prevent development of coastal areas.
B. Encourage developers for the coastal land.
C. Control the activities that can be done in the area.
D. Abandon an on-going development on the coastal area.

References

Dela Cruz, A.C., Remotigue, C.T., Dizon Jr., E.A., Dizon, Z.S., Listanco, E.L., Tabugo, S.R.M., Diaz,
M.G.Q., Estacion, J.S., Crisologo, D.T., Guce, J.R.M. (2016). Teaching Guide for Senior High
School. Earth and Life Science—Core Subject. Commission on Higher Education.

Lagmay, AMF. (2012). Disseminating near real-time hazards information and flood maps in the
Philippines through Web-GIS. DOST-Project NOAH Open-File Reports, Vol. 1 (2013), pp. 28-36.
ISSN 2362 7409.

UNDRR (2019). Disaster Risk Reduction in the Philippines: Status Report 2019. Bangkok, Thailand,
United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), Regional Office for Asia and the
Pacific.

Prepared and submitted by:

Leslee Anne G. Cortez

Teacher, DIHS