Nature's Defense against Hurricanes

Author: Kiara Alvarez

Field of Study: Science, Technology, Engineering, and/or Math

Program Affiliation: Source Project Research Program

Faculty Mentors: Robert Holahan

Easel: 73

Timeslot: Morning

Abstract: Before urban industrialism led to the widespread drainage and destruction of wetlands, many early cultures recognized their value in sustaining ecological balance rather than viewing them as “wastelands.” Wetlands provide natural flood control, absorb storm surges, and support biodiversity. Florida, the state with the most wetlands in the contiguous United States, contains approximately 11 million acres, with the Everglades—the largest tropical wetland in North America—located in the central region of the state. These wetlands play a crucial role in mitigating the impact of hurricanes and tropical storms by absorbing excess water and reducing flooding. This project examines how the presence of wetlands within a state contributes to controlling natural disasters. The focus of this research is on Florida as it is the most affected state during hurricane season due to its unique geography, which exposes both its Atlantic and Gulf coasts to powerful storms.