Extreme waves generated by cyclones in Guadeloupe

Abstract

Cyclones produce some harm by terrific wind speed, abnormal precipitations, and sea motion. Historically, storm surge inundation has been the most destructive and murderous. The extreme waves caused by cyclones on the coast of Guadeloupe for a whole historic period are discussed. The first documented sea damage during hurricane passage in Guadeloupe occurred in 1642. Data of extreme waves induced by hurricanes from 1928 to 2007 in Guadeloupe are collected and discussed. The heights of extreme waves for Caribbean and Atlantic coasts are compared; the most dangerous regions are also evaluated. © 2008 Springer Netherlands.