Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
Box 4.1
The zoning of cyclone damage
The zonation concept was described in detail by
Stoddart (1971) in his study of the impact of Hurricane
Hattie on the vegetation and geomorphology of the
offshore reef islands (cays) of Belize in October 1961
(Figure 4.6A). Much of Zone A, especially to the north
of the eye and including the capital, Belize City, was
affected by a high storm surge. In the high, volcanic
island of Dominica following Hurricane David in
August 1979, landslide activity and damage to the rain
forest vegetation, plantations and property were
likewise zoned, but with modifications due to
topography (Figure 4.6B) (Walsh 1982; 1996b).
Damage was less to the lee (west) of mountain ridges
but increased where east-west-oriented valleys
funnelled the easterly winds. Both Hattie and David
were very severe (Class 5) hurricanes; in less severe
cyclones, the zones of catastrophic and major
damage may be absent. Also, different paths of a
Figure 4.6
Zonation of cyclone damage resulting from Hurricane hattie in Belize in 1961 (Stoddart 1971) and
Hurricanes David and Frederic in Dominica in 1979.
Source:
After Stoddart 1971; Walsh 1982; 1996b.
